Canadianbrewer2012

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Hey my father-in-law gave me his old brewing kit which included a c02 tank that expired in 1999 ... Soo the thing likely has not been filled in about 15 or more years ... Is there any reason I can't or shouldn't use this tank for my brew? It still has like 120 psi and is in good condition...

mrk00k

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I want an answet to this as well. In the same situation.

onthekeg

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There is nothing wrong with the tank. If it has only 120 psi it is about empty.

emetcalf

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Depending on where you go to get it filled, they might make you get it hydro tested before they will fill it. I think most brew shops just swap them for new ones, so it might not be an issue but some places that actually re-fill them will check the last test date.

And ya, 120 psi is almost empty. The gauge should read 500-800(depending on how cold the tank is) until shortly before you are out of CO2.

outside92129

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Many welding shops will take it as a swap, no questions asked or anything more than a cursory examination for holes. They'll do the hydro themselves before turning it around to the next guy that comes in.

badbrew

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I would not use it personally. I had a pretty much exact same situation and force carbed with it. The beer had a bad off taste. I am guessing oxidation was part of the problem. I had gotten the keg from a friend and filled it at a welding shop originally. Then it sat for like 15 or more years. I'm just paranoid that there may have been more than just co2 in there. Swap it. Airgas quoted $31 to me for my 10# recently that needs a hydro.

Cambone

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At 120psi, that tank is virtually empty. CO2 tanks should and will read 600-800psi almost right to the end, and then they will drop off sharply. I would try to swap it for a full one. If not, a new tank is in order. Or pay for the expensive testing.

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onthekeg

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Co2 doesn't go bad ever. I am positive you didn't oxidize your beer with old Co2, there must be another reason. Welding shop Co2 is the same as beverage Co2.

ThreeDogsNE

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I was quoted $25 for hydrostatic testing at my local welding supply shop when I filled my tank two weeks ago. (It has a year left). The salesman was encouraging me to just swap my short date shiny aluminum tank for one of their not-so-pretty steel ones. That price was supposed to be my incentive. I plan to pay the $25, just for the bling factor in my family room.