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A guide to CO2 cylinders

Carbondioxide

Carbondioxide

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Location
Scotland
IMG_4074.JPGThere are quite a few Different types of cylinders available for us in our aquariums, and people are often confused about which kind of cylinder and what connections it may use.

These can be split into two main types.

Standard refillable cylinders, including CO2 Fire Extinguishers​

These include various sizes (1kg, 2kg, 5kg etc.), available from places like BOC, Energas, Pub gas suppliers, Hydroponics and Aquatic shops.
In most countries like Europe, Oceania and Asia, the connection is called BS341 / DIN477 / W21.8x14, but also you may find other names depending on the region:
  • German Standard DIN 477 No.6
  • Swiss Standard SN 219505 No.7
  • British Standard BS 341 No.8
  • French Standard NF type C
  • Spanish Standard ITC EP-6, Tipo C
  • Netherland Standard NEN 3268, RU 1
  • Italy Standard UNI 4406
  • Australian / Oceania Standard Type 30
  • Japan JIS B 8246
In North America, the connection standard is CGA320 and is used in most refillable CO2 tanks.

Smaller types of disposable and refillable bottles​

These can be split into three types.
  1. Sodastream (Contain around 500g of CO2) :
  2. These have special threads only produced by SodaStream. These are all the same connections except if you get the cylinders from New Zealand or Australia, which are different from the rest of the world.
  3. You need a specially designed adapter to use it with a standard CO2 regulator: https://www.co2art.co.uk/collections/co2-accessories/products/new-pro-series-co2-adapter-for-paintball-sodastream-disposable.
  4. The huge advantage of this type of bottle is that you can obtain them from most supermarkets worldwide.
  5. Non-aquatic disposable types.
  6. DIY disposable welding CO2. They contain 500g, 600g and 1kg of CO2. The connection Is an M10x1. These can be bought at places like Machine Mart, Halfords, eBay etc. You need a specially designed adapter with a standard CO2 regulator: Aquarium CO2 Accessories.
  7. Aquatic disposable cartridge type.
This is the most expensive way of adding co2 to your aquarium. These come in various sizes ranging from 20-95g. These cartridges are not refillable, and all the different makers use their unique connections for their type of regulator. They can be bought from your local fish shop and eBay.
Those are a few examples of different thread types used in disposable cartridges :
3/8-24UNF - 16g cylinder
5/8-24UNF - 74g cylinder
M16*1.5 - 95g cylinder
 
What is your recommendation regarding replacement of refillable CO2 cylinders, whether aluminium or steel? I was told by the shop I bought mine from to change CO2 cylinders every 10 years. (from manufacturing date on the cylinder)
 
erwin123 said:
erwin123 said:
What is your recommendation regarding replacement of refillable CO2 cylinders, whether aluminium or steel? I was told by the shop I bought mine from to change CO2 cylinders every 10 years. (from manufacturing date on the cylinder)
Click to expand...
The general advice is to replace Steel CO2 cyclinders once they are 10 years old. I would trust your supplier. Most refill centres advise the same. It is the standard regulation for high pressure cylinders. You can find the correct date which can be found on the neck of most cylinders.
Click to expand...
 
Carbondioxide said:
View attachment 193307There are quite a few Different types of cylinders available for us in our aquariums, and people are often confused about which kind of cylinder and what connections it may use.

These can be split into two main types.

Standard refillable cylinders, including CO2 Fire Extinguishers​

These include various sizes (1kg, 2kg, 5kg etc.), available from places like BOC, Energas, Pub gas suppliers, Hydroponics and Aquatic shops.
In most countries like Europe, Oceania and Asia, the connection is called BS341 / DIN477 / W21.8x14, but also you may find other names depending on the region:
  • German Standard DIN 477 No.6
  • Swiss Standard SN 219505 No.7
  • British Standard BS 341 No.8
  • French Standard NF type C
  • Spanish Standard ITC EP-6, Tipo C
  • Netherland Standard NEN 3268, RU 1
  • Italy Standard UNI 4406
  • Australian / Oceania Standard Type 30
  • Japan JIS B 8246
In North America, the connection standard is CGA320 and is used in most refillable CO2 tanks.

Smaller types of disposable and refillable bottles​

These can be split into three types.
  1. Sodastream (Contain around 500g of CO2) :
  2. These have special threads only produced by SodaStream. These are all the same connections except if you get the cylinders from New Zealand or Australia, which are different from the rest of the world.
  3. You need a specially designed adapter to use it with a standard CO2 regulator: https://www.co2art.co.uk/collections/co2-accessories/products/new-pro-series-co2-adapter-for-paintball-sodastream-disposable.
  4. The huge advantage of this type of bottle is that you can obtain them from most supermarkets worldwide.
  5. Non-aquatic disposable types.
  6. DIY disposable welding CO2. They contain 500g, 600g and 1kg of CO2. The connection Is an M10x1. These can be bought at places like Machine Mart, Halfords, eBay etc. You need a specially designed adapter with a standard CO2 regulator: Aquarium CO2 Accessories.
  7. Aquatic disposable cartridge type.
This is the most expensive way of adding co2 to your aquarium. These come in various sizes ranging from 20-95g. These cartridges are not refillable, and all the different makers use their unique connections for their type of regulator. They can be bought from your local fish shop and eBay.
Those are a few examples of different thread types used in disposable cartridges :
3/8-24UNF - 16g cylinder
5/8-24UNF - 74g cylinder
M16*1.5 - 95g cylinder
Click to expand...
Love these guides and short articles. Great job. Keep them coming 👍
 
We can always learn something new from one another no matter how experienced we are. Either way, the effort and time taken to write the guides and articles is always appreciated.
 
Carbondioxide said:
In a group like UKAPS, it is difficult to post something helpful. Most members are already experienced.
Click to expand...
Not everybody is experienced so these articles do help a lot of people so keep 'em coming
 
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