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How long does A compressed CO2 bottle usually last?

12K views 6 replies 3 participants last post by  FuzzAz 
#1 ·
I am curious how long other peoples CO2 bottles are lasting...My 10# just ran out after about a month (actually has about 200psi now) that seems really quick. I know my system is not the most efficient but its not like the diffusers are roaring bubbles, actually very few bubbles appear to reach the top of the water. I am not sure what the issue is, all my pipe fittings are tight and I used teflon tape. I suspect there must be a leak because I was expecting to get at least a few months if not a year out of a 10# tank.
 
#2 ·
shut it off and shut it of quick. you will damage your solenoid/guage. your suppose to swap out the tank once it starts dropping from 800psi. below 500-600 and your pushing your luck. your solenoid will become unstable and the co2 that remains in your tank will dump into your aquarium. not good for the fish. really not good for your tank if its tightly closed. the gas can't escape. the lid can blow off. as far as how long it last depends on how much you inject. it all varies. do you leave it on 24/7 or is it on a timer. how old is the tank. my 5 lbs ran out it about 3 months doing about 25ppm on average on a 55gal. i run it 24/7 to prevent ph shifts though.
 
#3 ·
Anyway, I did find a leak. The threaded pipe fitting from the needle valve to the barbed fitting was leaking. I guess I hadn’t tightened it enough. After I fixed that I tested the whole system by blocking the lines then turning the pressure up to 120psi and then I shut off the valve on the tank and let it sit for two hours. I did lose about 1psi but I’m calling it good and hopefully this next tank will last a bit longer.
 
#6 ·
I think that has much more to do with the fact that he is using a regulator not specifically designed for aquariums. He is using regulators designed more for brewing beer. There is really nothing wrong with using these regulators for aquarium use. But a $40 brewing regulator is not the same as your average $80 aquarium regulator. I've never heard of a aquarium brand regulator being damaged by a end of tank dump. Basically you get what you pay for, some brands are known for their end of tank dumps, others are not. Of course the main concern with the end of tank dump is the risk to the livestock. If you are really concerned about this happening, you can get a Low Pressure Regulator or a really good quality(and pricey) needle valve, that with stop any end of tank dumping.

I know mine bps rate speeds up somewhat when the tank is down to 200psi, however it rarely ever effects the fish and usually does not last long. That's not to say I am not aware of the risks. Though it wasn't because of end of tank dumping, but my own negligence. I nuked well over 100 cherry shrimp in one go because of overdosing co2.
 
#7 ·
I did not experience the end of tank dump. Oddly my regulator shut itself off with 120psi still in the tank. Mine is a Matheson laboratory type dual stage regulator, generally a very expensive unit (I got a steal on it). I have a general understanding of how a regulator works but I cannot explain this, perhaps a built in mechanism? 120psi is also the setting on the primary stage.
 
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