Kegging: Shelf life of CO2 in the tank?

[ASantiago]

How long is CO2 in a 5 lb tank good for?

I have a CO2 tank that I've had since the mid 90s (94-95). I haven't used it since then. It still has 800+ psi inside and other than some dust on the exterior of the tank and regulator, it seems to be OK.

I'm getting back into kegging and would like to use the CO2 in the tank. Is it still good? Does CO2 go bad after some time? If so, what happens to it? Should I purge and refill the tank?

 

[david_42]

CO2 is very stable. You are far more likely to have a problem with the regulator.

 

[IffyG]

The CO2 is most likely fine, the tank on the other hand will need to be tested before someone will refill it.

 

[sapperxl]

I had a big argon tank tested recently, (~5 ft tall), $12. He would have exchanged it too for a new tank if I paid the test, just didn't have any in stock.