Took my #5 bottle over two weeks ago knowing they wanted $18 for a swap. I asked about upgrading to a #10. $20 and $20 for the fill. Twice the CO2 for 10% more money! The upgrade on the bottle will pay for itself in one round.
So the LHBS charging $24.75 for a 5# refill is a bit high? Price as of Jan 6, 2012.
And is the date stamped on the bottle the expiration date or the date it was certified?
(just got a kegging kit for Xmas, new to it)
Sparkling Carbonics in Cincinnati just refilled my 20# CO2 tank for $14 + tax. I believe it costs about $7 for a 5# tank.