Optimusprime3605 Posted September 13, 2019 Share Posted September 13, 2019 I've always used a 5lb cylinder for my calcium reactor but as of late, I've been thinking of getting a larger cylinder. What is the next step up and the most common, that is readily available for exchange? Is there a big difference in price, let's say, between a 5lb and a 20lb bottle? At the moment, I exchange my bottle approximately every 7 to 8 months. Now that my sps are steadily growing into colonies, demands will increase, hence the search for a larger bottle. Thank you for any advice... ~If anyone out there has a larger bottle laying around, lmk! Sent from Atlantis 🤙 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burningbaal Posted September 13, 2019 Share Posted September 13, 2019 There are 10lb bottles. I believe the cost difference is less than the size. I'd expect to spend less than double on a refill for a tank twice the sizeSent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Z Reef Posted September 13, 2019 Share Posted September 13, 2019 Just call the welding supply store and ask. I swapped a 5 for a 10 and it wasn’t a ton more. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
obrien.david.j Posted September 13, 2019 Share Posted September 13, 2019 I use MainBrew (5670 NW Clara Ln, Hillsboro, OR 97124) for my exchanges. If you've got the space, 20lb is the industry standard for Soda Machines at restaurants. And that's what I upgraded to. Just bring your existing bottle in, tell them you'd like to upgrade to a 20lb bottle and exchange. They'll charge you for the price difference between a new 5lb and a new 20lb, and then the cost of the refill. Super easy. (I started in your situation years ago. Super Pretty new 5lb bottle. Now, I just do exchanges - don't care what the refill bottle looks like. It's soo much easier.) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeardUp Posted September 13, 2019 Share Posted September 13, 2019 upgrade to the 20lb. I have 5, 10, and 20 lb tanks. The 5 is like $17 and the 20 is like $25 at airgas. I have never had an issue swapping either at the SE, NE or vancouver airgas. I would watch CL for a 20 and keep the 5 in case you run out on a weekend. I see 20s on CL for $50-100. Sometimes with regulators. There is always a few people getting out of brewing and letting them go cheap. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pdxmonkeyboy Posted September 13, 2019 Share Posted September 13, 2019 ^ this. Wait for a 10 or 20lb to come up on CL that is expired and grab it for cheap. Air gas charges like $5 for a tank test if they even ask you at all. I had a crappy old steel tank out of date and I walked out with a slick aluminum tank for no extra cost. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrabbyCrabs Posted September 13, 2019 Share Posted September 13, 2019 Wait for a 50. They cost about the same to refill as a 20 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeardUp Posted September 14, 2019 Share Posted September 14, 2019 2 hours ago, CrabbyCrabs said: Wait for a 50. They cost about the same to refill as a 20 Just about. There seems to be a price for just the swap with the actual CO2 being super cheap. Like less than a dollar per pound or something. Also, maybe its just my luck but I have exchanged a ton and never been charged the recert fee. However, I don't make a point to announce the tank is out of date. I can't remember a clerk ever looking at the date either. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrabbyCrabs Posted September 14, 2019 Share Posted September 14, 2019 I've swapped co2, 75/25, argon, oxy, acetylene, over the last 20 years. Never been asked about dates or rented bottles. I believe they get recertification if needed when they are refilled at the plants. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Optimusprime3605 Posted September 15, 2019 Author Share Posted September 15, 2019 Thanks, everyone, for all the options! I really appreciate it!I am purchasing a 20# bottle on Wednesday, from someone getting out of the brewing hobby. Someone mentioned, cylinders can be had for cheap, when they're getting out, and they're right, $40 for the bottle! I also made the drive to Homebrew Exchange on Interstate ave, to exchange my 5# bottle, for only $16! As opposed to $30+ at Airgas in Vancouver (ripoff). To exchange a 20 pounder at Homebrew, it's only $35, a 50 pounder is $55!Looking for another 20 pounder! So if you got one, hit me up, please!Thanks again, y'all, for all the advice and different options!Mods, please shut it down! Sent from Atlantis 🤙 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrabbyCrabs Posted September 15, 2019 Share Posted September 15, 2019 It's only a rip off for 5# at airgas as it's not a common bottle(airgas is a welding supply) I bet the 20 and 50# are cheaper at airgas. I used to pay $25 to refill my 50# at airgas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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