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So you want to fill some balloons with helium. Maybe it’s for a birthday party, a wedding, or any other celebration; any way you slice it you are going to need a helium tank. In this article, I’m going to share with you all the ins and outs of helium tanks for balloons and what you need to know.
What Is A Helium Tank?
A helium tank is a cylinder shaped aluminum tank, filled with helium. Helium tanks come in various sizes but in general, they have all the same characteristics.
Helium Tank Capacity And Pressure
The capacity of a helium tank is typically measured in cubic feet (cu ft) or liters (L), which represent the volume of helium the tank can hold. The pressure inside the tank is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). A tank’s capacity is the amount of helium it can store, while the pressure indicates the internal pressure of the tank when it is filled.
Helium Tank Options
Curious about how to inflate helium balloons at home or on a job site? You’re in the right place! Discover a range of options that cater to your preferences and needs in the world of balloon inflation.
The options for inflating helium balloons at home or on a job site encompass renting or purchasing tanks, each offering distinct variations in size and capacity, enabling personalized choices for balloon inflation.
How Many Balloons In A Tank
| Tank Size | Diameter | Height | cu ft | Weight | 9″ Balloons | 11″ Balloons | 12″ Balloons |
| 1 | 9-1/2″ | 60″ | 300 | 125 lbs | 1,000 | 600 | 500 |
| 2 | 9″ | 56″ | 250 | 100 lbs | 830 | 500 | 415 |
| 3 | 7-3/8″ | 50″ | 125 | 60 lbs | 415 | 250 | 205 |
| 4 | 7″ | 36″ | 80 | 50 lbs | 260 | 160 | 130 |
| 5 | 8″ | 26″ | 60 | 40 lbs | 200 | 120 | 100 |
| 6 | 8″ | 19″ | 40 | 30 lbs | 130 | 80 | 65 |
| 7 | 5-1/4″ | 16″ | 25 | 20 lbs | 80 | 50 | 40 |
| 8 | 12″ | 12″ | 14.9 | 9.1 lbs | 50 | 30 | 25 |
| 9 | 9-1/2″ | 9-1/2″ | 8.9 | 5.7 lbs | 30 | 17 | 14 |
Helium Balloons At Home – Options
Rent
First, let us start with your tank rental options. Sometimes you can rent a helium tank from a local party store. Usually, you pay a deposit, pick your size tank and reserve your pick-up date. This option may not be available in all locations and may require a phone call or two to find out what is available in your area.
This option can be super helpful if you need helium once in a while or for a specific event. Renting a helium tank from your local party store might cost between $40 – $250, maybe more depending on your location and tank size.
But what if you need helium on a more long-term basis?
Your next option would be to rent a tank from your local welding / medical gas supplier. This is a great option if you are starting (or already have) a balloon decorating business. If you need to have access to helium daily this might be the right choice for you. Renting a helium tank from your local welding / medical gas supplier will usually have a monthly cost to rent the tank, maybe between $0.40 – $1 a day and between $50 – $300 to fill the tank with helium each time, again depending on the size of your tank.
Pro Tip: To find a helium tank supplier near you, do a Google search for “helium tank rental [your city and state]” or you can do a Google search for welding supply / medical gas supplier near you.
Buy
Buy A Tank
Next, let us look at your options for buying a tank. You can buy either disposable or non-disposable tanks. If you choose to buy your own tank, you won’t pay a monthly rental fee but you will have the upfront cost of the tank itself. Buying a tank will set you back between $100 – $500, maybe, even more, depending on size. But then you still have to get it filled with helium.
If you purchase a larger tank you will need to buy a cart to transport your tank. I like to use a tank between 60 and 75 cubic feet so I can easily carry the tank myself. Here is a 60 cubic-foot tank on Amazon.
If you choose to either rent a helium tank for balloons or buy a helium tank for balloons, it is worth noting you will need a helium tank regulator. A helium tank regulator can range between $50 – $200. I use the Conwin Precision Plus found here on Amazon.
Disposable Tank Option
Then there is the disposable tank option. Sometimes you find yourself in a pinch and need a tank of helium quickly. These have saved my butt on more than one occasion. Balloon Time helium tanks come in two different sizes; Jumbo 12″ helium tank and 9-1/2″ helium tank. Depending on size and location, a disposable tank costs between $30 – $50.
A word of caution about disposable helium tanks, they aren’t supposed to be refilled once they are empty, they aren’t pure helium – your balloons may not float very well or for as long and they break easily because they are made to be disposable.
Good To Know: Balloon Time helium tanks are pre-filled with “not less than 80%” helium and air blend and float “9” latex balloons for 5-7 hours.” They are NOT pure helium. If this is your main (or only) source of helium, plan accordingly as your balloons may not last as long.
https://www.balloontime.com/our-products/jumbo-12-helium-kit/
For information about recycling disposable containers visit http://www.heliumballoontank.com/Recycle.html
How To Use A Helium Tank And Regulator
Using a helium tank and regulator involves connecting the regulator securely, opening the tank valve slowly, and adjusting the regulator to achieve the desired balloon inflation pressure. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe handling.
For more information about the different types of balloon regulators and specifically how to use them, check out my post All About Balloon Regulators – Types, How To Use, And More here.
Securing Helium Tanks
Helium tanks should be stored in an upright position and secured to a wall or a stand so they can’t fall over. Helium tanks should be kept below 125 degrees F (52 degrees C).
When transporting helium tanks, secure helium tanks to a specific helium tank cart.
For more information about how many balloons a helium tank can fill, check out my post How Much Helium Do I Need: Job Estimator And Tank Calculator here.
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