How long does a 9 litre CO2 tank last?

[Vernonplim]

Hi all,

I have been trying to figure out whether there's any leak from my Co2 tank, its a 9 Litre/kg tank, my Co2 tank only last nothing more than 6 months after being filled ... twice. Each time it only last around 6 months. I ran Co2 24 hours non-stop with approximately 2 to 3 bubble per second. The Co2 is split between 3 separate tanks, between two small 12" Nano's & one 48" tank. Is this considered normal? Or is my tank's having a possible leak? I hear other people's tank can last for years, is that true?

Thanks.

[ZacNg]

I doubt is a leak in your CO2 tank, I had my 3L tank running at 1-2bps for about 8hrs a day and it lasted 5 months. Given that you are using much more than me, it roughly adds up to be about the same timing as my 3L tank.

[diazman]

Adopt the bubble test on the suspected leaked areas to see if your tank is really leaking. A 9 liter tank should last quite a while. Some times, the valves tend to malfunction, which can also cause co2 leakage.. I've experience it a couple of times.

[Urban Aquaria]

My 2L Co2 tank running at 1bps 8hrs a day lasts around 11-12months (based on 1,100 PSI when full)... so if based in your tank running at 3bps 24hrs a day, that is 9x more Co2 being used daily compare to mine.

So even with a 9L tank which is 4.5x larger than my 2L tank, the tank will still be used up 9x ÷ 4.5x = 2x faster.

Therefore working backwards, if my tank setup lasts around 11-12 months, your setup should theoretically last half that... which is around 5-6 months.

Hopefully my way of calculating doesn't confuse everyone.

Btw, the actual amount of Co2 in the tank also depends on how much pressure its pumped up too, i've seen some friends with Co2 tanks that are only filled up to 900-1000 PSI, so those tanks would probably have less Co2 than say another tank thats filled up to 1,100PSI.

[Vernonplim]

Thanks everyone! Its definitely a relief knowing my tank is unlikely to be leaking. I'll double check with the bubble test method too just to be sure.