Co2 Tank Leaking?

[shaywood]

How can I tell if my C02 tank is leaking? I installed a calcium reactor two weeks ago. Initially the pressure in the tank was about 2500 PSI. Now it's about 1000. Does this mean that I'm loosing all my C02? I'm only using about 60 bubbles a minute for the reactor.

[tray262]

Mix soap water 50/50 in a spray bottle, spray done all fittings it will bubble at leaks. Also be sure not to get into water.

[golfish]

did you change out the teflon gasket\seal that seals the reg to the tank valve? I've found that that should be changed everytime you swap or fill your tank.

I might be wrong but I think they fill em to 1000 psi

[dougc]

I've never seen my gauge read much over about 1200. Mine sits at around 1000 until the tank is almost empty.

[PJSea]

The CO2 in a cylinder reaches a pressure determined by it's temperature. As long as there is liquid CO2 left in the tank the pressure remains constant. At room temperature the pressure is about 800 psi. At about 89F it will be around 1100 psi. (According to references, the CO2 actually cannot exist as a liquid above this temperature no matter what pressure it's at, but I don't want to get into that discussion.).
The pressure reading of 2500 psi could not have been correct. The 1000 psi readings are realistic. Once the liquid CO2 goes away, the pressure will drop off very rapidly.
CO2 cylinders are filled by weight, NOT pressure. A near empty cylinder will have the same pressure as a full one(at the same temperature). A 5lb. cylinder should be filled with 5 lbs. of CO2.
Dangers of Heat Exposure to CO₂ Cylinders

[tray262]

Also mostly all CO2 tanks come with a 1.8k burst disk. Therefore if you where at 2500 that would have blown. It's the hex head plug in the bottom of the reg on the tank. Check it out. It should have 1.8k stamped on it.