How long should a 5lb CO2 tank last?

[Dorado]

I'm just wondering how long a 5lb CO2 tank should last with a flow rate of one bubble per second? I got my Calcium reactor up and running mid September with the tank filled to 1000psi and now I'm just above 200psi. I didn't pay a lot of attention, but it seemed like the psi was holding around 1000psi until a couple weeks ago when I noticed that it was at 500psi. Does my regulator have a leak?

 

[Tathamet]

It’s possible it’s leaking. Might wanna check with some soapy water.

my 10lb tank lasts me about a year on my freshwater tank with maybe 6 bubbles per second running 10 hours a day. Not sure if calcium reactors run 24/7 but at your bubble count I’d imagine your tank should last about the same amount as my 10lb I would think.

 

[TX_Punisher]

Check for leaks. Check the plastic crush washer as well between the tank and regulator. My 20lb lasts over two Years.

 

[Dburr1014]

I'm just wondering how long a 5lb CO2 tank should last with a flow rate of one bubble per second? I got my Calcium reactor up and running mid September with the tank filled to 1000psi and now I'm just above 200psi. I didn't pay a lot of attention, but it seemed like the psi was holding around 1000psi until a couple weeks ago when I noticed that it was at 500psi. Does my regulator have a leak?

My 75g lasts about 8ish months.
Do you have a washer in it?
Have you checked for leaks?
Is it a single stage or dual stage? Single stage when you get closer to zero you will have a gas dump. I think that mostly happens when it's around 100 or maybe 50 pounds. I can't exactly remember since I switched to a dual stage last year. Checking for leaks is pretty simple and straightforward soapy water and an oil brush. Make sure the nut is tight on your tank also.

 

[Dorado]

No, I haven't checked for leaks yet. I wasn't sure if I had a problem yet, but I will check now. I did add a washer between regulator and tank and tightened it pretty snug. It's a dual stage matheson that I bought from Alan Le. I just received a 10lb tank that I ordered as a back-up that I plan on swapping out soon. Below is a shot of my dosing setup

 

[Dburr1014]

What did you set the pressure at? Doesn't need to be more than 15psi.

 

[Dorado]

It's at 20psi per Alan. I'll try lowering it

 

[Dburr1014]

It's at 20psi per Alan. I'll try lowering it

If you have it all dialed in, don't mess with that extra five pounds. That might lower your bubble rate.

 

[mtraylor]

If you just added the little white plastic washer. You had a leak

 

[Dorado]

Ok, then would you mind enlightening me what else I’m supposed to add besides a standard Nylon CO2 washer?

 

[Dburr1014]

Ok, then would you mind enlightening me what else I’m supposed to add besides a standard Nylon CO2 washer?

No, your okay. I think he thinks you just added it not when set up.
Did you find any leaks?
Check the back of the main body also.
Also check the tank for leaks on the stem.
Check your hoses and also where they connect.
Is the Carx filling with gas at all?
Where are you running at for ph in the Carx? What is your ph of the tank?

 

[KrisReef]

CO2 is a liquid under compression. The pressure on the gage should be stable as the liquid slowly evaporates. Once you use up the liquid, the tank really starts to empty quickly and the pressure will follow. Might be time for a refill.

 

[DCR]

I found that those white washers frequently resulted in some very short runs and switched to these re-usable washers. I much prefer them.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2239188048...ustomid=US_BusinessAndIndustrial&toolid=10050

 

[Dorado]

No, your okay. I think he thinks you just added it not when set up.
Did you find any leaks?
Check the back of the main body also.
Also check the tank for leaks on the stem.
Check your hoses and also where they connect.
Is the Carx filling with gas at all?
Where are you running at for ph in the Carx? What is your ph of the tank?

I just did a soapy water test and found a leak on the regulator, location pictured below. I'll remove the regulator and re-apply some Teflon on that fitting and put it back on a fresh tank. Is there anything else that you would suggest besides lowering the PSI to 15? Thanks for the help

 

[Dorado]

If you just added the little white plastic washer. You had a leak

Sorry for the miss-communication

 

[Dburr1014]

I just did a soapy water test and found a leak on the regulator, location pictured below. I'll remove the regulator and re-apply some Teflon on that fitting and put it back on a fresh tank. Is there anything else that you would suggest besides lowering the PSI to 15? Thanks for the help

Do you have a liquid Teflon like blue monster? Apply and forget.
That leak will do it. Should last you now if that's all you found.

 

[Dburr1014]

I found that those white washers frequently resulted in some very short runs and switched to these re-usable washers. I much prefer them.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2239188048...ustomid=US_BusinessAndIndustrial&toolid=10050

Those look pretty nifty, I'll have to pick up some.

 

[DCR]

Those look pretty nifty, I'll have to pick up some.

One thing I should point out is that I had to remove the threaded stem on my units. They would not allow the gasket to seat into the metal surface. I don't know if it was unique to my systems, but I could not make them work until I discovered I could remove the stem.

 

[mtraylor]

No, I haven't checked for leaks yet. I wasn't sure if I had a problem yet, but I will check now. I did add a washer between regulator and tank and tightened it pretty snug. It's a dual stage matheson that I bought from Alan Le. I just received a 10lb tank that I ordered as a back-up that I plan on swapping out soon. Below is a shot of my dosing setup

When you said i did add a washer between tank and regulator. I thought that meant you just added it as someone stated. So you were good. Looks like you found the leak. Good job.

After seeing what DCR uses for that washer. I'm going to purchase a couple.
Very cool and allot better.