Sources for filling CO2 tank in the MD area?

[wade]

Preferably west of DC (Frederick > Leesburg > G'burg > Rockville).

 

I have a 50lb CO2 tank that I will need to have filled and have not yet found a source.

 

Anyone have experience with a local place? What it the pricing like?

[scott711]

Robert's Oxygen

[xabo]

http://wamas.org/forums/topic/3664-roberts-oxygen-discount/

[wade]

Wow. I totally missed that when I searched. Thanks!

[Brian Ward]

At one time they also offered a WAMAS discount. Not sure if they still do.

[wade]

"Refill - Roberts will NOT refill CO2 cylinders."

 

Darn.

[STEVE]

"Refill - Roberts will NOT refill CO2 cylinders."

 

Darn.

 

I did'nt think this was true, unless they changed thier policy.

[Coral Hind]

This old thread might have some info for you. Check home brews shops or fire extinguiser shops too, they also use CO2.

 

http://wamas.org/forums/topic/43574-where-to-go-for-co2/?do=findComment&comment=366888

[STEVE]

I heard Bars by Bud in Fairfax, VA fills on the spot. Have not verified it though.

[STEVE]

I just called them and verified it, they DO refill on the spot while you wait!

 

5lb bottle is $23

10lb bottle is $34

 

BARS BY BUD MEPHAM

8302 HILLTOP ROAD

FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA 22031-1527

U.S.A.

 

PHONE NUMBER ( 703 ) 573-1010

[DCReefer1964]

Robert's Oxygen

+1

[wade]

Thanks Steve. Fairfax is a haul. Good to have options though. I'll keep digging to see if there is anything closer to home.

[mr.x-ray]

I heard Bars by Bud in Fairfax, VA fills on the spot. Have not verified it though.

Thanks. That's right across the road from my office. Didn't even know after 2 1/2 years of driving right by.

[Origami]

You can also try paintball places, Wade. A 50# cylinder is kind of large, though. I'd call first.

 

I think that Roberts will trade out your cylinder with a full one. I've only done that with one of their cylinders, but it's worth a call to to see if they'll take yours and give you a full replacement.

 

Bars by Bud Mepham in Merrifield does refill your cylinder while you wait. I've had them refill mine in the past. Again, a 50# cylinder is kind of large....

[AlanM]

I trade in cylinders to Roberts once a month. They refilled one for me a year ago when i showed up at their production facility near the train tracks, but they were grumpy about it.

 

If youre ever in Hyattsville you can get it filled at F and M Fire protection. Fandmfire.com is the website. They will fill while you wait. They have lots of antique extinguishers to check out while you wait too. Like a museum.

[YHSublime]

I trade in cylinders to Roberts once a month. They refilled one for me a year ago when i showed up at their production facility near the train tracks, but they were grumpy about it.

 

If youre ever in Hyattsville you can get it filled at F and M Fire protection. Fandmfire.com is the website. They will fill while you wait. They have lots of antique extinguishers to check out while you wait too. Like a museum.

 

I don't understand why somebody would be grumpy about making money? <sigh>

[wade]

So I called a couple of brewing supply and air supply places. Most are distributors for Airgas and will not fill personal tanks. However, Airgas said they will do it, but it takes about 1.5 weeks to send it down the road to the warehouse to get it done. That said, he quoted me $30 to fill my 50lb tank. Would suck in real time, so I may have to consider a smaller stand-in tank to fill the gap, but its not a bad deal cost-wise.

 

This is the shop in Frederick MD.

 

Cheers

[Coral Hind]

I wasn't pleased by the refill I got from Bars by Bud. It seemed weak and I had to really increase bubble count to get the pH lowered. It was almost like it was mixed with air.

[Coral Hind]

Why such a large cylinder? Do you really use that much CO2 on your system?

[hypertech]

Thanks Steve. Fairfax is a haul. Good to have options though. I'll keep digging to see if there is anything closer to home.

 

50 lb is a big freaking CO2 tank. You shouldnt have to go often.

Edited March 15, 2013 by hypertech

[wade]

I adopted the cylinder along with a bunch of other reef equipment many years ago. It was free. Hard to pass that up and then there's no reason to worry about refilling very often.