Paintball tanks, also commonly referred to as compressed air tanks or CO2 tanks, are tanks filled with a gas, either compressed air or carbon dioxide (CO2). These tanks are used to power paintball markers – the tools used to shoot paintballs – and allow a paintball marker to be refilled quickly and easily with a canister.
Compressed air tanks are the most popular options for paintball, as they are generally more reliable, provide more shots per fill, and are easier to transport and maintain than CO2 tanks. CO2 tanks may still be preferred, however, as they are cheaper to purchase and require less set-up work compared to compressed air tanks.
Additionally, some paintball markers are specifically designed to work with CO2 tanks only. Regardless of the type of tank used, all compressed air and CO2 tanks have to be frequently tested and re-charged, have to have their pressure regulated by a regulator, and need to be stored responsibly in a secured upright position, away from heat sources.
How do paintball tanks work?
Paintball tanks are pressurized tanks filled with CO2 or HPA (high pressure air) that attach to the bottom of a paintball marker, or gun, to provide the propulsion necessary to fire paintballs. They come in two varieties: CO2 and HPA.
CO2 tanks contain liquid Carbon Dioxide and are filled with a certain amount of pressure. HPA tanks are pressurized using an air compressor and contain air at a higher pressure than a CO2 tank.
The air from both types of tanks is released via an adapter with a pin valve, connected to the paintball marker’s valve body and trigger switch. Pressure is regulated inside the tank by a regulator that controls the amount of air that is released when the trigger is pulled.
This pressurized air is what propels the paintball out of the marker, giving it its range and accuracy.
The size of your tank will depend on the size of your marker and the pressure used within it. Generally, a higher pressure marker will require a bigger tank to store a larger amount of pressurized air.
Additionally, a larger tank will need to be refilled less often and will typically provide you with more shots before needing a refill. However, larger tanks can also make a paintball marker heavier and harder to transport.
Do paintball air tanks come filled?
Paintball air tanks come both filled and unfilled from many retailers. Stores that sell regulated compressed air, such as dive shops, typically fill the tanks for a fee when purchased. On the other hand, many sporting goods stores and paintball specialty shops usually do not fill tanks.
Instead, they are typically sold unfilled and customers will have to take the tank to a third-party facility for filling. It is important to note that tanks have to meet certain requirements and have the required certification before they can be filled.
This means that unbeknownst to the consumer, their tank may need to be refilled and recertified. Lastly, it is important to remember to always use paintball gear and safety equipment properly and stay within safety guidelines while playing to prevent accidents involving pressurized tanks.
Which is better for paintball air or CO2?
It really depends on the circumstances and what your specific needs are.
Air is better in terms of access, availability, cost and safety. Air is more accessible and available than CO2 and is available almost everywhere, even a sporting goods store. Air is also much less expensive than CO2, especially in smaller tanks.
Lastly, air is much safer than CO2 since it is non-flammable and usually has no adverse effects on human health.
CO2, however, has its advantages. CO2 increases ball velocity and accuracy which adds to the realism of the sport. This can be especially advantageous for tournaments and professional paintball. In addition, CO2 tanks are much smaller and easier to maneuver, which is great for woodsball or other scenarios where weight and portability are important.
In the end, it really depends on what you need out of your paintball equipment. If you’re just looking for a few casual rounds of paintball with friends, air is a great option. However, if you need maximum accuracy and power in tournaments, then CO2 might be the way to go.
Can you put air in a CO2 paintball tank?
No, you cannot put air in a CO2 paintball tank. CO2 paintball tanks use carbon dioxide as the main propellant, and as such, must be filled with liquid CO2. Air is not a suitable propellant for a paintball gun because it does not provide enough gas-pressure force for the propellant to work correctly.
In order for a paintball gun to work properly and fire accurately, it needs the consistent and steady power of liquid CO2 to provide consistent gas-pressure. If a paintball tank was filled with air instead of the proper propellant, the paintball gun would not have the pressure needed to fire accurately, and would instead fire erratically and at much slower velocities than normal.
How much does it cost to fill a paintball CO2 tank?
The cost of filling a paintball CO2 tank can vary significantly depending on where you go and the size of the tank. Generally, it is between $5 to $15 to fill a 20 oz. tank. Tanks can range in size from 2.
5 oz all the way up to 24 oz, and the price per fill will increase accordingly. It is important to check with your local paintball or sporting goods store or outdoor activity venue ahead of time to make sure they have the tanks and CO2 available, as well as the corresponding cost.
Where can I get a paintball CO2 tank filled?
You can get your paintball CO2 tank filled at most paintball stores, sporting good stores, gun stores and filling locations, or paintball fields. Many paintball fields offer onsite tank filling, or you may be able to find a business that specializes in CO2 refills.
You can also buy a personal tank refill kit which typically consists of an adapter, charging hose, and bottle of CO2. Just be sure to check local laws before buying and using a personal tank refill kit, as they may be prohibited in certain areas.
Additionally, you may look into purchasing a paintball CO2 tank with your own integrated valve and regulator, which will allow you to refill CO2 tanks at home.
Can I fill my own CO2 tank?
No, you cannot fill your own CO2 tank. To do so requires special training and safety equipment. The process is complicated and requires a rental or ownership of specialized equipment. For these reasons, it is recommended that you take your tank to a local CO2 supplier in order to get it filled.
CO2 tanks must be tested and inspected regularly and refilling your own tank could put you at risk of injury or death.
Are CO2 tanks explosive?
The short answer to this question is: no, CO2 tanks are not explosive. The reason CO2 tanks are not explosive is because of the properties of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is non-flammable and is used in a variety of different industries due to its inert nature.
Carbon dioxide is also non-toxic, so it does not have products that can create an explosive reaction.
However, it is important to understand that CO2 tanks could become dangerous if exterior factors warrant it. That is, CO2 tanks are still subject to the normal safety regulations set for pressurized tanks.
The material of the tank must be certified for use at the pressure that the tank will be operating at, and should include all of the necessary equipment such as relief valves and pressure gauges. The tank should also be inspected frequently to ensure that it is functioning properly and that there are no areas that can become weakened or damaged.
In addition, CO2 tanks should never be used in an environment containing combustible materials such as solvents, paint thinners, or gasoline. These materials can react to the presence of CO2 and create a fire hazard or even an explosion.
So while CO2 tanks are not explosive inherently, it is essential that all safety measures are taken when handling, storing, and using them to make sure that they cannot become a danger.
Is HPA better than CO2?
The answer to this question really depends on what you are looking for and how you intend to use either HPA (high-pressure air) or CO2 (carbon dioxide). Generally speaking, HPA is more preferred than CO2 as it is more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective.
HPA is a more efficient choice because it has a higher rate of flow and can produce more power with less input. Additionally, it is more reliable, as it does not require refills as CO2 does. Additionally, it is much safer than CO2 as it is non-flammable and non-toxic.
Finally, HPA is more cost-effective than CO2 in the long-run. Despite the higher initial cost of acquiring a HPA-based system, it will become more economical as you will not need to frequently replenish your CO2 tanks compared to HPA.
Furthermore, HPA is more efficient and reliable than CO2, meaning that you’ll be able to get more bang for your buck in the long run.
Ultimately, whether HPA or CO2 is better for your purposes depends on the specific application and the cost-benefit analysis you perform.
What do I need to fill my paintball tank?
In order to fill a paintball tank, you will need a tank, a paintball gun, CO2 propellant, an adapter, an air compressor, a safety regulator and a fill station. The tank is typically made of lightweight aluminum and can hold anywhere from 20 to 90 ounces of CO2.
The paintball gun is used to connect the tank to the air source. It is necessary to use an adapter to convert from the small tank thread on the paintball gun to the large CO2 thread on the tank. The air compressor is used to fill the tank with CO2 which is the propellant for firing the ammunition.
The safety regulator is an additional feature to adjust the air pressure coming out of the tank. Lastly, the fill station is the enclosed system used to fill the tank and it is typically found only at paintball supply stores.
Do paintball guns need air?
Yes, paintball guns need air in order to operate. The air supplies the pressure necessary to propel the paintball from the barrel of the gun. Most paintball guns use either a Highly Compressed Air (HPA) tank, often referred to as a compressed air tank, or Carbon Dioxide (CO2) tank to provide the power necessary to fire the paintball.
HPA tanks are typically filled with compressed air and regulated to a much lower pressure that is less than or equal to the rating of the paintball gun. The CO2 tank is filled with liquid CO2 that is forced into a gaseous state when a regulator valve is open, creating pressure within the tank.
This pressure is then released through the regulator valve and fed into the paintball gun, providing the necessary power to fire the paintball.
Can you shoot a paintball gun without a air tank?
No, you cannot shoot a paintball gun without an air tank. Paintball guns require a power source to be able to fire, and most models require a CO2 or compressed air tank in order to do so. The tank provides pressurized gas that propels the paintball out of the gun.
Without the air tank, the paintball gun will not be able to fire and will be rendered useless.
What kind of air does a paintball gun use?
Paintball guns typically use compressed air to propel the paintballs. Including High Pressure Air (HPA) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2). HPA is a cylinder filled with highly compressed air, which is then regulated to a suitable shooting pressure and connected to the gun via an air system, such as a macro line hose.
CO2 tanks are universally accepted, but are an older technology than HPA. They are filled with liquid CO2 and when used, the liquid is converted to a gas to propel the paintball. CO2 is limited in cold climates as it is not as consistent at lower temperatures, while HPA is less affected by temperature changes and provides a more predictable and consistent power source.
Ultimately, most paintball guns can use either compressed air option, so the best option for you will depend on your particular needs and preferences.
Can you leave an HPA tank full?
Yes, you can leave an HPA tank full. HPA tanks are designed to hold a certain amount of pressure, and so because of this, you can typically leave them full for extended periods of time. However, it is a good idea to check the pressure on your tank periodically to ensure it is at the correct pressure.
If the pressure falls too low, you should refill the tank, as this can cause damage to the tank and its fittings. Additionally, if you plan to store a tank for an extended period of time, it is a good idea to reduce the pressure in the tank before storing it and to check it periodically while in storage.
What’s better co2 or compressed air for paintball?
The answer to this question is largely dependent on personal preference and what type of paintball you are playing. If you intend to play recreational paintball, then the choice of CO2 or Compressed Air is often based on availability and convenience.
Compressed air provides more consistent power and accuracy and is generally easier to regulate. It is also more friendly to the environment, as it does not produce as much waste as CO2. On the other hand, CO2 is cheaper, more widely available in many places, and easier to refill.
Additionally, it is also better for low temperatures and can provide more power, which is beneficial for tournament play. Ultimately, both CO2 and Compressed Air can provide an enjoyable experience when playing paintball, so the final decision comes down to personal preference.
How long will a 20oz CO2 tank last for paintball?
The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors such as the type of paintball gun used, how often the gun is fired and the level of CO2 pressure. Generally speaking, a 20oz CO2 tank will last anywhere from 300-1800 shots depending on these conditions.
To give a more specific answer, the rate of consumption would depend on the flow rate of the specific gun: if it’s a high-efficiency electronic gun, it may get up to 1800 shots per tank, whereas a mechanical paintball gun may only get 300-500 shots per tank.
Additionally, a lower pressure setting can also extend the life of a tank. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to always bring extra CO2 tanks when playing paintball, because you never know when you may run out.
