Last updated on May 11th, 2025 at 06:20 pm
Read an informative article on how long a paintball tank last so you can get rid of it after use for a few years.
Are you a fan of shooting games like paintball? If yes, you will enjoy reading the article written to create awareness amongst the paintball players. The CO2 tanks attached to the paintball gun are assumed to have a decades-long lifespan.
I did my research because it is related to the safety of the players, and I wrote an article below. Read the information till the end, so you know when to dispose of your paintball tank.
How Long Does A Paintball Tank Last?
Paintball is a shooting sport that uses dye-filled balloons to hit your opponents. The paintball gun is connected to a CO2 tank, so the balloons propel in the air with great speed and pressure. Players are confused about how long this CO2 tank lasts on the field. This will depend upon the size and the quality of the tank you are using for hitting the balloons. Big tanks will have more capacity and might require a refill after days.
Related To: How Long Do Paintballs Last
A good quality CO2 tank will last for at least 4 to 5 years because the quality and the manufacturing are up to the mark. In comparison, a low-quality tank that isn’t expensive might work well for a few months only. Investing in a high-quality tank is best if you play paintball regularly.
I recommend investing in an excellent CO2 tank because it will impact the game and your safety. These tanks have pressurized air or gas, which might explode if there is a leak.
The manufacturing date of the carbon dioxide tanks is mentioned on the back side of the cylinder. You can notice the dates engraved on the tank and make an estimate accordingly. Note the date and remember the year you will have to change the tank.
Some players cannot change the tanks, so they get them hydro tested. This is a process in which the tank has to withstand more pressure than its capacity. If it fails to withstand the pressure and isn’t structurally sound, you will have to change it.
On the other hand, if your CO2 tank can withstand more pressure than its capacity, it gets approved. Now you can use the tank for another five years without worrying about any safety concerns. As mentioned above, a good quality tank, in my opinion, will work for at least a decade. Getting your tank to go through the hydro test before purchasing a new one is a good practice.
This test costs a few bucks only and will save you from investing in a new CO2 tank which is quite expensive.
Players who play paintball regularly should get their tanks checked more often, so they do not buy new tanks after every five years. This will help them save money in the long run because they will also be spending on refilling the tanks. The process of refilling also costs a good amount of money. Hence you can use a tank for a decade or even more if you take proper care and follow all the preventive measures.
Do CO2 Tanks Expire?
You won’t be able to find an answer to this question because everyone has a mixed opinion. I think the CO2 tanks expire after they have been used for at least a decade or even more. As mentioned above, you can check the manufacturing date on the back side to know the tank’s lifespan.
If you get your tank hydro tested twice, it is the right time to discard it. I recommend getting rid of the tank after it has been used for ten or more years for your safety.
Even if you get the hydro test and find your tank structurally sound, you should dispose of it. These have pressurized air or carbon dioxide used in paintballs to hit the balloons with pressure. The chances of getting injuries or explosions are higher if you keep using the tank for years. Hence it is best to invest in a new tank if you are a regular paintball player who plays the game weekly.
Related To: How To Fill A Paintball Tank
People assume that paintball tanks can be used for a lifetime which isn’t true. Hydro testing is very important, even if the tank is thick. In some countries, the rules and regulations regarding using carbon dioxide tanks are stringent because they are related to people’s safety.
You should consider every factor if you use a paintball tank. The expiry date and the processes like hydro testing shouldn’t be ignored for your and other people’s protection on the field.
FAQs
How long does a CO2 tank last in paintball?
The CO2 tank will last for at least ten years or more, depending upon the quality and the size. However, it is important to get your paintball tank hydro tested after every three years to reuse it again. This test is important for your and other players’ safety.
How long does a 24 oz CO2 tank last in paintball?
A 24 oz carbon dioxide tank will last for at least firing 1500 paintballs in the game. This amount can be increased or decreased depending on the speed and the pressure.
How much does it cost to fill a paintball tank?
You will need a minimum of $5 to refill a paintball tank. The price will vary according to the size of the tank. If the tank is big, you will need more money to fill it weekly.
Conclusion
For your help and assistance, a brief article on how long a paintball tank lasts is given. This information will help create awareness amongst the paintball players so they can keep a check on the tank. The players should discard the tanks after using them for a decade for safety measures on the paintball field. I hope this article has answered all the queries related to the lifespan of the CO2 tank used in paintball.
In his impressive career, John M. Anderson has played alongside the best players in the world and earned the respect of many top competitors. His skill, versatility, and timing have helped him become one of the top players in the paintball world. He is a true pro who will likely be remembered as one of the greatest players in the game’s history. His impact goes beyond the field as well. He has become a spokesperson for the sport, sharing interesting stories and facts from the past, and he also regularly contributes to this blog to help and guide new players in the world of paintball.