C02 tank noob questions

[basscyn]

This is all new for me.
I picked up a used MRC calcium reactor. It came with a C02 tank.
I want to clean this tank up a bit...maybe even paint it (Im just weird like that).

Is it OK to paint these things?
What about the label?
How do I know the tank is any good?
Is there a life expectancy for these things?

Where do I get it filled??


Thanks!

 

[dvara78]

You can get it filled at beverage control in Tucker...$10 to fill a 5lb or 10lb tank. Not too sure about painting it since the tank get's extrememly cold once it's been filled so paint may crack or chip.

Beverage control can test the tank for you to make sure it's in good working order.

 

[weaglereefer]

You can paint it. I painted mine satin black with the intention of putting a white decal on. It didn't work (paint worked fine, decal not so much).

Keep in mind, some places will want to trade tanks instead of filling yours, and some places may not fill if they don't trust the paint (something about the way automotive painters bake the paint weakens the tank) so make sure you find a shop that's ok with both of those issues.

They do have to be tested every few years, so get one that won't need testing for several years if you plan on a nice paint job.


As for paint, I sanded mine, sprayed some primer, and then painted black. It's no showroom tank, but it looks good from 2 feet away, and since it's a 20lb tank, I don't plan to have to mess with it too much.

 

[basscyn]

Yep... I was gonna paint it black as well.


So, am I looking for a beverage supply kind of place?
I would like to find something in my area if possible.

 

[basscyn]

Dvara78;665987 wrote: You can get it filled at beverage control in Tucker...$10 to fill a 5lb or 10lb tank. Not too sure about painting it since the tank get's extrememly cold once it's been filled so paint may crack or chip.

Beverage control can test the tank for you to make sure it's in good working order.

May have to drive to Tucker. I dont see anyone else except like fire service or welding places. I assume they are not "food grade".
You would think there would be more of these beverage service places, but I dont see any.

Thanks!

 

[dawgface]

Paintball stores or fields.

 

[basscyn]

Then it doesn't really have to be food grade?
Seems to be some debate about it when I research.

 

[dawgface]

DawgFace;666091 wrote: Paintball stores or fields.

I meant to put a question mark behind this.... not a statement but rather a question.

 

[kilo32]

When I was still running a reef tank when I lived in S Fl I had a tank that didn't have the inspection sticker which apparently is something that is needed in order to have it filled. Every two years you have to have it inspected and from what I remember it costs I think somewhere around $50. Instead I went to a place called Praxair which I see has outlets here also. They would just take your empty tank and hand you another tank already filled. You never have to worry about inspections as they take care of it as part of the exchange process and their prices are really good. I ended up buying a 20 lb tank instead of my original 5 lb tank. The cost of the tank was kind of steep but the refills lasts 4 times longer but the best part was that the refill was only a small amount over what the 5 lb costs, not 4 times as you would think. Don't know why it was priced that way but it was fine with me. I just Googled them and they have places in Marietta, Norcross and Conyers. Hope this helps.

 

[basscyn]

That's awesome.
Thanks for the help