When to exchange c02?

I searched an came up empty, so here is my probably dumb question.

I have about 1/2 lb of C02 left in the tank. I am still new to this and don't have a good grasp yet of how much gas it takes to force carb as I normally naturally carbonate. If i want to attempt to force carb this weekend, should I go ahead and replace the tank today or is this enough to carb/dispense one more keg?

I refill my tank when it's empty. It's not a big deal for me, the paintball store is about 3 minutes away.

Really, how much trouble is it to get filled? If you need to make a long trip, might be best to get it over with.

If you have a 5lb tank, 1/2lb will be 10% left.

I'm with Kirk if this is your first time. Might as well run it till it's empty. After that you should have an idea of what you get. For example I know I get 4-5 kegs carbed and served from a tank. So after the 4th, I take it to get filled. It's a 3 minute drive from my house, but it has to be done early Saturday. The open after I leave for work and close before I get home. Then are only open until noon on saturdays.

It's a pain for me to get a refill since the store is only open during my normal working hours, but I took today off and can get it done. If i don't fill it today and run it, it will be a few weeks before I can get it done.

I've had a rough start to kegging with a faulty regulator, so I've wasted a ton of gas this tank. I have a new WYE"d Taprite arriving today though and hope to have better luck now.

Previously I would set my regulator at say 13'psi, and come back a few days later to find it anywhere for 7 psi to 19psi. Hopefully this works out better for me.

taprite's are solid.

1/2lb isn't enough to carb and serve.

you will pay same for a refill if its 1/2 full or empty. but running out of gas with fiends over and a full keg of beer would suck.

that's the other annoying thing.. I can't get a refill here only an exchange. The local paintball place won't do anything larger than a 2lb tank. I pay $18 for an exchange, so I guess thats reasonable.

The taprite just arrived, it looks very sold compared to my other regulator.

My non-elegant solution: buy a second 5 lb tank to keep in reserve. Found mine cheap (on sale) at kegconnection last year.

IrregularPulse said:

I'm with Kirk if this is your first time. Might as well run it till it's empty. After that you should have an idea of what you get. For example I know I get 4-5 kegs carbed and served from a tank. So after the 4th, I take it to get filled. It's a 3 minute drive from my house, but it has to be done early Saturday. The open after I leave for work and close before I get home. Then are only open until noon on saturdays.

Click to expand...

How small is your tank? 5 lbs tank should be 15-22 cornies.

http://www.micromatic.com/beer-questions/how-many-beer-kegs-dispensed-out-co2-tank-aid-89.html