setting up co2

[fishman888888]

1) opened valve for a few seconds to clear out dust/sediment

2) connected regulator using washer inbetween connectors

3) connected air tubing to regulator

4) connected other end to check valve/bubble counter

5) inserted second tubing line into check valve/bubble counter

6) inserted other end into diffuser.....

.....i plugged it in, turned the valve...and nothing


It seemed simple...
Apparantly not?

Im thinkin i just got an empty co2 tank....never even thought to ask my fish guy...
He did mention they dont fill tanks there, i assumed buying the tank that it came prefilled

Anyone have any ideas? Or is it most likely empty? The presure gauges on the regulator dont move at all when valve is opened or shut and theres no sound of air escaping

Thanks for any advice

 

[Mr. Nowhere]

Tanks come empty for safety reasons. Head to dicks sporting goods or sports athority. Our your local paintball shop, there usually not open as long as the others tho.

Sent from my LG-MS770 using Aquarium Advice mobile app

 

[Mr. Nowhere]

Sorry I'm assuming you got a paintball set up, did you?

Sent from my LG-MS770 using Aquarium Advice mobile app

 

[fishman888888]

Yup...

And we're both right.lol

Im getting it filled today, everythings planted and ready to go
Im actually really excited to see if this works out

 

[Old Scales]

Another great place to fill CO2 tanks is a fire extinquisher supply and service company. I get a 5# tank filled for $10. They're the cheapest I've found here locally and I feel they are better trained to fill correctly and completely. Is that a GLA tank? OS.

 

[Coyne]

Paintball places will fill non-paintball canisters.... Or at least the by me will.

 

[jbtravis91]

Just to add another great source for refilling CO2 tanks...

I get mine filled at a local home brewery shop. There are, surprisingly enough, quite a few of these around, and they're used to filling CO2 tanks for their customers.

See this link to find locations in your state if you're interested:
Find a Homebrew Supply Shop | American Homebrewers Association

 

[fishman888888]

I wound up going to a fire supply store
Good call

Cost $20....but i live in vancouver - everythings expensive here lol

Its all set up and working

Now the waiting game

 

[Coyne]

$20 seems like a lot, but a tank that size will probably last a while. Congrats.

 

[Old Scales]

My 5# tank has been running 2 bps, 6 hrs each day. I started it on 12/20/13 and it's still going on the first fill. So don't know how long total it will go yet. But I'd say I'm pleased with how long it's gone already. OS.