CO2 Tank

[Payson]

I just bought a corney keg and regulator but my local homebrew shop does not sell the necessary tanks. My question is this: when I purchase a tank (hopefully a 5#) is there a difference regarding co2? In other words, would co2 need to come from a beverage supply store or would co2 from a fire suppression or welding company be just as acceptable? Is there "food grade" co2 and "Non food grade"? Thanks for any info.
Chris

[Nacho]

Most references in publications that I have read have referred brewers to welding supply stores to refill their co2 tanks. My local shop takes all co2 tanks to a welding shop once a week to fill them all up at once.

The only real thing that you outta worry about is whether the tank itself is made for beverage dispensing or other purpose (such as paintball).

[S.F.B.]

I take my tank to the welding supply shop myself. They exchange for a few $$ less than my brew shop wil take mine and refill. Just make sure if you go this route that they give you aluminum for aluminum. You pay more for the al. tanks.

[danno]

welding supply is fine... if you use the small cartridges (gram sized), you need to check that it isn't lubricated, but don't worry about it for the larger tanks...

I'd also get as big of a co2 tank as possible, it costs very little more to fill up a 20# than a 5# tank. So unless the physical tank size is an issue, i'd highly recommend getting a bigger tank...

[briandickens]

any notable difference between an alumnium tank and a steel tank? i would think that the aluminum tank would weigh less, but is that the only difference?

[MagTheGrate]

I picked an aluminum tank for the simple reason that my tank is usually in my fridge. I'd HATE to have it be steel and start rusting.

That brings up another point, if you do have an aluminum one and the place you fill it up just does exchanges, make sure they don't trade for a steel one.

[briandickens]

there it is. that's my reason to go for the aluminum. RUST!

Thanks!