2 replies to this topic

[Brule]

Howdy,So as much fun as bottling is, I'm looking toward getting a couple kegs. As of now I don't have the time/money/space for a full kegerator, so I'm mostly just looking for kegging supplies and have a few questions.I don't have much for LHBS so I've been dealing with Midwest and they do have solid service/good products. They have a duel tap system with 2 "refurb" cornys and a 5lb tank for $200. ($225ish with shipping) So that's my baseline but I'm looking to save cash or at least get more bang for my buck.1. When getting a refurb, are new O-rings good enough or should I look at kegs that have had their poppets and pressure valves replaced?2. I have a 10 year old or so 24oz paintball gun CO2 tank. (if I can find it) Could this be used? Do they require special attachments or not even worth it because it wouldn't last long?3. There are so many places selling these kegs, from new to sticker covered and not even clean. Any suggestions on a better place to purchase? It'd be asking too much for someone in the Lincoln, Nebraska area to have them I suppose, so shipping will probably hurt.4. I know that commercial kegs don't last as long unchilled. If I used a chill plate setup with homebrew, could I keep the kegs at 70 ambient and keep on tap or is chilling basicly required for the force carb?Thanks in advance for any answers, they would be very much appreciated. I've been lurking here since not long after this place got going and it seems like a solid group. I actually saw it in Hightest's sig on another forum and because of the extremely high quality of his mead posts, thought it would be worth checking out. Brule

[BarelyBrews]

attempting answers/ and WELCOME to the board. 1. I would say if the keg holds some pressure in the store you probably don't need to replace poppets and pressure valves, the O-rings are cheap and i highly recommend changing them out. 2.Don't buy a CO2 tank until you can find out where you can exchange/or fill it. A lot of paintball places i have gone too have trouble filling it. And i could of saved a pretty penny by just paying the deposit on a tank instead of the new one i exchanged for a filled tank and have never saw again( NO im not bitter)I have thought possibly a paintball CO2 tank may work. I don't have one to try.3. I don't think NEW kegs are neccesary , once the fridge door is closed usually one does not see them anyhow just the glass of homebrew.I would try used if you can from a homebrew shop where you can see the items yourself. I am somewhat leary of buying offline , unless there a reputable business that has a time honered reputation. 4. I would not know your answers about the commercial kegs sorry.

Edited by Kegdude, 15 May 2009 - 05:04 AM.

[Cliff Claven]

Your paint ball tank will work. The regulator will not depress the pin on the tank so you need a $20 adapter to depress it.IIRC the paint ball place told me the 9oz tanks I purchased should push 2-3 5g kegs. Perfect for traveling. If you can pick up 2 more tanks for standby that would be best.I sure hope the beer stays good when warm. That is were most of my bottles are stored! Serriously, How would you keep the cold plate cold? Submerge in ice when you want to serve?Look around town for someone upgrading there appliances and getting rid of the lime green fridge.You will need to increase the pressure to get to the proper carbonation lever at the warmer temps. Chart.