New to Kegging, Need some real world experience

[mpremise]

Hi Folks,

Finally have all the parts necessary to start kegging and have a few questions to ask before I take the initial plunge.

Basic rundown:

I found an old Spartansburg keg and a 15# or 20# co2 tank in the basement at work that was destined for the dumpster. I have already cleaned the keg, and will be converting the posts to ball lock connections and have a new o-ring for the lid. I purchased a new regulator, lines, and a keezer kit for the liquid side of the keg.

I plan on pressure testing the keg after rebuilding the keg with the new posts and lid o-ring.

My main question is whether or not I should scrap whats left in my co2 tank. Its decades old. To put things in perspective, the last certification was in '94 or '97. One way or another I plan to use what's in the tank for pressure testing, but I am concerned that the age of the gas my affect my final product. I'm guessing that the safest bet will be to exchange the tank, and I am hoping to even get a smaller tank at the same time. What do you guys think? Best to get a new/exchanged tank before carbing my first kegged batch?

 

[ScrewyBrewer]

Co2 cylinders need to be re-certified every 5 years, that usually can cost as much a purchasing a new cylinder. You may want to consider using a newer 5 or 10 pound Co2 cylinder.

 

[Terek]

i really dont see a problem. co2 doesnt "go bad" and most tanks you will get in an exchange are going to be pretty old anyway. Never buy a new tank, unless yu have a way to re fill it yourself. Otherwise you will get an old one the first time you exchange

 

[mpremise]

I may have found a place locally that will just swap out the tank as-is, and if they would I think that would be my best approach. Re-certified and filled.

I've read that there is no such thing as CO2 going bad, simply put without a LOT of persuasion it's pretty hard to change the makeup of what's inside the tank. Being that the tank is this old and still holding it's pressure, I doubt that anything is wrong with the remaining gas but something about two decade old gas worries me a touch.

I'm thinking that I go through with my pressure testing with the old cylinder and then trying to exchange the tank for a new, re-certified tank.

 

[mongoose33]

Co2 cylinders need to be re-certified every 5 years, that usually can cost as much a purchasing a new cylinder. You may want to consider using a newer 5 or 10 pound Co2 cylinder.

Probably depends on where you do it. I had a 10-pound aluminum tank given to me, which was out of certification. Recertification AND a fill cost $41.

Now certified for 5 years. I have a couple local places to fill 'em.