48 CUBIC INCH, 3,000 PSI COMPRESSED AIR TANK FOR THE AIR BLASTER MAXX MULTI-LAUNCHER. LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM. DOT CERTIFIED. SHIPS EMPTY.
This is the same Tippmann 48ci HPA tank that ships with the Air Blaster Maxx Multi-Launcher. If you need a spare tank, a backup, or a second tank for faster turnaround between refills at high-volume events, this is the one.
The Tippmann 48ci is a 3,000 PSI aluminum compressed air tank with a built-in Pure Energy regulator, stainless steel fill nipple, and mini gauge for quick pressure reads. It's lightweight at 3.35 lbs, compact at roughly 11" long × 3.5" diameter, and certified to DOT, TC, and PI standards. Refillable at any paintball shop, dive shop, or with a compatible compressor.
Having a second tank means you can swap a fresh tank onto the launcher in seconds instead of walking the depleted one to a compressor and waiting for a refill. For operators running high-volume events — stadium giveaways, multi-show days, festivals — a backup tank is the difference between continuous operation and downtime.
⚠ Ships Empty. This tank ships without air. It must be filled locally before use. Fill at any paintball pro shop, dive shop with HPA capability, or with a compatible compressor rated for 3,000 PSI. Do not exceed the rated fill pressure. Typical refill cost is $5–$6.
Why Carry a Backup Tank
The Air Blaster Maxx ships with one tank. For casual use — a few launches at a birthday party, a halftime t-shirt toss — one tank is plenty. But for professional operators running high-volume events, one tank creates a bottleneck.
Zero Downtime at High-Volume Events
Stadium giveaways, festivals, multi-set concerts, and trade shows burn through air fast. T-shirt launches from the 3" barrel consume the most air per shot. When your tank runs low, you have two options: walk it to a compressor and wait for a refill (downtime), or swap a pre-filled backup tank and keep firing (no downtime). A second tank turns a 5–10 minute refill break into a 10-second swap.
Multi-Show Days
If you're running two or three events in a day — school pep rally in the morning, corporate event in the afternoon, concert at night — a second tank means you show up to each event with a full tank ready, even if you don't have time to refill between shows. Fill both tanks the night before and you're covered for the full day.
Rental Operations
Including two tanks with an Air Blaster Maxx rental gives your client more air capacity without needing to find a fill station on their own. It's a value-add that reduces support calls and increases customer satisfaction.
💡 The Math: A pre-filled spare tank costs the same as this one purchase. A dead launcher in front of a crowd during a paid event costs you a client, a reputation hit, and potentially a refund. Carry the spare.
Tank Specifications
Brand
Tippmann
Capacity
48 cubic inches (ci)
Max Fill Pressure
3,000 PSI
Output Pressure
800–850 PSI (preset regulator)
Material
Aluminum
Weight
3.35 lbs (empty)
Dimensions
~11" length × 3.5" diameter
Regulator
Pure Energy Regulator (built-in)
Fill Nipple
Pure Energy stainless steel V3.0
Gauge
Mini gauge (built-in)
Safety
Double burst disc protection
Certifications
DOT, TC, PI, ASTM compliant — globally certified
Hydro Test Interval
Every 5 years (fresh date on new tanks)
Shipped Condition
Empty — must be filled locally before use
Refillable
Yes — refill at paintball shops, dive shops, or with a 3,000 PSI compressor
Compatibility
Air Blaster Maxx Multi-Launcher (both configurations)
💡 Same Tank, Same Fit: This is the identical Tippmann 48ci tank that ships with the Air Blaster Maxx. Same connections, same regulator, same performance. Drop-in replacement or backup — no compatibility questions.
Everything Around the Tank
Air Blaster Maxx Multi-Launcher →
The launcher this tank is built for. If you're here, you probably already own one. If not — the Air Blaster Maxx is a multi-barrel air cannon that launches confetti, streamers, and t-shirts up to 150 feet. Ships with one 48ci tank; this listing gets you the backup.
Multi-Launcher Accessories →
Browse replacement barrels, compressors, and other accessories for the Air Blaster Maxx platform.
Confetti FX →
Bulk confetti for the Air Blaster Maxx's 1-1/4" confetti barrel. Stock up in custom colors for events.
Pair With Other SurgeFX Effects
CO2 FX →
Combine confetti launches with CO2 jet blasts for layered production moments.
Cold Spark FX →
Fire confetti through cold spark fountains for dramatic combined effects.
Stage Lighting →
Spotlights make airborne confetti shimmer. UV blacklights make UV-reactive confetti glow.
How to Fill the Tank
The Tippmann 48ci tank ships empty and must be filled before use. Fill with compressed air (HPA) only — do not exceed the 3,000 PSI rated fill pressure.
Where to fill:
- Paintball pro shops — The most common fill location. Nearly every paintball field and retail shop fills HPA tanks. Walk in, hand them the tank, walk out with a full tank. Typical cost: $5–$6 per fill.
- Dive shops — Many scuba dive shops fill HPA tanks using their high-pressure compressor systems. Call ahead to confirm they fill to 3,000 PSI.
- Your own compressor — If you have a compressor rated for 3,000 PSI output, you can fill the tank yourself. This is the most convenient option for operators who run the Air Blaster Maxx frequently and don't want to depend on third-party fill stations. Check the Multi-Launcher collection for compatible compressors.
Tank Maintenance
Hydro Testing
All compressed air tanks require periodic hydrostatic testing to verify structural integrity. The Tippmann 48ci has a 5-year hydro test interval. The hydro test date is stamped on the tank. After 5 years, the tank must be re-tested before it can be legally filled. Most paintball shops can direct you to a hydro testing facility, or you can search for DOT hydro testing services in your area.
Storage
Store the tank in a cool, dry location out of direct sunlight. Do not store a fully pressurized tank for extended periods — bleed it down to a low residual pressure (not completely empty, as a small amount of pressure prevents moisture from entering the tank). Never store in a hot vehicle or near heat sources.
Inspection
Before each use: check the tank body for dents, gouges, or corrosion. Check the regulator and fill nipple for damage. Verify the burst discs are intact. Check the gauge for proper reading. If anything looks suspect, do not fill or use the tank — have it inspected by a qualified technician.
⛔ SAFETY: This is a high-pressure vessel rated to 3,000 PSI. Never exceed the rated fill pressure. Never use a tank past its hydro test date. Never attempt to modify, disassemble, or repair the regulator yourself. Never expose the tank to fire, extreme heat, or physical abuse. Treat compressed air tanks with the same respect you'd give any pressurized system. Improper handling of high-pressure vessels can cause serious injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same tank that comes with the Air Blaster Maxx?
Yes. This is the identical Tippmann 48ci 3,000 PSI tank that ships with the Air Blaster Maxx Multi-Launcher. Same model, same connections, same fit. No compatibility concerns.
Does it ship filled?
No. The tank ships empty due to shipping regulations for pressurized vessels. You'll need to fill it locally before use. Paintball pro shops are the easiest fill location — most charge $5–$6 per fill.
How many shots do I get per fill?
It depends on the barrel size and operating pressure on the Air Blaster Maxx. T-shirt launches (3" barrel) consume the most air per shot. Confetti launches (1-1/4" barrel) consume less. You'll get multiple shots per fill, but the exact count varies. Monitor the tank gauge and refill when pressure drops below effective firing range. Having a second tank eliminates the guesswork — when one runs low, swap to the backup and refill the depleted one later.
Can I fill it with CO2?
No. This is an HPA (compressed air) tank. Fill with compressed air only. CO2 requires a different type of tank and regulator system. The Air Blaster Maxx is CO2 compatible with the appropriate CO2 tank, but this Tippmann 48ci is designed for HPA only.
Where do I get it filled?
Paintball shops (most common and cheapest), dive shops with HPA capability, or with your own compressor rated for 3,000 PSI. If you're unsure where to find a fill station, search for paintball shops near your location — nearly all of them fill HPA tanks.
What's a hydro test?
A hydrostatic test verifies that the tank can safely hold pressure. It's required by DOT regulations every 5 years for aluminum HPA tanks. The test date is stamped on the tank. After the hydro date expires, no reputable fill station will fill the tank until it's re-tested. New tanks ship with a fresh hydro date, giving you 5 years before the first re-test is needed.
How do I know when to refill?
The built-in mini gauge shows the current tank pressure. As you fire the Air Blaster Maxx, the gauge drops. When the gauge reads low and your launch distance starts falling off, it's time to swap or refill. Don't wait until the gauge reads zero — launch performance degrades well before the tank is completely empty.
Can I use this tank with other equipment?
The Tippmann 48ci is a standard HPA tank used across paintball, airsoft, and other compressed air applications. While it's sold here as an accessory for the Air Blaster Maxx, it's compatible with any system that accepts a standard HPA tank connection. However, verify compatibility with the specific equipment before use.
Do I need a second tank?
For casual or low-volume use: probably not. For professional operators, stadium events, festivals, multi-show days, or rental fleets: absolutely. A spare tank eliminates refill downtime completely. Swap the fresh tank, keep firing, refill the depleted one during a break. It's the cheapest operational upgrade for the Air Blaster Maxx platform.
Get the Most Out of Your Tank
Fill Both Tanks the Night Before
Don't show up to an event with empty tanks planning to "fill them on site." Fill both tanks the day before and store them at room temperature. You walk into the venue ready to fire immediately — no hunting for a compressor, no waiting for fills, no delays. Pre-event prep is the difference between professional and amateur.
Label Your Tanks
If you're carrying two identical tanks, mark them — tape, sticker, paint pen. "FULL" and "EMPTY" labels during an event prevent the confusion of grabbing the wrong one in the middle of a halftime show. Simple system: full tanks on the left side of your case, depleted tanks on the right.
Monitor the Gauge, Not the Shot Count
Don't try to count shots to estimate remaining air — variables like pressure, barrel size, and payload weight make shot counts unreliable. Watch the gauge. When it starts dropping into the lower third, plan your swap. Proactive swaps during natural breaks (timeouts, set changes, between acts) prevent embarrassing misfires during the moments that matter.
Don't Fully Deplete the Tank
For storage between events, leave a small amount of residual pressure in the tank (~100–200 PSI). A completely empty tank can allow moisture to enter through the fill nipple, which leads to internal corrosion over time. A small residual charge keeps the internals dry and extends the tank's service life.
Know Your Fill Stations
Before you need a fill, identify 2–3 fill locations in your operating area. Paintball shops are the most common, but not all of them keep the same hours. Some close early on weekdays, some aren't open Sundays. Know which shops can fill your tank, when they're open, and how long it takes. For frequent operators, a personal compressor rated for 3,000 PSI eliminates the dependency entirely.
Track Your Hydro Date
The hydro test date is stamped on the tank. Set a calendar reminder for 4.5 years out — that gives you 6 months to schedule the re-test before the tank expires. An expired tank is an unfillable tank, and finding out your hydro is overdue the day before a big event is a problem with no fast solution.
💨 Why a Second Tank
Zero downtime. High-volume events burn through air fast. Swap a pre-filled backup tank in 10 seconds instead of waiting 5–10 minutes for a compressor refill.
Multi-show days. Fill both tanks the night before. Show up to each event with a full tank ready.
Rental operations. Including two tanks with a rental reduces client support calls and increases satisfaction.
💡 A spare tank costs less than one lost client. Dead launcher in front of a crowd during a paid event = reputation damage. Carry the spare.
📋 Details
Tank Specs
Brand
Tippmann
Capacity
48 ci
Fill Pressure
3,000 PSI
Output
800–850 PSI
Material
Aluminum
Weight
3.35 lbs (empty)
Size
~11" × 3.5" dia
Certifications
DOT, TC, PI, ASTM
Hydro Test
Every 5 years
Ships
Empty — fill locally
Fits
Air Blaster Maxx (both configs)
Same tank that ships with the Air Blaster Maxx. Identical fit, no compatibility concerns.
🔗 Pairs Well With
Air Blaster Maxx Multi-Launcher →
The launcher this tank fits. Confetti, streamers, t-shirts up to 150 ft.
Multi-Launcher Accessories →
Barrels, compressors, and accessories for the Air Blaster Maxx.
Confetti FX →
Bulk confetti for the 1-1/4" confetti barrel.
⛽ Filling & Care
Where to Fill
- Paintball shops — Most common. $5–$6 per fill.
- Dive shops — Call ahead to confirm 3,000 PSI capability.
- Your own compressor — Must be rated for 3,000 PSI output.
Maintenance
Hydro test every 5 years (date stamped on tank). Store in cool, dry location with small residual pressure (~100–200 PSI). Inspect before each use for dents, corrosion, and damage.
⛔ High-pressure vessel. Never exceed 3,000 PSI. Never use past hydro date. Never modify the regulator. Never expose to extreme heat.
❓ FAQ
Same tank as the Maxx?
Yes. Identical model, same fit, same connections.
Ships filled?
No. Ships empty. Fill locally at paintball shops ($5–$6), dive shops, or with a 3,000 PSI compressor.
How many shots per fill?
Multiple shots. T-shirts use more air than confetti. Monitor the gauge and swap when pressure drops.
Can I fill with CO2?
No. HPA (compressed air) only. CO2 requires a different tank type.
What's a hydro test?
DOT-required pressure test every 5 years. Date stamped on tank. Expired = unfillable.
Do I need a second tank?
For casual use: optional. For professional/high-volume events: absolutely. Eliminates refill downtime.
💡 Pro Tips
Fill both tanks the night before. Walk into the venue ready to fire. No hunting for compressors on site.
Label your tanks. "FULL" and "EMPTY" prevents grabbing the wrong one mid-show.
Watch the gauge, not shot count. Variables make counting unreliable. Swap when the gauge drops to the lower third.
Don't fully deplete for storage. Leave ~100–200 PSI residual to keep moisture out.
Know your fill stations. Identify 2–3 paintball shops, their hours, and fill times before you need them.
Track your hydro date. Set a reminder at 4.5 years. Expired = unfillable with no fast fix.