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M

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#2 ·
i'm not local but you could try searching for gas supply, welding shops, beer/bar supply places. if you go to a beer/bar supply place, make sure it is 100% pure CO2 and not some mix that is used for beer.

a quick look on google maps should come up with some options, hopefully :)

welding/gas shops tend to do straight tank swaps.. but some will fill on the spot. good luck!
 
C

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Discussion Starter · #3 ·
moogoo said:
i'm not local but you could try searching for gas supply, welding shops, beer/bar supply places. if you go to a beer/bar supply place, make sure it is 100% pure CO2 and not some mix that is used for beer.

a quick look on google maps should come up with some options, hopefully :)

welding/gas shops tend to do straight tank swaps.. but some will fill on the spot. good luck!
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Thanks for the input but it isn't that simple down here as there really isn't much options.
 
rickylbc

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#4 ·
Chungbohts said:
Finally decided to switch to pressurized co2 instead of diy. However, I'm not quite sure where to go to purchase tanks or refills. Anyone local who can help me answer these questions?
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You can go to Airgas on Dillingham in Kalihi, 20lb tank with C02 will cost you around $330.00, they don't do refill in Kalihi, exchange only, but you can go to the one in Kapolei for refill.

If you want to do a refill only, go to Oahu Fire Protection in Pearl City, it's cheaper, makes sure your tank's hydrostatic test is up to date on
 
C

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Discussion Starter · #6 ·
rickylbc said:
You can go to Airgas on Dillingham in Kalihi, 20lb tank with C02 will cost you around $330.00, they don't do refill in Kalihi, exchange only, but you can go to the one in Kapolei for refill.

If you want to do a refill only, go to Oahu Fire Protection in Pearl City, it's cheaper, makes sure your tank's hydrostatic test is up to date on
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Where do you go to test that on your co2 tank?
 
C

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Discussion Starter · #7 ·
rickylbc said:
You can go to Airgas on Dillingham in Kalihi, 20lb tank with C02 will cost you around $330.00, they don't do refill in Kalihi, exchange only, but you can go to the one in Kapolei for refill.

If you want to do a refill only, go to Oahu Fire Protection in Pearl City, it's cheaper, makes sure your tank's hydrostatic test is up to date on
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HC Aqua said:
I go to FFF. Deposit was around $75, and I think refills were $30-$40. The deposit is for the tank and you get it back when you return it, which will be never, as long as you're still in the hobby.
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Also forgot to ask, what regulators do you guys use? been looking around wanted to know what others here were using.
 
E

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#8 ·
I saw pet shop in California that use small coke bottles with small piece of Styrofoam inside. They trap bottle upside down between aquarium glass top. Then you just make a j hook from glass tube and attach to co2 tank. Every week or so they fill the bottles up w/co2. The Styrofoam makes it easy to see the gas level; no need for bubble counter or co2 diffuser. co2 just is absorbed by water gas interface. SIMPLE
 
E

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#10 ·
I usually go to "Oahu Fire Protection" in Pearl City # 808-455-1295 for my refills and testing. Refill is ~$30 and testing I forget. I just went an bought a new CO2 tank from airgas, but hate refilling my tank there because you have to leave it there for a week, where Oahu fire protection refills the tank in less than 10 minutes. I would call ahead to make sure they have CO2 in stock to refill or its a waste of time and gas to drive there. Hope that helps!
 
C

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Discussion Starter · #11 ·
Erirku said:
I usually go to "Oahu Fire Protection" in Pearl City # 808-455-1295 for my refills and testing. Refill is ~$30 and testing I forget. I just went an bought a new CO2 tank from airgas, but hate refilling my tank there because you have to leave it there for a week, where Oahu fire protection refills the tank in less than 10 minutes. I would call ahead to make sure they have CO2 in stock to refill or its a waste of time and gas to drive there. Hope that helps![/QSo Airgas is where you buy tanks from? I thought they were the ones who like make you rent it or something or have to put a down payment like that? Also what is a good regulator to buy. I have read so much mixed reviews everywhere and I wanted to know what other locals were using down here but the Hawaii forum isnt that active and I dont have a facebook to join the groups there. I tried making one but I guess cuz its a new account with no posts they just deny make request to join.
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E

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#12 ·
Hmm. I had my regulator for over 2 decades. My best bet would be to go see Jojo at aquascapes to see what he can recommend for you as a regulator. As for co2 tanks airgas sells them last time I bought from them which was over a decade ago. LMK if you need help.
 
milesm

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#13 ·
buy an aluminum tank online. pressure test is $29 at Oahu Fire Protection and it takes a couple of days to complete. $30/5lbs co2. as another said, call ahead to make sure tech is available to fill your tank.

i haven't heard of anyone in Hawaii getting co2 from welding shops or soda companies. a home brew store does refills, but only for 20lb tanks.
 
bikercarl

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#14 ·
Aloha! I second leasing the 20# tank from Triple F in Pearl City. Once you're set up, pay the deposit and get your tank, you're good to go. Here's the importat reason why; when you are depleted, you just bring in the empty tank and pay for a new tank (less the deposit) and will NEVER have to pay for or wait for the hydro testing!!!

With regards to the regulator, check on the For Sale section of this forum. Although not cheap, I've picked up a couple really great systems. Learned the hard way that you want to make sure that your regulator doesn't purge out the CO2 when the tank is low. Look for a DUAL STAGE regulator to avoid this problem. You'll pay more, of course, but if you're planning on having live critters in your pressurized CO2 tank, you'll appreciate it!

Best of luck with your search nd your endeavors!!!

BIkerCarl

Bump: Aloha! I second leasing the 20# tank from Triple F in Pearl City. Once you're set up, pay the deposit and get your tank, you're good to go. Here's the importat reason why; when you are depleted, you just bring in the empty tank and pay for a new tank (less the deposit) and will NEVER have to pay for or wait for the hydro testing!!!

With regards to the regulator, check on the For Sale section of this forum. Although not cheap, I've picked up a couple really great systems. Learned the hard way that you want to make sure that your regulator doesn't purge out the CO2 when the tank is low. Look for a DUAL STAGE regulator to avoid this problem. You'll pay more, of course, but if you're planning on having live critters in your pressurized CO2 tank, you'll appreciate it!

Best of luck with your search nd your endeavors!!!

BIkerCarl
 
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