C02 tanks - How long until empty?

[mordred]

I was hoping a few of you that have the larger planted tanks could offer some info on how long your tank of C02 lasts for you size of aquarium?

I have a 140 gallon aquarium and was hoping to re-use my 20oz paintball canister, but was unsure if the 2-5lb was a better route.

So far I am thinking the bigger tank would be better.

-S

 

[neilanh]

I'd go with at least a 5lb tank on a 140g, 10lb if you could swing it. I seem to refill my 5# every 3-4 months, running 3 tanks off of it. I just setup a 125 that's tapped in now, and don't expect it to last very long.

 

[JustOneMore20]

I have a 20lb I use on my 29g and 40g and it lasts around 8 months. Used to have it on 3 tanks, so maybe now it will last a couple more months.

On that size tank, I'd get a 10lb or 20lb, personally.

Paintball size tanks are gonna last no time. You'll spend more money refilling them than you would on a 10lb tank IMO.

 

[Glenc]

I use a 20 lb tank on a 125 and a 75 with a 2 way manifold. I run the C02 24 hrs at around 2 bubbles per second in the 75, 3 bubbles per second in the 125. No solenoid. My 20 lb C02 tank is typically done in 4 months. If I ran a solenoid and shut the C02 down at lights off, the tank should last twice as long. In hindsite, I should have got the solenoid. Got to do that one of these days!

 

[black hills tj]

I'm planning on setting up a 75gallon this summer, and I'll be going with a 5# tank.

 

[mordred]

Hmm...sounds like the larger tank is the way to go. What's the cost of filling up a 10-20lb tank?

 

[neilanh]

IT costs me 21 to fill my 5# tank, not sure about a 10 tho

 

[Glenc]

30 dollars Canadian to fill my 20lb tank.

 

[Purrbox]

Generally it only costs a couple extra dollars to fill the next size up cylindar. I pay about $15 to fill my 5lb.

 

[JustOneMore20]

I paid $18 or 20 to swap my 20lb. But when I got my own tank filled, it only cost about $12. I miss that place. There is a place here that wanted $75 to fill a 20lb tank......ha, they are insane.