How long does a 5lb CO2 tank last?

**kegtoe** · 10-31-2009, 03:26 AM

So i just started kegging a couple of weeks ago. I originaly had a single regulator with both the low pressure guage for the corny and a high pressure guage for the CO2 tank. I recently bought a 2nd regulator so i could carb one keg while tapping the other. When i installed the 2nd regulator i checked the set up with star san in a spray bottle and everything checked out ok. However, i am already out of CO2.

I carbed my first keg at 30 psi for 3 days and dispensed at 9 to 10 PSI. I started carbing my second keg and only got to 2 days at 30 psi and ran out.

Does all this seem fair for a 5lb cylinder? How many days or kegs do you guys get with yours?

Thanks for the help!!

**samc** · 10-31-2009, 03:45 AM

Sounds like you have a leak. You should be able to carb up more than 2 kegs. Are you sure you started with a full tank? Also 2 days with a cold keg @ 30 psi should be sufficient to carb most beers.

enderwig · 10-31-2009, 03:55 AM

If your tank was full, you have a leak. I can carb and serve 6 - 8 kegs per 5# tank

shortyjacobs · 10-31-2009, 06:34 AM

Definite leak. Chalk me up for 7 kegs on my first tank, force carbed and served.

winstonofbeer · 10-31-2009, 03:19 PM

Rig up some soapy water and look for leaks.
Had 8 force carb and serving before i ran out.

**kornkob** · 10-31-2009, 03:27 PM

Homebrewtalk Wiki should have a Forum FAQ section and this question should be on it.

**Whutever** · 10-31-2009, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winstonofbeer

Rig up some soapy water and look for leaks.

+1. Check again with soapy water in a spray bottle.

shimbii · 10-31-2009, 04:25 PM

Leaks can be frustrating to find sometimes. Just for reference, I usually get 5 kegs per tank in which I use the CO2 for force carbing, serving, cleaning/sanitizing lines in between kegs.

BuzzCraft · 10-31-2009, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enderwig

If your tank was full, you have a leak. I can carb and serve 6 - 8 kegs per 5# tank

ditto.....

**kegtoe** · 10-31-2009, 07:15 PM

Thanks everyone. I am not sure about the tank beeing full when i first got it. The first day i got it i hooked it up to the regulator and the needle was barely above the red on the highpressure dial. I didn't think much of it becuase it was my first keg. I'll check again for leaks.