CO@ Tanks and Kegging

[mmmBeer...]

I am getting ready to set up for kegging and I am weighing between a 5 vs. 10-pound CO2 tank. I plan to run 2 kegs at all times. How long can I expect a 5-pound tank to last vs. the 10 pound? Obviously it will last twice as long…but if I can get a lot of beer out of 5# then I would rather save the space and go with the 5.

Any advice would be great!

[brewmonkey]

My 5# CO2 lasts me quite some time (3 months or so) and it is dedicated to the keg fridge only. I also prefer the 5# as it fits nicely into the cooler with the keg making a neat and tidy place.

[YamahaXS]

I have a ten pounder and the needle hasn't moved in the half year I have used it. CO2 is cheap so if you think room will be an issue then go with the smaller tank. Also, you will never just suddenly run out (assuming no line leaks) so you can always refill before its a problem.


Once you put your tank in the fridge you will see a substantial drop in tank pressure at the CO2 contracts.

[BucksBrew]

I've read that you can dispense about 5 Kegs with a 5# CO tank.

I also read that some guys shut the tank off when not in use, sort of like a BBQ grill tank. It lasts a lot longer.

[chris1kanobi]

If your beer was carbonated, you could shut the gas off, but there is no reason to. The pressure of the co2 tank, forces the co2 into solution (makes bubbles in the liquid) the liquid can only hold so much (volume) and it would not waste any co2 to leave it under pressure. I have a 25# tank, which I mounted to the outside of my fridge. It was about $100 (holds 5 times as much for 2 times the price). It has lasted me over a year, and I force carbonate 1-2 beers a month, plus use it to transfer PBW and StarSan through the beerlines etc. If you have room or can drill and mount it on the outside, I would suggest getting the biggest tank that you can afford. I hate running out, and I hate going to get it filled up, so the less frequent the better. Just my $.02

[YamahaXS]

Originally posted by BucksBrew
I've read that you can dispense about 5 Kegs with a 5# CO tank.

I also read that some guys shut the tank off when not in use, sort of like a BBQ grill tank. It lasts a lot longer.

I believe the that rule applies to Half barrels.... so 5 # CO2 should get you through 15-20 cornies.?

[Jughead]

I always keep the tank turned off ever since one of my cornys leaked and I lost about half of a 20lb tank. Now I just crack the valve open every third or fourth beer to keep the pressure up.

I've only had to refill the tank once and that was right after the leak, so I still don't know how far it will go.

I too would recommend the big tank if you have the space and set up for it.

Cheers

[Jughead]

Originally posted by YamahaXS
I have a ten pounder and the needle hasn't moved in the half year I have used it....

The needle does not move because the CO2 is liquid under pressure. When the liquid is eventually used, the pressure will start to drop as you use the last of the gas in the tank. At that point, the needle will go from reading full to empty very quickly. As soon as you see the needle budge, you want to schedule a trip to the welding store.

Cheers