Is It Safe To Store CO2 or Compressed Air in a Paintball Tank?
Yes. Compressed air can safely remain stored in a paintball tank for long periods of time. High pressure air tanks are designed to hold compressed air under pressure, and it is completely normal for players to leave air in the tank between games.
If you plan to travel with your tank by airplane, the tank must be completely emptied and the regulator removed so TSA agents can visually inspect the inside of the bottle. Regulator removal should only be performed by a trained technician at a paintball pro shop.
It is also safe to store CO2 in a CO2 tank. However, CO2 is more sensitive to temperature changes. CO2 tanks should always be kept out of direct sunlight and should never be left in a hot car. Excess heat can increase internal pressure, which may cause the tank’s safety burst disk to release pressure.
For normal storage, keep your tank in a cool, dry place and avoid extreme heat.
How Long Can Air Stay in a Paintball Tank?
Compressed air can stay in a paintball tank for months or even years without causing damage to the tank. HPA tanks are designed to safely store high pressure air for long periods of time. The most important thing is to make sure the tank is still within its hydrostatic testing date and that the regulator and O rings remain in good condition.
Before using a tank that has been stored for a long time, it is always a good idea to visually inspect the tank and regulator to make sure everything looks normal.
Paintball Tank Storage Safety Tips
- Store tanks in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Do not leave CO2 tanks in hot vehicles or extreme heat
- Keep protective tank covers or caps on when possible
- Always check the hydro date before using an older tank
- Have regulators serviced by a qualified paintball technician if needed
Check Your Tank’s Hydrostatic Test Date
All paintball tanks must be hydrostatically tested on a regular schedule to remain safe for use. If you are not sure how to check the hydro date on your tank, read our guide explaining how to check the hydro date on a paintball tank.
Check out our selection of CO2 Tanks here and HPA Paintball Tanks here.