Cheap CO2 Tank and Regulator??

[Ewalk02]

Does anyone know where I can get a cheap 5 lb CO2 tank with good regulator? I've been googling this and can't find a combo of the two under $125.00

I have everything else I need for my conelius keg set up and I guess this is just me being cheap.

[BrewDog]

Your best bet is to just get a new regulator, then go to your CO2 supplier and get one of their cannisters. Buying a new one is a waste of money. Most places are "swap out" places. You spend your money on a nice shiny new cannister, then they take it from you and you get an old beat up nasty one in return.

HTH-

[Ewalk02]

Thanks for the heads up!

[corkybstewart]

And if you use one of theirs you don't have to pay the certification fees. I bought my 20 pound tank from a welding shop at least 10 years ago. Whenever I need a refill I just exchange it. I also bought an entire kegging setup complete with a 5 pound tank and regulators from a guy in CO, I scored a 20 pounder from work and my ferrier gave me a 2 pound tank. I just exchange any and all of these and have never paid certification on any of them.
I recommend a back up tank, it doesn;t have to be big, because you really have no way of knowing how much is left in the tank ahead of time, they just go empty suddenly. And you can bet your ass it will go empty at 6:30 on Friday night just before everybody shows up to drink your beer. Come to think of it that might not be a bad thing

[Mad Scientist]

....I recommend a back up tank, it doesn;t have to be big, because you really have no way of knowing how much is left in the tank ahead of time, they just go empty suddenly.....

Yeah....better find a back up tank....you might end up witha slow CO2 leak....

[corkybstewart]

When I started kegging I bought a 20# tank for $90, and a regulator for $50. Since then I was given another 20, I bought a whole kegging setup including a 5# tank w/dual regulators, and my ferrier gave me a 2# tank.
Here's what it cost to fill them:
20#-10 + tax
5 #- 8 + tax
2#- 7 + tax
The economics definitely favor the bigger tank-much less to fill and it lasts forever.

[Mad Scientist]

sheesh...a five pound here in Midland was just under $15 the otehr day

[barleyburps]

i have 2 5-lb co2 tanks, which i typically have to swap out 1 about once a year. it typically costs 15-18 dollars to do so.

your initial cost will eventually pay for itself. . . .125 for regulator + tank sounds about right.

[eamanzoiii]

I Bought a new Co2 Tank and regulator from Kegkits.com 5# co2 and nice 2 guage regulator for about $110.00. This new shinney Aluminum tank WAS
NOT being left anywhere !!!!!!!! or traded. I told the gas company the only way they could get my buisness was fill the tank and then I would be on my way :) . They did for $25.00 and MY tank is with ME.

[corkybstewart]

I Bought a new Co2 Tank and regulator from Kegkits.com 5# co2 and nice 2 guage regulator for about $110.00. This new shinney Aluminum tank WAS
NOT being left anywhere !!!!!!!! or traded. I told the gas company the only way they could get my buisness was fill the tank and then I would be on my way :) . They did for $25.00 and MY tank is with ME.
Sounds great, but it only costs me $8 to fill a grundgy old 5 pound tank. I think over the years as your tank get old and dull with oxidation you're going look back and ask yourself why you paid $17 dollars extra every time you got your tank filled, not to mention the time you waste waiting for your tank to be filled.
But whatever works for you.

[danno]

not sure Ewalk's question really got answered. check the yellow pages for welding supplies/gases and fire extinguisher service places for tanks and refills/swaps, and you can usually pick up a new regulator for around $40 from a restaurant supply place...

emanzoiii, you got taken to the cleaners for $25. last time I had a 20# and a 5# tank filled at a fire extinguisher place (while I waited, no less...) it was $22 for both of them...