where to buy nitro setup?

[fluketamer]

hi all,
where did you source your nitro tank and regulator from . i already have a great nitro tap and want to start doing nitro stouts and porters.

thanks

 

[Deadalus]

I just had to replace my nitro regulator. I didn't like the offerings from many of the HB stores. They all seemed kind of older regulator styles with screws. So instead I delved into a couple different gas regulator type companies which had some regulator options. I had a thread going regarding regulators here. Used ones are often too high a range for the low pressure gauge as they are meant for non-beer uses.

Nitrogen tanks I searched a long time for on FB Marketplace and occasionally Craigs List but never really found a tank the correct size (40 cu ft) for beer gas close enough. My local Air Gas only exchanges that size (and maybe bigger). I ended up getting a new 40 cf and then I had to exchange it.

 

[Broken Crow]

@fluketamer ; You're one of my favourite posters on here for balancing gear to budgets, so I'll just remind you what you already know: "Buy once, cry once." While I can understand @Deadalus 's dislike of screw-adjusts (I prefer t-bars myself), I'd still go with a Taprite personally cause, well..how often will you need to adjust it? Their replacement parts are eternal and commonly available. Though I love Harris and have them for my welding gear and wouldn't trade them for the world. Just wanted to say; This is one area were you don't look for the best deal; Read over the thread and take the time to consider every detail you want in the long run and when you've got a candidate, post it before hitting 'Buy".

 

[day_trippr]

It was so long ago (16 years) as to be essentially irrelevant now, but I bought a used "10 pound" 40 cf mixed gas steel cylinder with a CGA580 valve from an HBT member, and a Micromatic regulator with CGA580 coupler from Ritebrew. I get the tank filled (and recertified last year) at a local fire extinguisher service company...

Cheers!

 

[Deadalus]

Fair consideration @Broken Crow about not changing it much. Still might need to dial it in based on intial keg CO2. I've only run a few kegs on mine so far. Until you get proficient, may need adjusting. I do need to change mine for jockey box use and I haven't fine tuned that. I definitely intend to travel with mine but for others not so much a concern.

Screws are just so irksome on regulators it can't cost much at all to put a t-handle or knob on.

 

[Broken Crow]

Fair consideration @Broken Crow about not changing it much. Still might need to dial it in based on intial keg CO2. I've only run a few kegs on mine so far. Until you get proficient, may need adjusting. I do need to change mine for jockey box use and I haven't fine tuned that. I definitely intend to travel with mine but for others not so much a concern.

Screws are just so irksome on regulators it can't cost much at all to put a t-handle or knob on.

Gotcha and Thank You! Yeah; The devil is in the details and each of us has our own preferences....My one annoyance with Taprite is that they don't answer consumer questions. I tried to get them to sign up on here where they have a major user-base...no response. For myself, my 'Ideal Regulator' will have an on/off valve with integrated check-valve and a 1/4" MFL output and (for CO2) a 0-30psi low-side gauge because like many on here now and many others will later encounter, my vision has deteriorated and something as simple as reading a gauge to get a precise stting is difficult.
I just want to drive home the point that a regulator purchase is a long term thing like buying a SS conical; you want something that you can leave in your will to your grandkids and it will still be of use and value while having served you a lifetimes without 'workarounds' or 'making due' for a feature you feel, in the long run, it lacks.

 

[Deadalus]

That's just about my ideal specs on the CO2 regulator. A manual pressure release valve on the body is a nice feature but not always offered. I prefer the 0-30's too. My tanks are on the outside of a deep keezer, and I need to pop open the bar lid if I overshoot. But I'd rather a more quality brand even if that's unavailable. I'm leaning away from buying regulators used too, particularly brands without quality track records or unknown. I can replace gauges (~$10 US) or even attempt the rebuild but a rebuild kit plus shipping can cost close to $50 or so.

 

[Bobby_M]

I have all the parts in stock including full 75/25 beer mix tanks. I use the Komos regulator with the nitro tank adapter which is nice because if you ever back out of nitro, you have a perfectly good backup CO2 regulator. The gauge on the Komos is 0-100 but in this case it makes sense because you'll be running it at 30psi and you don't want to max out a gauge. Use the intertap faucet with the nitro spout on it. Same benefit being the ability to back out to just pouring CO2.

 

[Wigglebutts Brewery]

My local general air gives credit for tank exchange so I put a 20# CO2 tank in their inventory for a 65 cu ft mixed gas tank… it’s a straight up trade as the difference is CGA 320 for 580. My Regulator is brass & really old; I got it for pennies at our club’s “yard” sale and then a rebuild kit online.

 

[odie]

it's the same reg as CO2. You just need to change out the coupler.

The tank? You will want a BIG tank since it's just gas. Best to find a used tank and do a swap out.

Air Gas would not swap out, they wanted me to "lease" a tank for insane money. No thanks...Praxaire, now Linde to the rescue

 

[Willy]

I finally gave into adding a nitro stout tap early this year and yes, buy once, cry once. It is not cheap to get this setup going.

I got the kegco tap with the nitro adjustment adapter and I was able to buy the tank from my gas supplier, Arc3. I have two tanks, one 5lb and one 10lb. (Easy swap and refill at your leisure - no need to panic. Stout is still pouring).

But .... A vital piece of gear for serving stout.... It a corny keg lid with a gas post connected to an air stone. The quality of the stout schnizzle gas theater in the glass is a big part of the experience. And the air stone/post in the lid allows you to close transfer via the usual beer out post... And then put the beer gas on the stone. It makes a HUGE difference in how quick the stout is gassed up and the quality of the "show". Night and day vs trying to gas up via the headspace.

 

[pigroaster]

I have all the parts in stock including full 75/25 beer mix tanks. I use the Komos regulator with the nitro tank adapter which is nice because if you ever back out of nitro, you have a perfectly good backup CO2 regulator. The gauge on the Komos is 0-100 but in this case it makes sense because you'll be running it at 30psi and you don't want to max out a gauge. Use the intertap faucet with the nitro spout on it. Same benefit being the ability to back out to just pouring CO2.

How long is your line to feed your tap?

 

[day_trippr]

I expect his line is like mine: "short". No need for extra length when dispensing through a nitro faucet as the faucet provides all the restriction needed...

Cheers!

 

[Bobby_M]

The line length doesn't matter because the orifice disc in the faucet has way more back pressure than the lines could.

How long is your line to feed your tap?

 

[fluketamer]

https://gascylindersource.com/shop/...m778-7pAfUwQmTCDftGQWlGyAAzZ65AxoCajEQAvD_BwE

can i use this 23 foot tank?
with the adaptor and a regular co2 regulator ?

 

[Deadalus]

https://gascylindersource.com/shop/...m778-7pAfUwQmTCDftGQWlGyAAzZ65AxoCajEQAvD_BwE

can i use this 23 foot tank?
with the adaptor and a regular co2 regulator ?

Depends on how you are going to get it refilled. My local Airgas swaps 40 cf Cga 580 tanks for beer gas (nitrogen/CO2 blended). They may do larger but not smaller. The tank you linked would work otherwise it looks like, but you want the regulator high pressure a little higher than typical CO2, about 3000 I think it is and a 60, 100, or 120 max psi on the low side. 60 is probably fine for a kegerator but I haven't worked out the best psi for a jockey box wih coils yet. I'm not sure if the pressure is as important as it is for CO2 or if the nitrogen tap plate inside is the main factor for delivery.

 

[fluketamer]

i just called my co2 guy and he doesnt do nitro. and i just learned the last homebrew shop in new york city closed in october. . i am not sure where i can get nitro refills locally. ill have to shop for that before i pick up a tank. thanks

 

[odie]

Make sure you can source nitro before you buy anything. make sure you can do tank swaps. AirGas wanted me to do a tank lease...F that...Praxair did a swap out with me.

 

[Deadalus]

Make sure you can source nitro before you buy anything. make sure you can do tank swaps. AirGas wanted me to do a tank lease...F that...Praxair did a swap out with me.

How does a tank lease work? Would you have had to bring the tank in and wait for a refill?

 

[Willy]

Look to the industrial gas places - AirGas or Arc3 for example. They should have it for you or can get it, just call ahead and investigate.

Typically, you can buy a tank from them too (filled) and from them on... Just swap tanks. I have 2 nitro tanks, one small, one medium (5#, and a 20#) so I can swap tanks and get the empty tank filled at my leisure. (Same for CO2 - two tanks because the gas place is a 1/2 away and a pain to have to quickly swap it out to ensure proper pressure

 

[fluketamer]

i found a mixed gas supplier within reasonable distance . i have everything now but the stone.

is a carbonation stone also necessary for nitro stouts.

 

[Willy]

i found a mixed gas supplier within reasonable distance . i have everything now but the stone.

is a carbonation stone also necessary for nitro stouts.

Yes and no. It will eventually carbonate without one, but it takes like 2-3 weeks to carb. Ugh. With a stone, just a few days is needed and you are ready to pour. I use a corny lid with a carb post on top, and a stone on a hose. I could just use the gas post on the corny, but do it the other way so I know what kegs are "stout worthy", and have it ready.

 

[beren]

No need for a stone, just carb it with co2 at around 1-1.2vol for a week then put it on beergas and into the kegerator.

I converted a taprite regulator to nitro with a $10 nipple and some thread tape. Just make sure it’s one good to 3000psi to be safe.

 

[fluketamer]

total cost was 255$

20 cu ft steel mix gas tank 80$ with delivery (i definately could have found this cheaper if i hunted facebook market place etc but i got lazy and ordered and it was very easy)
https://gascylindersource.com/shop/nitrogen-cylinders/20-cu-ft-steel-nitrogen-cylinder/

tank swap delivery by liberty gas in brooklyn, ny. 78$ ( i could have brought the tank down to them and got mine filled for 38$ and kept my new tank but again i got lazy)

nitro regulator, qd barb and 7 ft of gas tubing with clamps at kegco 60$

stout faucet was 37$ a few years ago on amazon

should have stout flowing in a few days

thanks for the help everyone

 

[beren]

Wow that’s an expensive swap. Just a reminder you don’t need to worry about balancing line length for nitro, the restrictor plate does that for you.

 

[mac_1103]

tank swap delivery by liberty gas in brooklyn, ny. 78$

Wow that’s an expensive swap.

Door dash for beer gas?

 

[fluketamer]

Door dash for beer gas?

yep thats what i thought. thats not that bad for delivery . i can sit in my house and get a guy to bring me a full tank and tank away my empty. it was worth it IMO.

surprisingly he wanted more for pure co2 then the mix. co2 was 85$

so for straight co2 ill stick to my paintball guy who charges me 20$ to fill it,.

 

[fluketamer]

sorry about the poor video. i had to send it to my desktop to cut out the netflix oj simpson special () in the background as it had some very ominous music playing at the time.

and for the scratched glass but

thanks for the help . i got the pour to work after a few days on the 70/30 mix .

this is a black lager that i brewed last month. the difference in taste on nitro is pretty impressive .