CO2 system questions

[Templar]

Hey all,

I'm in the middle of getting a corny set up for lager. I have the corny, I have the fittings and I think know what I need in the way of a regulator. My problem is with the CO2.

Ideally we only need a small bottle, as we won't be using tonnes for the time being. Trouble is I can't find any bottles for sale in London. They're all oop noorth and none of them post (and I no longer have a car!)

Anyone got any hints?

Also, would I be able to use one of those S30 ones for the time being, or is that a massive waste of money?

Finally, is Ebay the only place to bother getting a tap? My mate really wants a Heineken one (His wife's Dutch) but the ones on ebay seem to be really expensive. Anyone know another place to get them cheap, other than from a pub that's closing?

Thanks!

 

[boab42stout]

Try gas cylinders uk they will deliver but it could cost cost you more as for taps you could get a used tap from ebay they are cheap just need a good clean.

 

[boab42stout]

You could also try norm he sells taps and co2 cylinders

 

[grmski]

You could do a quick search I've just found Londongases.co.uk who do free delivery and 3kg cylinders.

 

[Templar]

Cheers guys. I did a lot of google-fu last night (obviously after posting this message!) and was confused as to how much gas I'd need. Is 3kg enough for a good few brews? I found two that were interesting, but wasn't sure if 1.5kg was far too little (and therefore a massive waste of money) or if 3kg was plenty?

http://www.adamsgas.co.uk/index.php...g-trade-only2013-07-05-10-25-57-42-132-detail

I also looked on Londongasses and found this, but is Aquarium gas Ok? It would mean buying the bottle, which suits me better than renting it.

http://www.londongases.co.uk/view/aquarium-gas

 

[grmski]

A 6kg cylinder should dispense 14 11gallon barrels so based on that it should last you a good year.
I use one of these and am3 months into the first cylinder and there seems to be plenty left.

 

[Templar]

Ok, so we only have one 19 litre corny, so I'm sure 3 kgs would deliver enough to dispense 14 of those! But does that include carbonating it as well as dispensing it? Does it really matter which CO2 I get, or is an aquarium one OK?

Thanks again all.

 

[boab42stout]

I think aquarium co2 would be ok for dispensing i use a fire extinguisher company for my refills.3kgs would be fine fo 1 keg just make sure you dont have leaks.

 

[Templar]

 

[Templar]

 

[Templar]

 

[Templar]

We'll see if it's fourth time lucky and the forum lets me post this morning!

Thanks for the advice - do you think 3kgs would be enough to carbonate as well as dispense?

 

[Fil]

3kg of co2 will condition and serve a fair few corny fulls no problem.

if u can house a 3kg bottle why not a 6.5kg full size job?

gas bottles supplied on an exchange basis are the property of the supplier who is responsible for the safety certification and maintenance costs,

 

[Templar]

Thanks very much. We've gone for the smaller of the bottles because of women problems. I'm sure my mate's wife will be unhappy about a 3kg bottle and even less happy about a 6kg one!

Cheers for the advice though.