Where to buy a 5lb CO2 tank in the metro area - Greater Washington Aquatic Plant Association GWAPA

lbquoc · 05-08-2006, 12:34 PM

Hi,
I'm new to this and thinking about going with presurized CO2 for my aquarium. Can someone please show me where to buy a 5lb CO2 tank locally. I live in Northern VA, Fairfax area. How much does it typcally cost for the tank and a refill?
Thanks
Quoc

fredyk · 05-09-2006, 07:29 AM

There is a place called F&M Fire [Extinguisher] in Beltsville, MD that is reasonably priced, but it's open weekdays only. Look at GWAPA.org website for other ideas.
Mark

lbquoc · 05-09-2006, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fredyk

Look at GWAPA.org website for other ideas.
Mark

I assume that you were talking about the forum on GWAPA? I can't read most of the topics. The error message was: "Sorry, but only users granted special access can read topics in this forum". May be I need to be a member of GWAPA?

fredyk · 05-09-2006, 03:58 PM

sorry. you have to join to view messages.
This is what I got. F&M Fire Protection Service 301-277-6655
I bought 5# for $60 and they offered to sell me #10 full, for $75
Only open on weekdays. Regulator is extra. BTW, these are used. Used is good.
you can get refills from Bars by Bud Mephan in Merrifield for about $15 on weekends. 703-573-1010
Also bought #5 with regulator from Rapids in Iowa. 319-447-1681 cost $147.79 can't find the original receipt; they're on the web. comes with empty, new tank with regulator.

I like the rapids thing because it's a good package deal.

Mark

lbquoc · 05-10-2006, 09:38 AM

Mark,
Does Bar By Bud refill onsite? I'm thinking of buying a new #5 aluminum tank at beveragefactory.com. It cost $67 shipping included. I don't want to trade it in for an old one.
Thanks

fredyk · 05-10-2006, 01:40 PM

yes. I go on Saturdays in the morning for refills, not exchange.

lbquoc · 05-11-2006, 09:19 AM

Thanks Mark

gnatster · 05-11-2006, 02:05 PM

I'm a big fan of the excahnge route, ostly because the gas companies test the tanks annually and I know I am getting a safe tank. Granted a new tank will be safe and it's all neato looking but I've seen a tank fail before.

lbquoc · 05-12-2006, 05:54 PM

what kind of new tank failures you have seen? You got me worried here.

Daniel Morris · 05-15-2006, 07:00 AM

You know, I have a 20lb tank (i'm not entirely sure, because its rather heavy and it stands about 4 feet tall) and I was looking into getting a refill.

I found a great list of C02 suppliers in the DC area: http://burp.burp.org/Default.aspx?tabid=423

Hope that helps