Does Tractor Supply Fill CO2 Tanks in 2024?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a versatile gas used in many home applications, from carbonating homemade beer and soda to boosting plant growth in aquariums and hydroponics systems.

With the rise of home beer brewing and hydroponics, demand for CO2 has increased. An estimated 1.2 million Americans brew their own beer at home, and the hydroponics market is growing at 12% annually.

But with this demand comes a need for CO2 refills. Does Tractor Supply, the popular farm and ranch supplier, fill CO2 tanks?

Unfortunately, Tractor Supply does not offer CO2 refilling services as of 2023.

Tractor Supply’s CO2 Policy

The only form of CO2 you can purchase at Tractor Supply is small 8 gram CO2 cartridges for BB guns and air guns. These cartridges fit into many air rifles and pistols Tractor Supply sells.

However, Tractor Supply does not fill or exchange any larger CO2 tanks that you would use for home brewing, soda carbonation, hydroponics systems, or aquarium plant growth and pH management.

This policy applies to all tank sizes that Tractor Supply sells in their stores, including:

• 5 lb cylinders
• 10 lb cylinders
• 15 lb cylinders
• 20 lb cylinders

So if you need food/beverage-grade CO2 for home use, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

Where You Can Get CO2 Tank Refills

While Tractor Supply does not offer refills, you still have several options for refilling CO2 tanks:

• Welding supply shops – These often fill larger high-pressure CO2 tanks used for kegerators.

• Local homebrew shops – Specialty stores for homebrewing sell food-grade CO2.

• Hydroponics stores – Focused on the plant growth industry, these fill tanks for hydro setups.

• Paintball stores – Shops catering to paintball players refill tanks up to 20 lbs.

• Fire extinguisher companies – Some will refill clean CO2 tanks.

• Industrial gas suppliers – Stores like Airgas offer very pure CO2 for refills.

• Hardware stores – Some locations of Ace Hardware, True Value, etc. may fill tanks.

• Aquariums/pet stores – Larger fish stores sometimes fill CO2 tanks for planted aquariums.

Many retailers restrict tank sizes and will only refill up to 5, 10, or 20 lb capacities. Always call ahead before visiting a store with your tank.

CO2 Refill Costs

Refill costs vary widely based on tank size, retailer, and your geographic area. According to homebrewing forums and CO2 suppliers, average costs are:

• 5 lb cylinder – $15 to $25 per fill
• 10 lb cylinder – $20 to $30 per fill
• 20 lb cylinder – $25 to $40 per fill

Larger tank refills may cost $50 or more. Purities also impact cost:

• Food/beverage grade (CD, CD50): $15 to $40
• Ultra pure grade (CD100): $25 to $60

Food-grade is sufficient for home use. Expect to pay higher rates at specialty hydroponics shops versus industrial gas suppliers.

Other Hardware Stores Don‘t Fill Tanks

Home Depot, Lowe‘s and Walmart also do not fill or exchange CO2 tanks. The only option at these chains is exchanging small CO2 canisters for beverage carbonation.

Consider an At-Home Fill Station

Another option is purchasing a small CO2 fill station for home use. These start around $60 on Amazon. With an adapter hose, you can refill tanks from a larger supply tank.

Home stations pay for themselves after 10 to 20 tank refills. It also saves the hassle of exchanges. Compare costs below:

Conclusion

Tractor Supply does not fill CO2 tanks for home brewing, sodas, hydroponics, or aquariums. Look to local welding and gas supply shops for refills. Or consider a home fill station if you frequently use CO2.