Deal on CO2 tanks, what did I just buy?

[SaltPig]

So I thought I got a pretty good deal on a pair of 20lb CO2 tanks for $100. Now I am not so sure.

For starters they both have a label that says they can only be filled by a specific vendor, which is further away then I am willing to travel.

Also, one of them does no appear to be a CO2 tank. What the hell did I just buy and what do I do with them now. Returning them is not an option.

 

[Gravity]

I think it's a deal

If it's a welding CO2 tank, it can be filled anywhere, I doubt you have to take back to a particular vendor, they're meant to be universal.

Have both been filled with CO2 already? If they have the same valves, they can be used.

The other tank seems to have been used for welding also and at 74% N2 and 26% CO2 was probably a mixture of compressed gasses used to achieve a specific welding cut or property, what that is i couldn't tell you.

If the tanks have been checked and tested, I don't see why you would have a problem with either or as N2 is also used in food processing (nitro beer)

I had a similar problem not that long ago where I bought a repurposed O2 tank with different valves and has been a pain in the butt since.

 

[kh54s10]

Take them to a place other than the original. I use Airgas. They do not fill where I go. They exchange. They will probably exchange even if it is not the same gas. There may be a charge difference.

 

[dyqik]

N2/CO2 mixture is beer gas, isn't it? So you've got a beer gas tank and a CO2 tank. Perfect.

However, if the label says that they must be refilled somewhere, it's possible that they were rented cylinders, and not the property of the person who sold them to you. Compare with the discussions about brewery kegs.

Also critical is the hydro test date. If it's not in date, no one can fill it until you get it tested.

 

[Minky]

Also critical is the hydro test date. If it's not in date, no one can fill it until you get it tested.

One of the good reasons to simply exchange tanks rather than refilling.

 

[SaltPig]

Have both been filled with CO2 already?

Yes they both appear to be full.

There is an airgas near me, I wish I had just gone with them from the start.

Is there anyway to verify on contents of the tank? Is there any risk that some unscrupulous vendor filled them with something that I don't want to put in my beer?

 

[beernutz]

Yes they both appear to be full.

There is an airgas near me, I wish I had just gone with them from the start.

Is there anyway to verify on contents of the tank? Is there any risk that some unscrupulous vendor filled them with something that I don't want to put in my beer?

I think this theory needs to be explored!

 

[Bilsch]

I have had rented cylinders and ones purchased outright and they looked the same. I've taken ones in for refill at places that were not the original vendors and when I got them back the stickers had been changed with the new suppliers name. They might ask if you own them and you tell them you do. I guess you do, sort of.
It's also remotely possible your CO2 cylinder might have a heat gun accident and the label falls off. The mixed gas cylinder... well that same accident won't help you there.

 

[JayDog]

Just take it to any gas supplier, they'll exchange them.

 

[processhead]

Yes they both appear to be full.

There is an airgas near me, I wish I had just gone with them from the start.

Is there anyway to verify on contents of the tank? Is there any risk that some unscrupulous vendor filled them with something that I don't want to put in my beer?

I think this theory needs to be explored!

In theory, this could happen anywhere, either intentionally or accidentally.
In reality, the risk is pretty minimal. I would not sweat it.

 

[processhead]

Yes they both appear to be full.

There is an airgas near me, I wish I had just gone with them from the start.

Is there anyway to verify on contents of the tank? Is there any risk that some unscrupulous vendor filled them with something that I don't want to put in my beer?

A quick and dirty test to confirm whether a gas is CO2 involves limewater as a reagent. When CO2 is bubbled through limewater, it will cause it to become cloudy.

To make limewater take a teaspoon of calcium hydroxide and add it to a gallon of distilled water. Shake it up and let it stand overnight before using.

 

[Gravity]

Yes they both appear to be full.

There is an airgas near me, I wish I had just gone with them from the start.

Is there anyway to verify on contents of the tank? Is there any risk that some unscrupulous vendor filled them with something that I don't want to put in my beer?

If you're in doubt I would take them to airgas and ask about exchanging. You can tell them the back story if you want and tell them you are uncertain what's in one of the tanks and would rather that pros deal with it. There may be a small service fee, doubt it though.

I really doubt your tanks are filled with anything other than what's marked, mainly because it has seriously legal ramifications for the person that sold it to you.

As mentioned in some of the posts, make sure they are checked and tested, this can also be done at airgas

Good luck

 

[Gonefishing]

I don't know if it's all places, but when I got my CO2 tank it was dirty, out of date and all that, and my vendor just exchanged it no questions asked. I really lucked out getting the tank though...was dumping scrap metal, saw this thing, asked if it had been CO2, they didn't know, but offered the thing for free if I wanted it. I grabbed it!

 

[BeardedBrews]

Those steel tanks have more value to Airgas than the traditional 20lb aluminum CO2 only tanks, even if they're old or from someone else. If a straight-across trade feels fair to you then go for it, but don't let them up-charge you.

If you plan to do N2, or a combination (beer-gas), for a stout faucet some day you should save one.

 

[william_shakes_beer]

When I went to get my first 10# tank I gave airgas a $50 "deposit" The tank looked exactly like the one in your picture. The clerk told me there were tanks in his system that had been manufactured in the 50's. They just pressure test them every 10 years, redo the cert and send them back out. If someone "sold" you the tank for $50, essentially you just returned their deposit. I bet if you return an empty tank and ask for your deposit back they'll give it to you too.

 

[brandonlovesbeer]

I bought a 20lb CO2 tank on Craigslist that was 2 years out of date.
I took it to my local CO2 refill place and exchanged out the tank with a brand spankin' new full CO2 tank. No questions asked. Actually they specifically said they exchange out old and recertify them while giving a new one. I paid $40 on craigstlist for the used tank. And $20 for the tank exchange with a full tank.

Try this before you fret any further.