Let's talk CO2 gas cylinders...

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So, i'm contemplating buying a CO2 cylinder on Craigslist to make fizzy water with a Sodastream. As you guys use gas cylinders daily, there's probably nobody better to ask.For CO2 cylinders, does it matter if i use an aluminum cylinder or a high pressure steel cylinder??When shopping for a cylinder on CL, is there any sure fire way to distinguish an "ownership" cylinder vs. a shady rental cylinder that someone has put for sale? Furthermore, do CO2 cylinders have a neck ring like Argon cylinders that help identify ownership?I saw Zapster's link to Airgas's cylinder marking webpage. Do all tank refillers and manufacturers stamp their hydro test dates the same? (Craigslist has tanks from everybody, not just from Airgas)Is there a way to tell if a CO2 tank is a non siphon tank, vs a siphon tank???Thanks!!
Reply:Ok, you've got a lot of questions.  But first, I've got a few for you that would make a big difference in my reply.Are you looking to connect a cylinder directly to the SodaStream, or are you looking to refill SodaStream cylinders?As for aluminum vs steel, for CO2 service, it really does not matter.  Aluminum is lighter, and that's what I've got.  All of my higher pressure cylinders are steel though.I've never seen a rental CO2 cylinder, although I suppose it must exist somewhere.  Most CO2 cylinders are too small to be rentals.  They're most used by restaurants for soda use, and 20# cylinders it the most popular size.  That size is also used as a fire extinguisher, and if you can get a CO2 fire extinguisher for a few bucks, it makes a great deal as a trade in cylinder.Refillers do not stamp hydro test dates.  The hydro tester stamps them.  Yes, the stamps are always in the same format, in the USYour supplier would know if the tank is siphon or not.  If you're refilling paintball sized tanks (like refilling SodaStream "carbonators"), then you want a siphon.  If you're connecting directly to the SodaStream, you would not want a siphon.There are markings to identify a siphon tank, but there is no convention on these markings, and vary widely, so don't guess.  Just ask.
Reply:There's someone far better to ask. Tell the Craigslist guy to meet you at the place you plan on using for refilling.If they OK it, pay the guy and call it a day.Bubble gumTooth pixDuct tapeBlack glueGBMF hammerScrew gun --bad battery (see above)
Reply:Co2 is a low pressure gas, so I prefer AL tanks because they are light. if the tank is painted Blue or Red, or has Pepsi or Coke stamped around the top then it is owned by that company. otherwise not many 20lb co2 cylinders are not private party ownership. like Burpee said best thing to do if you don't know is meet at a gas shop.Dynasty 200DXPassport plus w/ spoolmate 100victor 315c oxy/(act and prop)Miller digital elitemilwaukee power tools
Reply:Likely good advise for anyone who buys used oxy/argon/acetylene/random cylinders.It would solve the "I bought it but can't get it filled" problems that occur fairly often it seems.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:You may want to check out an aquarium forum. I had an aluminum co2 tank for my freshwater planted tank. Planted tank dot net is a good forum.
Reply:Originally Posted by turkCo2 is a low pressure gas, so I prefer AL tanks because they are light. if the tank is painted Blue or Red, or has Pepsi or Coke stamped around the top then it is owned by that company. otherwise not many 20lb co2 cylinders are not private party ownership. like Burpee said best thing to do if you don't know is meet at a gas shop.
Reply:Blue is Pepsi, Red is Coke. Not to say that someone ahead of your CL seller would have exchanged the cylinder at another welding distributor. There should be a label on the shoulder of the last place that filled the cylinder. Some welding distributors will sell their cylinders to private parties, depends on the market. I'd find out who filled it and give them a call. Get a receipt.  If the cylinder is out of test, you may be allowed to exchange cylinders and pay the filler a test fee. As long as you exchange cylinders in a reasonable amount of time, you should always get an exchange cylinder that's in test. Yes, there is a difference in purity between industrial and food grade. Food grade may be filled at a different facility where the cylinders are separated from industrials.Unless you know what you're doing and have the proper equipment, I'd stay away from doing any cylinder filling.  But that's just me.
Reply:Originally Posted by gottarollwithitAs for siphon or not... I'm unsure of whether i'm going to refill small paintball gas cylinders or will just hook the tank up directly to the SodaStream.What happens if i use a non siphon tank hosed directly to the SodaStream? Also, does it matter if i use siphon or non siphon when filling paintball gas cylinders?