Is this a leak?

Hi,

I have a noob question. This is my first time kegging. I am force carbing a double IPA following the instructions that came with my kegging set up from midwest. 30 psi for 24 hours, taste, 20 psi for 24 hours if under-carbed, etc. until ready, then serve at desired pressure.

I think I have a co2 leak because I started yesterday with 900 psi shown on the high pressure side of the regulator. Today I am down to 550 psi, almost in the red "order gas" zone. I've been using soapy water in a spray bottle to try to find a leak but no luck. I found one right away yesterday when
i forgot the nylon washer in the cylinder coupling nut, so I know what I am looking for. I also tried listening for a leak using my mechanics stethoscope on all the junctions and treads. No luck.

Do I have a leak or is this typical or a beer force carbing?
Thank you!

Is the CO2 tank in a fridge or freezer? Did it drop after putting it in said fridge or freezer? If so, this is normal. The pressure will read lower at a colder temperature.

Was the 900 psi when the co2 tank was warm and did you then put the co2 tank in the fridge?

Yeah, I guess that is it huh? 900 psi was warm, 550 psi is cold. Hmm... I think I remember reading about that.

So I can stop looking for the imaginary leak now?

Yep, my tank always reads right above the red zone when it's in the keezer. It will stay there for months. Once the pressure starts to drop, due to an almost empty tank, it will be obvious.

Thank you so much! I am relieved.

Wow, I just logged on here to see if I did something noob-ish myself. My getting teed off didn't help, It was a noob moment. Whew! Thanks for the info guys!

I asked the question about a month ago. it kinda sucks when you think you lostall your carb one one keg.

Oh no doubt I about had a fit thinking my tank was empty and living in a small town in the south I have to travel to another town and paid another un-Godly amount of money to fill a 5lb tank.

Note... High pressure gauge worthless inside a fridge / freezer...