Steel Cylinder Question. For Planted Tanks

[kenneth_kpe]

Im having a really hard time sourcing a steel co2 cylinder thats only 5-10 pounds. So far I can only find cylinders that are as tall as me, and those tanks are way too big!.

Anyway I found a shop willing to refit an oxygen cylinder to use co2 (change the valve and hydrotest the cylinder). Is it safe ? Are oxygen cylinders and co2 cylinders different ?

 

[Fire_an_Ice]

Not sure myself, but (hope you dont mind) I've forwarded your question to a friend of mine who's a chemical engineer...watch this space...

F&I B)

 

[kenneth_kpe]

of course I dont mind ! thanks !!

 

[Fire_an_Ice]

Right matey. Isn't email a wonderful thing?? *g*

Before I post this, just to cover my own back as well as my friends, this doesn't constitute blood-set-in stone fact. It's just advice to the best of his knowledge. He says anything you do try should be checked out with a reputable manufacturer (which he's recommended) Right now that THAT cr*p's out of the way...


Co2 is acidic and can eat steel in the right conditions. Air Products ( www.airproducts.com ) make small cylinders, certainly of the size you would be considering for a fish tank (about a foot long)
I wouldn't have thought there'd be a problem with reusing the cylinder, but why would you hydrotest it if you're going to put compressed gas in it- they are two different things!

From a safety point of view- oxygen burns very easily and co2 is an asphyxiant so you wouldn't really want a leak.

As for difference- I'm not sure but I would guess that a cylinder is a cylinder....


Hope all this helps, let me know if theres anything else I can sort for you...good luck!

F&I B)

 

[kenneth_kpe]

I see I see, so far its good to go ! I think they hydrotest is because co2 stored in cylinders is in liquid form