New CO2 Tank - How to Fill?

I know that CO2 tanks need to be hydro tested every 5 years, but I ordered a kit that included a brand new tank (this one http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005K0FAF0/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20), and sort of assumed it would be easy to get filled. In looking over the tank, however, I don't see anything that looks like a hydro test, so I guess they don't test them before shipping..

How can I get it filled? I know nobody will fill it without first checking the test date, but I have read that most exchange places won't even check the date, they'll just give you a new one. What should I do? I'm not sure where to get it tested or how much it would cost, nor am I sure where I could get it filled around here (just found lots of exchange places, all at 20 bucks). Should I just go for it with one of them? Hope they don't notice? Get it tested and filled??

Thanks

It says "new" tank. I'm sure the cert is current. It would be numbers stamped around the top of the tank. I lease a tank though the local welding supply house and just swap there. You might try calling a fire extinguisher service center near you for a fill of your shiny new tank.

Carolina Carbonic & Hydro does refills. $25 regardless of size for the first, and $21 for the next however many. So 3 tanks, a 5, 10, and 20 (for example) would cost $25+21+21.

Remember you need to find a refill station, not an exchange, or else you can say goodbye to your new tank.

jeepinjeepin said:

It says "new" tank. I'm sure the cert is current.

Click to expand...

I thought the same thing, but I don't see anything that resembles a date! There are lots of numbers and letters stamped around the top. One says "DOT-3AL1800", one says "FE0148809", then one says "M4002", one says "10 C 12 B5.2 U18 17.53LB TC-3ALM124 13.42KG CATALINA".
Which could be the certification?

theveganbrewer said:

Carolina Carbonic & Hydro does refills. $25 regardless of size for the first, and $21 for the next however many. So 3 tanks, a 5, 10, and 20 (for example) would cost $25+21+21.

Remember you need to find a refill station, not an exchange, or else you can say goodbye to your new tank.

Click to expand...

I don't really care too much about losing the tank. It'd be nice to keep, but not if it's going to cost more for the refill than a swap, plus I've heard refills can take days to get back. Thanks for the tip though!

Derick_Z said:

I thought the same thing, but I don't see anything that resembles a date! There are lots of numbers and letters stamped around the top. One says "DOT-3AL1800", one says "FE0148809", then one says "M4002", one says "10 C 12 B5.2 U18 17.53LB TC-3ALM124 13.42KG CATALINA".
Which could be the certification?



I don't really care too much about losing the tank. It'd be nice to keep, but not if it's going to cost more for the refill than a swap, plus I've heard refills can take days to get back. Thanks for the tip though!

Click to expand...

I would say it was tested in october from that.

Derick_Z said:

I thought the same thing, but I don't see anything that resembles a date! There are lots of numbers and letters stamped around the top. One says "DOT-3AL1800", one says "FE0148809", then one says "M4002", one says "10 C 12 B5.2 U18 17.53LB TC-3ALM124 13.42KG CATALINA".
Which could be the certification?

I don't really care too much about losing the tank. It'd be nice to keep, but not if it's going to cost more for the refill than a swap, plus I've heard refills can take days to get back. Thanks for the tip though!

Click to expand...

DOT-3AL1800 designates 1800psi aluminum tank. 10C12 could be original inspection of Oct 2012

Now that I look closer, the C looks more like a C with a smaller L in it. What's that for? I had read that the cert would be MM YY, like 10 12 or something. I guess I was thrown off because I didn't expect the letters between them!

Thanks so much!

EDIT: Also, I just found a place (AirGas National Welders) that'll exchange for $16, which is cheaper than every other place I've called. So unless I can find a fill for less than that, I'll probably be heading there!

I think that is the mark of the company

I use Airgas over in Winston. The location I use usually keeps pretty decent looking 5lb aluminum CO2 cylinders. Bigger than that and you get steel.

Just went and got it filled! They only had steel tanks left, so I just took that. The cert dates on the tank I got were 1983, and then nothing until 11/12!

Thanks for all the help, guys!