O2 Tanks - Where and $$

[juice04]

Got a Breeder friend in florida that may be interested in shipping fish. Where do you guys get O2 tanks and what is the cost? How long does a tank last?
Thanks

[robert321]

the only time i ever shipped a fish, i went down to the local bait shop and got them to oxygen pack the bag like they do minnows, I knew the person working there so it didn't cost me anything, but i wouldn't imagine they would typically charge more than about 50 cents for it.
The only other idea I have on where to get oxygen would be from a welding supply company, they sell it for oxygen and acetlyne mix for cutting torches

[AndrewH]

I'm assuming you're looking for sources in FL?

I'm not sure if it would work, or be cost effective, but you might look into the cans of compressed air generally used for cleaning/blowing out computer components.

Of course before I'd attempt to use one I'd double check to make sure there were no CFCs, or other nasties that could hurt the fish. And they're not 100% O2, but might work.

http://i.ehow.com/images/a05/pg/u2/clean-computer-keyboard-canned-air-200X200.jpg

[juice04]

He's looking for of a long term air supply like an oxygen tank. Where would you look? Medical supply? I assume that route would be more expensive, but not sure, that's why I'm curious also.

[bhughes]

maybe scuba tank :confuzeld:

[AndrewH]

Gotcha!

Then, x2 to what robert321 (http://www.dfwfishbox.com/forums/production/member.php?u=1491) said.

Welding supply companies will sell/lease the cylinders (5# to 100#).

Locally, Texas, if you purchase/lease the large cylinders they'll include pickup and delivery in the cost so you don't have to transport them (in fact, I don't think just anyone is allowed to transport the larger ones in bulk - more than one cylinder at a time).

It'd more than likely be the cheapest route.

Med grade would more than likely be more expensive due to the regulations (like Food Grade CO2 for soda machines vs. welding grade CO2).

[AndrewH]

maybe scuba tank :confuzeld:

Scuba tanks aren't 100% O2, right. Don't they include Nitrogen?

If not that definitely could be a good source!

[Plano_Jeff]

You might need a prescription to get one from a medical supply house. I believe that Lincare is the largest in the country.

I used to work in a shop that did business with a pretty big company called AGA gas. They delivered tanks of several different gases to the plant every week. I don't know if they do any kind of retail buisness but it might be worth looking into.

[AndrewH]

TriGas, was the company I was referring to above. Not sure if they're in FL, but they've earned my business in TX ;).