How to fill HPA tanks:
Paintball guns work with compressed air or CO2 from up to 3000-4500 psi filled tanks. Refilling requires powerful compressors and equipment. While the use of compressed air can provide better performance than CO2, fewer stores have the ability to properly fill HPA tanks.
It is a common problem for paintball players. Where can you have your high-pressure air tanks (HPA) filled? There are several stores that you can contact for cheap fillings, or you can always do it yourself, provided you are willing to spend some money.
Tip: Filled gas tanks for paintball guns cannot be shipped by law (except for single use and 12-gram CO2 cartridges). When you buy your equipment online, don't expect a tank to be ready for the paintball field. If you are considering compressed air, look at your local tank filling options before purchasing.
Paintball Shops and Play Fields
The first place to look for tank filling is at your local paintball store and competitive field. Most shops and fields have the equipment to safely fill compressed air tanks, and some will fill them for free. However, you are more likely to pay €1-3 for a fill.
If there is no paintball field or shop near you, contact your local paintball enthusiasts. Some owners of fully unrelated companies have invested in HPA tank compressors to meet their own needs. They often fill tanks on the side to earn a little more money (and help pay for the equipment). If such retailers are in your area, your fellow paintballers will know about them. Online paintball forums can also direct you in the right direction.
Scuba Shops
Since compressed air cylinders for paintball work with a similar pressure as diving cylinders, many diving shops also fill paintball cylinders. Again, it should only cost a few dollars to fill a tank, and it is one of the easiest options available.
Fill Tanks at Home
If you have a scuba tank, you are halfway home to fill your paintball tanks at home. A scuba tank filled at your local dive shop can easily fill compressed air tanks from paintball guns when you buy a dive station.
A 3000 psi diving bottle fills a compressed air tank for about 15-20 times.
A Scuba tank costs a few hundred dollars and you have to pay to fill it. Take this into account when considering your options. If you live an uncomfortable distance from shops that fill paintball bottles, buying and filling a scuba tank can be a good option.
Thinking of buying an air compressor yourself? Unless you run a paintball field or plan to open a store, think again. The HPA compressors can easily cost over €2000 for a basic configuration. Of course, you can also fill other people's tanks, but for most paintball players this option is out of reach.
Do not even try to use your tire pump or a standard air compressor - it will not work. Most of these compressors have a maximum 180 psi, and your paintball tanks require a minimum of 3000 psi to fill.
Tips for filling HPA tanks
No matter where you get your tank filled, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
HPA tanks have a "hydro-date" indicating the time of the last inspection. All tanks should be inspected every five to 10 years (depending on the model).
Never put grease or oil on the fill nipple of the tank. During filling, heat builds up and heats these flammable oils, creating the potential for a fire.
Keep your tanks protected from direct sunlight and avoid leaving them in a hot car. This applies to all paintball tanks: pressure can build up and blow up a CO2 tank bursting disc. While HPA tanks are not likely to overpressure, it is not good for the regulator seals to overheat the tanks.
Protect your tanks with a tank cover or similar, such as a cloth bag.
When filling tanks, it is best to carry out a so called " slow filling". If the tank is filled too quickly, you lose psi when the air cools down. This means that your 3000 psi tank can end up with only 2500 psi. Most paintball and dive shop operators know this, but it is important to remember if you fill your own.
