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I have 2 tanks; a 5 pound and a 20 pound. I bought the 20 pound one on Craigslist, and got the 5 lb one new.
There are some "gotchas". The tanks themselves need to be tested every...I want to say 5 years? The test runs about $25, but I've only found one place that does it, a fire extinguisher shop.
If you are not hung up on getting a new tank, Craigslist is the way to go. These tanks are used by homebrewers and often you will find one on Craigslist, posted by some guy getting out of the hobby. However, every other homebrewer will be trolling CL also waiting for these to pop up, so you have to act fast.
5lb tanks are a nice size. Not too heavy to move around. A 20# tank is pretty hefty.
Another advantage to buying a used tank is that you don't care if you get it filled or exchanged. Welding supply stores will usually exchange tanks instead of refilling for you on the spot. You drop your empty tank off and leave with a different filled tank. Quicker than waiting for the guy to fill your tank. The biggest advantage is that you can get rid of tanks with expired, or almost expired hydro-test certifications, saving you that $25 test fee.
I can speak with some authority on the topic; some of the postings you've read are probably mine.
I did use an aftermarket adapter to connect my SodaStream machine to an external CO2 tank.
The same guy that sells the adapter also makes one that fits paintball canisters, but I went with the larger "CGA" type tanks.
I have 2 tanks; a 5 pound and a 20 pound. I bought the 20 pound one on Craigslist, and got the 5 lb one new.
Overall, it is a much cheaper solution; especially if your machine gets the use that mine does. I make 2 liters per day nearly every day.
There are some "gotchas". The tanks themselves need to be tested every...I want to say 5 years? The test runs about $25, but I've only found one place that does it, a fire extinguisher shop. They stamp the tank with a date. No stamp, no refill. Also, the adapter leaks pretty good, so I have to remember to shut off the valve completely or I'll end up with an empty tank. That has happened more than once. (Once only a few days after I had the tank refilled. Fortunately it was the 5 pound tank, but I was still very angry with myself)
I'm also now using genuine Diet Coke syrup; another kind of kludgey hack. The mix ratio is different than the SodaStream syrups, so it takes some doing; I have to pour out about 6.75 ounces of the charged water, then fill to the line with the real syrup. Soda Stream's Diet Cola isn't bad, there's no beating real fresh fountain Diet Coke.
I tried this; worked pretty well, but I still like using large tanks better. There's some real potential for mayhem doing it.
I wrapped my SodaStream tank in some rubber stuff used to line shelves, then put it in a vice. Put a wrench on the brass nut and put a piece of pipe over the handle so I'd have lots of leverage and hit it with the sledge - came right off. I made sure the tank was completely empty. If it were under pressure, it could turn into a missile.
I found dry ice at Lowe's Foods. Smashed it up and used a funnel to fill it. Some thoughts:
1. Smashing dry ice? Not too smart. It will freeze your skin on contact, and it wants to go everywhere. Wear gloves and safety goggles.
2. Don't overfill that tank. I'm sure they engineer them pretty well, but I used a digital scale and didn't go too close to the stated weight. You could very easily make yourself a very dangerous pipe bomb.
When it was filled, and the valve screwed back on and hammered back tight, the whole thing got a layer of frozen frost on it for a few hours, then it all melted and was ready to use. Worked perfectly.
I might do it again if I ever needed to take my machine somewhere and didn't want to carry the tanks, but overall it left me with a case of heeby-jeebies.
This is an old thread, but in case anyone searches for it, Harbor Freight sells a 20 lb CO2 tank for $100. With the customary 20% coupons it's only $80. I see a lot of used 20# tanks on CL for $40-$60, after the recert you're close to a brand new nice clean tank that you can pickup any time. Just an FYI.
I had no idea you could refill CO2 w/ dry ice. That's neat. I have 12 oz bottles I use in my welder, but Dick's refills them for $3.
Probably the most dangerous part of putting dry ice in them according to that video is the stress that guy is putting on the value over and over by smashing it.
For about 500 bux (conservatively) you could get all the stuff you need to make 5 gallons of soda at a time kegerator style, including the fridge to keep it in :-D
Probably the most dangerous part of putting dry ice in them according to that video is the stress that guy is putting on the value over and over by smashing it.
For about 500 bux (conservatively) you could get all the stuff you need to make 5 gallons of soda at a time kegerator style, including the fridge to keep it in :-D
This is an old thread - but I've read people talking about "food grade" C02 vs industrial. No clue if it's true or just SS trying to fight people not buying refills.
Meanwhile - I thought I'd share this - we NEVER put the syrup in the carbonating bottles. Pour the clear C02 water into your glass and then add syrup to taste - you'll rarely ever need to clean the carbonating bottles. Also - we don't even measure the syrup either - just get a feel for how much of a spritz in the glass it takes to add the flavor you want and you're set! (Usually less than measuring by the capful). This would work for REAL Diet Coke too - I just wish I could get it in 1/2 gallon quantities - 5 gallons is too big.
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Diet Coke syrup
