corny questions

[Dave A]

I'm considering getting a couple kegs and a place to keep 'em cold. I dont need the whole package, there's a ~50 lb CO2 tank, regulator, 30' of gas hose and a (not needed for this) Sanke tap in my garage.

Question #1: The tank is 9" around and about 52" to the base of the valve, is this a 50 lb tank or is that a bad guess on my part?

Question #2: Am I correct in thinking that I will need; kegs, disconnects, beer hose and a faucet, to complete this set-up? Am I missing anything?

I will also need to keep this cold, I have read some of the past posts concerning the pros and cons of chest freezers and refrigerators. At this point I am leaning toward a refrigerator so that I can keep beer at good beer temp and also have a freezer compartment for hop storage at a colder temp ( I like to have varieties of hops on hand, kinda like a spice rack to me, plus I have a few vines growing and my wife is afraid I'll take over the freezer in the kitchen).

Question #3: What is the height of a corny keg with disconnects attached? I believe I have seen a diameter of 8.5", is this correct?

I'm shooting for a compartment that can hold 4 kegs or 2 kegs and a carboy. The thing that's killing me the most is that we got rid of a working full size fridge just a few months before we got into brewing!!:rolleyes:

[BluesHarp]

A corny with disconnect attached: allow a minimum of 26" head room. My disconnects angle upward, so 26" is the minimum to allow for hose bending radius. Oh yeah, 8.5" diameter is about right.

Sounds like you have handle on the equipment list

Can't help you with the CO2, I have the standard size bottles.

[Fast_Eddy]

Originally posted by Dave A
.... The thing that's killing me the most is that we got rid of a working full size fridge just a few months before we got into brewing!!

Ouch... :(

[CaptHook]

I run a 4 keg bar with a 5 lb gas can, it lasts about a year. I run a 20 lb for cleaning and preping etc and after 2 years it's stiill has plenty of gas. I suggest, A.. do not put your gas in the frig. Thats beer space. B...DO NOT---DO---NOT leave the gas tank valve on. Fill as needed and turn it off. Unless you like buying lots of gas. They will leak, and a few hours it's gone. I made a simple manifold with 4 valves on the outside,(of the frig that is) You can fill 1 tank at a time without opening the door. Each tank can be different presure.
The tank you have is usable, and not to expensive to fill. But you will have enough gas for all your friends(or the next 5 years).
Also, be sure all fittings including the hose clamps are SS. In the frig they will rust and get nasty.
Chuck

[Dave A]

Thanks BluesHarp, I'll look for 26-27" minimum.

CaptHook, I don't even want a fridge big enough to put the gas in, I may leave the tank in the garage and run gas to where I need it. All these parts came from a bar that closed at least a dozen years ago, if I ever empty the tank it'll need to be tested.

Fast_Eddy, Yeah, a few weeks before the first brew we replaced the fridge we thought was dying, while emptying the contents I noticed we had been turning the thermostat the wrong way:rolleyes: . I almost put it in the basement but I didn't think we'd have any use for it and since we had paid for removal up-front, I told 'em to take it!

[BucksBrew]

I emailed a seller and they told me it had a 10'' diameter and 26'' tall. I said I was shopping for a freezer and needed dimensions.

So allow room for the hose bend.