Hi all. I was thinking about kegging and I was wondering how long a bottle of co2 lasts. I drink about 2-3beers a day. I know diff carb levels and everybodys answers will be different, but I am just looking far an average. Thanks and cheers!!
How long does a 5lb co2bottle last?
- Thread starter sar_dog_1
- Start date
Help Support Homebrew Talk - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Forum:
It lasts me about 5-6 kegs.
I assume that is with forced carbonation, yes?
Yes. I don't use priming sugar in my kegs.
MrFoodScientist
Well-Known Member
For carbing sodas, I think I've squeezed about 7 out of a 5lb tank before, but I generally consider 5-6 kegs to be the average. Keep in mind these are carbed with more co2 than your average beer.
Depending on the time of year, and what gatherings I'm bringing soda to, that's 4-6 months for me.
Depending on the time of year, and what gatherings I'm bringing soda to, that's 4-6 months for me.
northcal
Well-Known Member
Don't waste your 5# CO2 on force carbing kegs if you can help it since it's more $ than 20# CO2.
I carb my kegs with the 20# and run them off the 5#, the little CO2 tank lasts lots longer.
I carb my kegs with the 20# and run them off the 5#, the little CO2 tank lasts lots longer.
You need to have a routine that you use every time you keg if you want the co2 to last. Leeks are a problem and can cause you to use up your co2 very fast, this is what I do.
1. hook up regulator and all lines WITHOUT hooking up to keg.
2. Fill 5-6 gallon bottling bucket with water.
3. Dunk co2 bottle and connections in the pail of water.
4. While the bottle and hoses are under water look for bubbles.
5. If I see any bubbles tighten or fix the problem.
At this point I know that I am gas leek free at the gas end, the next step is to attach the whole thing to my keg and look for leeks.
1. Attach the whole mess to my keg or kegs.
2. Gas up the system to about 20 lbs.
3. Check for gas leeks on the lid and connections to the gas in and beer out posts.
4. Use starsan or soapy water to check for leeks.
5. After fixing any problem drop the pressure to whatever pressure I like.
6. Check for leeks once more.
I had to come up with this routine after a long time of burning through gas in a week or two and it seems to have of cured the gas leeking problem I had. I only do this routine when ever I change bottles.
1. hook up regulator and all lines WITHOUT hooking up to keg.
2. Fill 5-6 gallon bottling bucket with water.
3. Dunk co2 bottle and connections in the pail of water.
4. While the bottle and hoses are under water look for bubbles.
5. If I see any bubbles tighten or fix the problem.
At this point I know that I am gas leek free at the gas end, the next step is to attach the whole thing to my keg and look for leeks.
1. Attach the whole mess to my keg or kegs.
2. Gas up the system to about 20 lbs.
3. Check for gas leeks on the lid and connections to the gas in and beer out posts.
4. Use starsan or soapy water to check for leeks.
5. After fixing any problem drop the pressure to whatever pressure I like.
6. Check for leeks once more.
I had to come up with this routine after a long time of burning through gas in a week or two and it seems to have of cured the gas leeking problem I had. I only do this routine when ever I change bottles.
Personally I would go with a 20#, the cost isn't that different and the fills are even closer in price. That being said, I always have a beer and a hard rootbeer on tap and my 5# tank has gone about a year, which equates to roughly 10-12 kegs I think and I do use it to force carb as well.
I'm in the process of upgrading my keezer now and have gotten a 20# to handle more kegs.
I'm in the process of upgrading my keezer now and have gotten a 20# to handle more kegs.
