How to Identify a Co2 or Compressed Air Tank

There are a few ways to quickly identify a Co2 tank versus a Compressed Air tank. All of these tricks work best if you actually have the tank in front of you. (Go get it, I will wait) Looking at the part of the tank that screws into the paintball marker, try to answer the following.

1. Is there a gauge that tells you how much pressure is inside of the tank? If you answered “yes” than most likely you have a compressed air tank. Co2 tanks with gauges built in are few and far between. If you answered “no” then you most definitely have a Co2 tank as all Compressed Air tanks have gauges that let you know when to stop filling the tank.

2. Again, looking at the part of the tank that screws into the marker, what color are the threads that screw into the paintball marker? The threads on nearly all Co2 tanks are made out of brass, which is gold in color. The majority of threads on Compressed Air tanks are made out of aluminum or steel, both are silver in color.

3. Looking at the label / writing on the tank. If there is any mention of ounces / oz then you have a co2 tank.

4. Take a look at the tank itself? What color is it? What is it made out of? Both Co2 and Compressed Air tanks are made out of aluminum and are most often black in color. However, only Compressed Air tanks are wrapped in Carbon Fiber. If your tank is Carbon Fiber wrapped then you have a Compressed Air tank.

5. The regulator on most Compressed Air tanks will have four components screwed into it. A gauge to determine the pressure inside the tank, a fill nipple used for filling the tank, and two burst disks. The burst discs are hexagonal in shape and are safety features. One protects the tank from erupting after being over filled, the other protects the marker from receiving too high of a pressure. Most Co2 tanks will only have a single burst disk which protects the tank from erupting as the output pressure is unregulated.

6. If you are still unsure what type of tank you have, take a picture and email it to us at questions@fortmyerspaintball.com or give us a call 239-939-0911

Want to know how switching to Compressed Air will save you money? Click Here.
Want to know why Compressed Air is better for your paintball marker? Click here.
Want to know the difference between Co2 and Compressed Air? Click Here.
Need help identifying what type of tank you have? Click Here.
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