When do you change the co2 - when the gauge is in red?

[htims05]

Still on my first co2 tank...but when am I supposed to change the tank based off the gauge? When it hits the red zone or 0psi?

Seems like a dumb question but the red zone in the gauge says to change it then.

 

[6Tap]

Still on my first co2 tank...but when am I supposed to change the tank based off the gauge? When it hits the red zone or 0psi?

Seems like a dumb question but the red zone in the gauge says to change it then.

View attachment 665829

I recommend having two co2 tanks. Use the first tank set at your desired psi until the tank runs out, then switch with the full tank and get the empty filled for a backup and repeat.

At some point your tank will need to be filled and it’s usually when you need to draft beer or in my case last week purge a tank with co2 prior to filling.

I used to watch the gauge but decided I wanted to use every psi of co2 out of each tank.

Hope this helps. [emoji482]

 

[Vale71]

When the needle starts dipping there is very little CO2 left in the tank so you might as well get it refilled right away without waiting for it to drop to 0. Unless you pay extortionate prices for your refills you only have a few cents' worth left.

 

[grampamark]

The tank pressure gauge isn’t a quantity gauge. You will have sufficient pressure for serving long after the needle is in the red. The bigger the bottle, the more that remains. I have a 20 lb steel bottle. Even when the gauge is well in the red I can still dispense another keg or 2. With a 5 lb bottle, when the pressure drops below the top of the red line you’re nearing the end.

The best way to keep track of what’s in the tank is to weigh it. There is a “tare weight” number stamped into the bottle just below the neck. It will have the abbreviation “TW” in front of it. That’s how much your bottle weighs when empty. The difference between the weight of your bottle and the empty weight is the weight of the liquid Co2 remaining. When the remaining liquid gets below half a pound you’re getting close.

 

[htims05]

Thanks - I wasn't very clear in my original question...I have another tank that is full. So I'm just wondering when do I switch it...when it hits red or when it's at 0. I'll then get the tank exchanged ($20 where I'm at for 5lb)

 

[htims05]

The tank pressure gauge isn’t a quantity gauge. You will have sufficient pressure for serving long after the needle is in the red. The bigger the bottle, the more that remains. I have a 20 lb steel bottle. Even when the gauge is well in the red I can still dispense another keg or 2. With a 5 lb bottle, when the pressure drops below the top of the red line you’re nearing the end.

The best way to keep track of what’s in the tank is to weigh it. There is a “tare weight” number stamped into the bottle just below the neck. It will have the abbreviation “TW” in front of it. That’s how much your bottle weighs when empty. The difference between the weight of your bottle and the empty weight is the weight of the liquid Co2 remaining. When the remaining liquid gets below half a pound you’re getting close.

you posted at the same time I was posting my clarified question. I think you've answered it...as long as I have a hot-swappable tank I can run it down to pretty much empty.

 

[Yesfan]

I've got a 2.5lb tank I'll have to refill. I saw the gauge start dropping on last use and knew it's pretty much gone.

I had the bright idea of having a small tank to use primarily for portability and closed transfers. I may just swap it for a 5lb.

Heck, I may say screw it and just get a second 20lb tank.

 

[CodeSection]

@htims05, where did you buy those quick disconnects?

 

[day_trippr]

Disconnects? Or check valves?

Thanks - I wasn't very clear in my original question...I have another tank that is full. So I'm just wondering when do I switch it...when it hits red or when it's at 0. [...]

As I have many CO2 cylinders I usually wait 'til the gauge bottoms. No reason not to, imo...

Cheers!

 

[htims05]

@htims05, where did you buy those quick disconnects?

Atlantic Brew Supply out of Raleigh.

 

[CodeSection]

Disconnects? Or check valves? Cheers!

What are those white things? They appear quick disconnects to me?

 

[htims05]

What are those white things? They appear quick disconnects to me?

The taprite regulator has check valves (at least the model I got did.

The white things are disconnects so I can easily swap a tank. They are self sealing as well.

Good for liquid or gas.

 

[CodeSection]

@htims05, thanks for the info. They look like they are larger than 1/4" but that is what only shows on the Atlantic Brew website. If that is the size, I would think that woulds be too small. No?

 

[htims05]

@htims05, thanks for the info. They look like they are larger than 1/4" but that is what only shows on the Atlantic Brew website. If that is the size, I would think that woulds be too small. No?

yes they are 1/4" barb...the gas line is BEVLEX 204 which has a 5/16" ID. I was concerned it was not going to work but I gave it a shot anyway given its only 1/16" difference and the relatively low pressures. I think the key was to use Oetiker 14.5 clamps which gives a complete 360 degree compression vs screw clamps. Seems to be working just fine. No discernible leaks via bubble testing or watching the gauge over a period of days.

 

[CodeSection]

yes they are 1/4" barb...the gas line is BEVLEX 204 which has a 5/16" ID. I was concerned it was not going to work but I gave it a shot anyway given its only 1/16" difference and the relatively low pressures. I think the key was to use Oetiker 14.5 clamps which gives a complete 360 degree compression vs screw clamps. Seems to be working just fine. No discernible leaks via bubble testing or watching the gauge over a period of days.

Thanks!

 

[JLeuck64]

I have a spare bottle waiting to go into service, once the gauge(s) past the regulator won't hold serving pressure any longer.
HTH ( ;

 

[MikeCo]

My primary tanks is 20 lb. I use it until it won't push beer out of the faucets; then I swap my 5 lb backup until I can replace the 20 lb.

I'd recommend buying CO2 in 20 lb tanks; it's a lot cheaper than buying 5 lb and you won't run out as quickly. The last 20 lb. tank swap I bought was $30.

 

[SEndorf]

My primary tanks is 20 lb. I use it until it won't push beer out of the faucets; then I swap my 5 lb backup until I can replace the 20 lb.

I'd recommend buying CO2 in 20 lb tanks; it's a lot cheaper than buying 5 lb and you won't run out as quickly. The last 20 lb. tank swap I bought was $30.

Same.
I have a 20 LB on 7 taps and two 5 LB for keg purging and transfers.
The 20 can be in the red zone for weeks. I don't swap it until it's done.