when to change Co2 tank?

[taichimaster]

I think it is time for me to change my tank but not sure since this is the first time i have to change or refill it. I have a Milwaukee Regulater and the guage on the left states it is at 500. If I remember correctly, I should be changing it when it gets under 500, but wanted to make sure.

thanks

 

[taichimaster]

forgot to mention that it is a 10lb tank.

 

[sgwill122]

Why would you change your tank prior to empty? Is it to avoid having to adjust your needle valve? As pressure diminishes I adjust to keep same bubble count till empty then refill and adjust back.

 

[trido]

I keep two tanks. The guage on the left reads the PSI in tens and the one on the right reads by the one, two, three. The left guage is the tank pressure and the right guage is what is pushing on the needle valve. My tank pressure usually read from 60-70 PSI and holds there until the tank is near empty. After is hits 50PSI I have only one or two days left on it and I immediately change it out with a new tank.

 

[taichimaster]

Why would you change your tank prior to empty? Is it to avoid having to adjust your needle valve? As pressure diminishes I adjust to keep same bubble count till empty then refill and adjust back.

thanks for the reply. I wasn't sure. Just thought I read that somewhere. I guess I still have alot of it left in the tank.

 

[trido]

Why would you change your tank prior to empty?

Steve, I do it when its convenient rather than when Im trying to leave town for a camping trip, or simply, I notice it empty on friday night and cant get it refilled until monday after I get off work early to take care of it.

FWIW, I dont recommend ever touching the needle valve unless its planned as a long term adjustment. I can tell steve will agree with that sentiment.

 

[taichimaster]

I keep two tanks. The guage on the left reads the PSI in tens and the one on the right reads by the one, two, three. The left guage is the tank pressure and the right guage is what is pushing on the needle valve. My tank pressure usually read from 60-70 PSI and holds there until the tank is near empty. After is hits 50PSI I have only one or two days left on it and I immediately change it out with a new tank.

I guess my guage is a little different. Might right side reads at 10-20psi... the left one reads at 500 and 1000....

It is a milwaukee regulater..I guess that is my question. how do I know when it is almost out like you, ( when you see 50psi)?

 

[taichimaster]

NeverMind,
I guess I was reading it wrong. I was looking at the small number under the 50. I guess i am at roughly 25-30psi. does this mean I should change it or just wait until it is completely empty. I thinking of waiting so I get the most out of it.

 

[trido]

My reactor is feeding a 500G system with alot of Ca demand. It requires alot of CO2. When my guage starts dropping I have only two days at best. You may get up to two weeks out of yours before your out. Only you will know.

 

[taichimaster]

My reactor is feeding a 500G system with alot of Ca demand. It requires alot of CO2. When my guage starts dropping I have only two days at best. You may get up to two weeks out of yours before your out. Only you will know.

Much appreciated. I guess I have plenty of time since my tank is only 90 gallons total. Thanks