help with used Co2 tanks

superchargedreefer · May 12, 2014

Im new to this forum but very active on my local forum. Im really enjoying this community and happy I added it to my daily sites. I hope to contribute whatever experience and know how back to you guys as you have done for me.

My first pot and question for any experienced reefers out there is one about Co2 tanks.

I just ordered my first Cal Rx. I just got my AquariumPlants CarbonDoser electronic regulator in the mail today. A buddy of mine had some co2 tanks sitting in his garage that he gave to me for free. They have Co2 in them but I do not know for how long or how much.

Can anyone tell me,

A) are these okay to use for my reactor? and regulator?
B) Is this Co2 in them "bad" in any way?
C) What size are they? And how much are they worth in any for sale section in a reefing community?
D) Do I need to have them checked for safety? Im nervous having a co2 tank in a closet in my bedroom lol

thanks a ton.

AZDesertRat · May 12, 2014

Take them to a local fire extinguisher service shop or a welding supply shop. Both service, refill or exchange CO2 cylinders and can tell you what you have. Some are owner bottles you have to pay every 5 or so years to have hydrostatically tested and some are rental or exchange bottles you drop off and they give you a fresh refilled bottle off the shelf, absorbing the cost of the testing themselves.

CO2 doesn't go bad, as long as the cylinders/bottles have always had pressure on them it should be fine but they do need the testing and certification stamps every 5 years I believe it is. If it is out of date they will not refill it if it is an owner bottle but will exchange it if it is a rental bottle.