Missing CO2? Much? A little much too much?

Hi Zapins
yes, after finally figuring out my leak (or so I thought), my gauge moved the other day. Now it's parked again. I think it's trying to Gaslight me.
Paranoia indeed!
Maybe I should take this back channel- but I think we have crossed paths in the past....
penny in CT

I understand your frustrations, but logically speaking, there must be a leak somewhere in the system or you're using more than you realize. The only time I didn't check for leaks when I changed a tank, it lasted me for 14 days. Since that experience, I will check for leaks.

But, not wanting to anger the possible CO2 gremlins, I'm not saying they don't exist.

I have never gotten the results that some do... a 15# tank lasts three months on a 50 gallon, 20 gallon, and 20 long. I have heard that it should last much longer. I run HOB filters- could the I-fill-once-a-year crowd all be running canister filters?

Also, I gain socks. My son is the only third grader who comes home from school in different socks than he left in that morning. He cannot explain the phenomenon.

Wow! Does he come home with more than 2 socks?
This could explain everything!

My belief is the CO2 gremlins spend most of their time dancing on top of the water - creating the agitation needed to de-gas CO2 rapidly so they can get their high on the overly saturated gas that easily comes from the surface of the water.

It is what they live and exist for.

But in your case, it sounds like a leak - as if you're at 1-3 bps, that volume of flow tells me there's gremlins that left the top of the tank water and are messin with you between the B/C and the tank. I know you said you soaped it, but a B/C is also a good flow meter.

Last option is to weigh the tank before and after it is filled to see if you're getting ripped of on the filling - but I find that highly unlikely.

- Jeff

All of I can think of would be to be sure the regulator is fitting securely with cylinder. Also, be sure the cylinder valve is opened all the way. If it's not, it will leak.

I know in my own tanks, I never get what I'm supposed to get (10# for 6 months, etc.). My 20# lasted about 8 months on a 29g and about 3 months on a 100g tank with dual ouputs.

I know you said you had more than one tank, but I've also had a tank that leaked at the base between the tank and the valve. That was a real buggar to find...

Avalon said:

Also, be sure the cylinder valve is opened all the way. If it's not, it will leak.

Click to expand...

I will have to agree on that. In welding this is one of the firs thing they tough us. Some of the valve have rubber ring in the valve opening screw and if the valve is not open completely open there is nothing to seal where the valve rotate. In short therm the effect is not pertinent but when we talk in month it can make a big difference.

When you get to the end of the bottle (low co2) sometime the output pressure goes up witch empty the rest faster. I had that problem with my c02 system. It would last 3 to 4 month form 1200psi to 400psi and about 2 week sometime less for the rest of the bottle. I am not sure why but i fix that problem when i got my ph controller.

Ok, How about this one. Bought a 20oz Paintball cylinder on Friday for my little 12 gallon. Set to 1bps and gauge showed 400 PSI until today, now it's showing 50 PSI, still getting 10PSI on the output and a consistent 1bps. Faulty gauge or did i really go through that much gas in 3 days?

Faulty gauge maybe? Even a little paintball cylinder should start at 800 psi, if it was filled properly. Also, is the regulator "right side up"? I have a regulator that I bought at a welding shop, and I had to adapt it and fit the tank into an odd space, so the regulator ended up tipped over, and it never would read properly all the time. It was right often enough to have me checking everything else in the system, but finally I figured out to shut everything down, re-orient the regulator, and re-pressurize, and now it behaves perfectly.

In reading this thread I think I just realised why my 20lb tank runs out faster than I thought it should have. I run it on three tanks, but not at enough volume to consume it all in only 4 months...

I had no clue the main valve could leak if you didn't open it all the way. Hopefully making sure to alleviate this possibility when I get it filled tomorrow will make my tank go the distance.

I love forums for all the info I'd never realise otherwise

overboard said:

Faulty gauge maybe? Even a little paintball cylinder should start at 800 psi, if it was filled properly. Also, is the regulator "right side up"? I have a regulator that I bought at a welding shop, and I had to adapt it and fit the tank into an odd space, so the regulator ended up tipped over, and it never would read properly all the time. It was right often enough to have me checking everything else in the system, but finally I figured out to shut everything down, re-orient the regulator, and re-pressurize, and now it behaves perfectly.

Click to expand...

My first inclination was faulty gauge as well. Due to the construction of the Regulator, the gauge fr Cylinder pressure and Line pressure are both on their side (this keeps the bubble counter oriented correctly). I will give it a week and see if the cylinder still has gas, then I will contact the vendor for replacement if it is indeed faulty.

Definitely out of CO2. Never thought I would go through it that fast. Well, guess I need to go get a refill (or maybe a second tank).