Why is my CO2 used up so quickly?

[redsuns]

Hi guys, I am using a 2L CO2 tank and a JBJ Solenoid regulator for my 2 feet tank with shrimps. I set it at the max of 1bps, maybe even 2-3 seconds per bubble for 8 hours everyday. What is puzzling was how quickly the CO2 ran out. After I refilled it(instant refill, take home the same day kind), it lasted around a month, at that low bps and I took it back to the shop and he refilled it for me for the second time. This time round, it also lasted around a month. So I am puzzled.

1) Is my CO2 tank leaking somewhere?
2) Was it really filled up properly in the first place? The gauge on the left was at Black 50 when it was filled up, should it be the case?

I wish to know what might be the problem before I take the next course of action.

Thanks in advance!

The following is a picture of my gauge currently, there are still CO2 coming out but I guess it wouldn't take too long for that to end.

[Shadow]

You can check for leak using soap bubble.

Normally, as long as there is liquid CO2 inside, the left gauge will show around 1000psi (the outer marking, red color). If you see only black 50 (~700psi), that mean it is no fully refill.

[|squee|]

Just asking, did you fill it up at Bioplast at Boon Keng?

Also, when you saw the 50PSI needle position, was the main gauge fully opened up?

[redsuns]

You can check for leak using soap bubble.

Normally, as long as there is liquid CO2 inside, the left gauge will show around 1000psi (the outer marking, red color). If you see only black 50 (~700psi), that mean it is no fully refill.

That time we tried it at the LFS, seems ok using the soap bubble.

Ya, I was checking around the forum and it seems I should be getting 1000 psi instead, but twice the refill was around 700psi. I heard from my friends that the instant refill cant really fill it to full as compared to those sent by the LFS to top up? Is that true?

Just asking, did you fill it up at Bioplast at Boon Keng?

Also, when you saw the 50PSI needle position, was the main gauge fully opened up?

Nope, it wasnt there, was thinking of going there the next time, heard they are quite professional?

The main gauge was turned to the max, while I later turned it to 3/4 open.

[|squee|]

I used to go to Bioplast to refill my 2L tank too until I heard of the "instant refill can't really fill it" rumour, then I decided to upgrade to a 3.5L CO2 tank from NA.

And yes, you should be getting 1000 PSI. Since you say it's around 700 PSI whenever you return from the shop, they might not be refilling it properly for you.

Bioplast always fills mine up to 1000 PSI though.

[redsuns]

I used to go to Bioplast to refill my 2L tank too until I heard of the "instant refill can't really fill it" rumour, then I decided to upgrade to a 3.5L CO2 tank from NA.

And yes, you should be getting 1000 PSI. Since you say it's around 700 PSI whenever you return from the shop, they might not be refilling it properly for you.

Bioplast always fills mine up to 1000 PSI though.

Ah..Icic..I was thinking of trying Bioplast next and if it doesn't last that long again, might get another tank from NA as well...space is my constraint though...so might not be able to upgrade to a bigger one..

Btw how long did the 2l refill last for you?

[|squee|]

It used to last at least 6 months or so when I was using a normal ceramic diffuser.

Now that I'm using one of those new fancy high pressure in-line diffusers, it barely lasted me 3 months or so. That's why I changed to a 3.5L one from NA; two birds with one stone. Eliminate the possibility of insufficient top up as well.

[Shadow]

Actually 1000 psi just telling you that there are still liquid form CO2 inside. It does not tell whether it is full or not. Normally they will weight the tank to determine whether fully re-fill or not.

You can actually get another tank for backup. That way you no need to worry about on the spot re-fill.

[redsuns]

It used to last at least 6 months or so when I was using a normal ceramic diffuser.

Now that I'm using one of those new fancy high pressure in-line diffusers, it barely lasted me 3 months or so. That's why I changed to a 3.5L one from NA; two birds with one stone. Eliminate the possibility of insufficient top up as well.

Wow, no matter what its way more than mine, I am using the boyu inline diffuser and it should probably still last much longer than that(1 month)..I guess I either need to get a NA tank or get another backup tank then..

Actually 1000 psi just telling you that there are still liquid form CO2 inside. It does not tell whether it is full or not. Normally they will weight the tank to determine whether fully re-fill or not.

You can actually get another tank for backup. That way you no need to worry about on the spot re-fill.

Oh, so if its refilled and it shows 700psi, means there are no liquid co2 in there? I was concerned about the space it will take up(which triggers parents to make noise :P), that is why I didn't get a backup tank. Maybe will invest in a NA tank instead..

[redsuns]

It used to last at least 6 months or so when I was using a normal ceramic diffuser.

Now that I'm using one of those new fancy high pressure in-line diffusers, it barely lasted me 3 months or so. That's why I changed to a 3.5L one from NA; two birds with one stone. Eliminate the possibility of insufficient top up as well.

Btw, did/can you "trade in" your 2L tank at NA?

[Shadow]

NA tank is good alternative. I don't think NA will take other tank except their own

[|squee|]

Btw, did/can you "trade in" your 2L tank at NA?

Yeap, but I think I got fleeced. I advise you to ask how much a 3.5L tank (without solenoid) costs first, then ask how much it will be if you traded your old tank in.

I can't remember the price I traded mine in but on hindsight I realised I should have done the above instead of asking how much it is to trade in outright.

Also, Shadow is right. 1000 PSI just means there's liquid CO2 inside. The pressure reading will drop once all the liquid CO2 has been used up and there's only gaseous CO2 in the tank. This is a great link to read more: http://www.warpig.com/paintball/tech...dynamics.shtml

The 3.5L tank isn't much bigger than a 2L tank. More stable too; it's slightly wider at the base.

BTW, you did check your bubble counter and check valve for leaks too right?

[redsuns]

Yeap, but I think I got fleeced. I advise you to ask how much a 3.5L tank (without solenoid) costs first, then ask how much it will be if you traded your old tank in.

I can't remember the price I traded mine in but on hindsight I realised I should have done the above instead of asking how much it is to trade in outright.

Also, Shadow is right. 1000 PSI just means there's liquid CO2 inside. The pressure reading will drop once all the liquid CO2 has been used up and there's only gaseous CO2 in the tank. This is a great link to read more: http://www.warpig.com/paintball/tech...dynamics.shtml

The 3.5L tank isn't much bigger than a 2L tank. More stable too; it's slightly wider at the base.

BTW, you did check your bubble counter and check valve for leaks too right?

Alright, thanks for the advice and the link!

Yup, I had a glance at setup and looks like 3.5L tank would be the max I can go..haha

No, I didnt check my bubble counter and check valves...hmmm, check the connection with the CO2 tubes or?

[|squee|]

Check those as well. Especially the joints, they sometimes have cracks. Personally I don't have a bubble counter (all the bubble counters I bought leak water) and just use a metal check valve.

Your CO2 tubes should be ok since you're using the high pressure kind.

[redsuns]

Check those as well. Especially the joints, they sometimes have cracks. Personally I don't have a bubble counter (all the bubble counters I bought leak water) and just use a metal check valve.

Your CO2 tubes should be ok since you're using the high pressure kind.

Hmmm, using the soap method as well ya?

I have a number of check valves(kiasu), think 4? Haha..all plastics and 1 glass, while my bubble counter is the common plastic kind. I hope they are not leaking man....looks like my CO2 cant last for another week already, any idea if bioplast opens today?

[|squee|]

Yeap soap method. I think at most 2 check valves are enough. Get a metal one if you like, it's supposed to be better quality.

[redsuns]

Safe to do it while the setup is connected to my tank? If some of those get into my tank,

I checked out the metal ones online and they looks good, might try them instead. 2, 1 for in to bubble counter and the other at the out of the bubble counter?

[bryan]

Check EVERY joint possible. From cylinder valves right down to the check valves before it goes into the water. My first regulator was leaking from the gauge joints.

[redsuns]

Managed to top up at Bioplast but realised the gauge shows 700psi again and not 1000....


I came across this "NA" symbol on my CO2, can any guys who have an NA Tank verify if this is indeed how NA marks their tank?


Thanks in advance!

[Kenng]

It used to last at least 6 months or so when I was using a normal ceramic diffuser.

Now that I'm using one of those new fancy high pressure in-line diffusers, it barely lasted me 3 months or so. That's why I changed to a 3.5L one from NA; two birds with one stone. Eliminate the possibility of insufficient top up as well.

Wow 6 months, then something must be wrong with mine. My 2L refilled from Seaview only lasted 2 months with solenoid valve turned on for 8 hrs per day.
Done the leak check when I got the refill and had no problem.