What size CO2 tank?

[HoshBrew]

What size tank should I be looking for? I'm going to have 1 maybe 2 5 gallon soda kegs going.

Thanks

 

[ryanmcl]

5lb is the most common. I got mine at kegconnection.com

 

[Copperpots_Brewing]

You'll be fine with a 5lb tank. It should last you 20-30 kegs. I had one running to 5 gal kegs for some time, then I got lucky and found a 20lb tank at an auction for $75. That thing should last a long a$s time! The cost of filling a 5lb is about $17 from my local place, and the 20lb is about $24. Not sure why so much cheaper, but it's paying for itself!

 

[Seven]

The bigger tanks will last longer between fills. If filling tanks is easy in your area, not so much of a concern. If it's a bit of a hassle getting refills (like it is where I live) then getting a bigger tank will make it easier since you don't need to get it refilled as often.

The smaller tank may be a better choice if you plan to place the tank inside the keezer.

 

[Clt2DC]

Thanks, as I went in to ask this same question it was already there. perfect timing.

 

[audger]

on average, you can dispense between 30 and 50 gallons (6-10 5-gallon kegs,depending on the serving pressure) per pound of CO2.

this does not include carbonating. if you are trying to carbonate 5 gallons to 2.5 volumes, you will be using 12.5 gallons-worth of CO2. so that means you can force carbonate 3 to 5 five-gallon kegs per pound of CO2 (not including gas used to serve the beer).

you can determine how long a given tank size would last based on those numbers.

 

[BrewThruYou]

If going inside your kegerator/keezer, probably 5lb.

If outside, as big as possible. My place charges $20 for refill a 5# tank and $28 for a 20# tank.

 

[gnef]

I base it off of how easily you want to transport it and aesthetics. If you want to be able to move it around very easily, and tuck it away, get a smaller tank. 5 pound tanks are very common for this purpose. I actually had a 2.5 pound tank for a while before trading it with another homebrewer.

I personally use 20# tanks for most tasks, and have two 50# tanks for serving at the walk-in cooler. I find the cost of filling the 20# tanks to be a worthwhile compromise for their larger size, and as long as you don't have any leaks, it should last 4x longer than your 5# tank.

Now, with that said, if you have the money, and it comes down to one 20# tank, or two 5# tanks, I would actually recommend two 5# tanks, so that you have a spare that is full at all times. I actually have around five 20# tanks and two 50# tanks, so I don't ever expect to run out of CO2 since I always have one 50# tank filled and at least 1 spare 20# tank completely full while using the others.

I am a big proponent of spares - if you stay around here long enough, you will see threads about people running out of CO2 on usually a Friday, with a party over the weekend, and can't find a place to refill the tank. It always seems to be one of those things that runs out exactly when you need it the most.