Argon/CO2 mix?

hi I was just wondering if using a CO2/Argon mix would be ok for gassing my rats. so far I have used pure CO2, but the mix is easier and cheaper to get. The mix is 25 percent argon and 75 percent CO2. Thanks in advance. :)

Some say it causes some issues but I have used it without any problems. It takes about the same amount of time to put them down as CO2

Thanks for your reply! Out of curiosity, what kind of problems does it supposedly cause?

Yes it will kill them. The mix is not a problem, but.....
Argon is dangerous, not something I would use myself. Argon poisoning to humans happens alot...

What are you paying for CO2?
I get my 20# filled for like $15...

I can't tell you about killing rats but Argon is no more toxic than C02 both are human asphyxiants, past that to the best of my knowledge it has no ill effects on people we breath it every day.

less than 1% though. Argon is a heavy gas, that when breathed in, stays in the lungs unlike CO2.

I wouldn't use it...

I used to weld, and our shop took extra efforts to make sure we had venilation just for the argon...

Ok, I don't know I bow to your experience. I just know argon is inert 'nobel' gas and is not a poison, that is all I know.

so is helium and radon.... Wouldn't breathe those either!

Yes, all of these gases are naturally occuring, and in small doses harmless.

Thanks for the replies. :) To get a tank filled with CO2 is around 70 bucks. I did some research myself, and in humans, argon can harm you, but it's because it replaces oxygen or something like that. Any more input is appreciated.


PS, sorry for the SUPER long delay in a reply. :(

You know how when you breathe in helium your voice gets higher? The exact opposite when you take in argon... Your voice gets really low. There is a video on youtube I believe with some guy doing a test with this. And since Argon is heavier than Oxygen it stay in your lungs, so you just do a hand stand to get it out. Take that as you want but I wouldn't be worried about it.

Thanks for all the input everybody. :) I think I'm going to try the mix, I just wanted to be sure.

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Originally Posted by carlisleishere

Thanks for the replies. :) To get a tank filled with CO2 is around 70 bucks. I did some research myself, and in humans, argon can harm you, but it's because it replaces oxygen or something like that. Any more input is appreciated.


PS, sorry for the SUPER long delay in a reply. :(

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$70 to fill a co2 tank?! Wow. You need to find a new supply house.

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Originally Posted by jasbus

$70 to fill a co2 tank?! Wow. You need to find a new supply house.

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I know, it's crazy. :( It's the closest place, and I can get the mix for free, since my dad has it already. :)

I did some searching and I guess I was wrong... it's Sulfar Hexaflouride that he inhales....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2FR6...eature=related

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Originally Posted by carlisleishere

Thanks for the replies. :) To get a tank filled with CO2 is around 70 bucks.(

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I was getting crazy quotes for CO2 tanks and refills. I found that going to a "GAS" store or welding store yielded the most ridiculous prices.

I eventually went to a fire prevention company, the kind that provides extinguishers and stuff. I bought a used extinguisher without the hose really cheap. It's called a 5 pounder. I use a regulator that's made for one of those home keg setups on Amazon for $35 and some plastic fish tank tubing from Petco. The whole thing cost less than $100 to start and now the $14 refills.

You really didn't even need a regulator. Just a new style tank($50 shipped on eBay), and just start trading in at the weld shop for $15-$20 filled. I just use a kitchen water supply hose on the valve, and cut the other end off.

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Originally Posted by jasbus

You really didn't even need a regulator. Just a new style tank($50 shipped on eBay), and just start trading in at the weld shop for $15-$20 filled. I just use a kitchen water supply hose on the valve, and cut the other end off.

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The tank I got just has a big open valve so if you slipped and opened it all the way it jwould ust shoot out at 600-800 psi. The regulator lets me have more control and it was cheap enough.

I used it and its works really well. Studies show it to be more humane than co2 alone. Google rats+argon+co2+euthanasia