Hydrogen or Helium: Gas used for Flying Balloons





For those who do not know, there are two ways to make a balloon fly – first is to inflate it using a hydrogen-filled tank and second is using helium. The most popular in more modern or advance countries is helium because they can produce the gas abundantly using their advance technology. In the middle-class countries, such as the Philippines, they prefer using the hydrogen because of the rich supply.

Note: We don’t sell Helium or Hydrogen Tanks or Refills

Many are asking, “What is the best gas for flying balloons?” the answer is both. Helium and Hydrogen are about 8 and 16 times lighter than air respectively. Because these gases are less dense than air, it will easily fly high in the sky but since Hydrogen is lighter, it tends to have a higher lift. These two are in competition with each other but the factors on how to choose a good gas for flying balloons are definitely “night & day”.

Colorful Hydrogen-Filled Flying Balloons

Colorful Hydrogen-Filled Flying Balloons

#1 ABUNDANCE – Hydrogen is easier to produce compared to Helium, which is a limited resource here on the planet. Only created by radioactive decay on Earth, getting a Helium tank to fill your balloons may become a problem eventually if you are living in a middle-class or third world country.

#2 PRICE – In terms of price, Hydrogen is much cheaper than Helium because of its abundance. Companies in the Philippines, such as Sugeco, which provides both Helium and Hydrogen, can easily produce the latter compared to the former. Helium is about 18 to 20 times more expensive than Hydrogen. In the country, one 47-kilo Hydrogen Tank costs P1,200 to P1,500 compared to the similar tank filled with Helium, which costs P22,000 to P23,000. In terms of pricing, Hydrogen is significantly better than Helium.

#3 LIFT – Because of the lightness of Hydrogen, the flying balloons filled with it tends to fly much faster than Helium-filled balloons. Some balloon shops in the country try to save on cost by combining Hydrogen and breathable air but this is definitely risky and the balloons will not have its lifting power in just a matter of hours. This is only useful if you are going to use it instantly after inflating. Those who are trying to be the best balloon shop in the Philippines does not mix air and hydrogen because their clients will surely appreciate seeing their balloons still fly after a number of days.

#4 SAFETY – In terms of safety, Helium is easily the winner. Even if it is costly, many balloon shops in highly urbanized areas prefer to use Helium. Hydrogen is beyond doubt not good in terms of health and safety. Hydrogen is an explosive, highly flammable gas, which is capable of blowing up hard objects. Kids, who love to run around must not bring any Hydrogen-filled balloon because it might get near an open flame or even a cigarette and would eventually explode and burn the nearby person. A number of hotels in the world do not allow the use of Flying Balloons as decoration because they know most shops use Hydrogen instead of Helium. If the client insist on bringing a flying balloon in the hotel (that bans the hydrogen-filled balloons) must bring a certification that his balloons are inflated using Helium.

Around 99% of the Balloon Shops in the Philippines uses Hydrogen because of its abundance, price and lift. In terms of safety, it might not be very good but party shops are doing their best to inform their customers about the flammability of these balloons.

Cebu Balloons, in an experiment, have tried flaming both Helium-filled and Hydrogen-filled balloons and they have seen the huge difference. They always tell their customers about the safety issues. It is a good thing that there are no reported accidents so far. They have asked other balloon shops, who are in the industry for decades, and good thing no one got hurt with the hydrogen-filled flying balloons.


This page is last updated on May 23, 2017 @ 11:25 am
  1. Jessie says:

    Im planning to put up a balloon shop here at Roxas City. But reluctant to start because of the feed back about safety especially hydrogen. Wish to learn more about balloon business. I’ll be happy of you could give me some advice on how to start.

  2. Kevz says:

    Yeah, Hydrogen is cheaper because its flammable.

  3. Peter says:

    Hello, looking to hire preferably or purchase a small helium supply to fill balloons for a private party.
    Only want about 12 balloons.
    Price if available please.
    Thanks

  4. Diane says:

    Hi!
    I’d like to ask if you know any store where I can buy a regulator for helium tank?

    • Mark says:

      You can check the store that sells medical supplies. Most of them have helium regulators. Try also those that offer underwater adventures.

  5. JT says:

    What is the connection type on the helium tank valve. Where can I purchase the fittings around cebu or negros?

    Thanks

  6. Lanilyn says:

    Hello! I would like to ask where can i buy helium o hydrogen tank? Or u can suggest a good supplier. I want to buy and put in our balloons shop in Zamboanga. Hope u can help. Thank u!

  7. apple joy golez quizan says:

    Hi .. May i ask if san ako pwede makabili ng tank with hydrogen? im from bacolod po.:)

  8. kathryn May Gismundo says:

    helo po, ask ko lang po sana kung how much ang pinaka maliit na refilable helium tank and kung kanino po pwedeng magorder in case kukuha po

    • Mark says:

      I don’t know if may maliit ba na refillable tank for hydrogen. Yung mga commercial tanks lang ang alam ko.

  9. Charissa 09331166681 says:

    I have balloons for helium compatible but I just need it to be inflated with helium gas. How much do you think the service would cost?

  10. engbadrina says:

    Hi we from iloilo city.. most tanks here came from cebu. can we have your mobile number sir. we are planning to order. thanks

    eng badrina
    09333433481
    Iloilo City

  11. micael says:

    Magkano po ba ung refillable helium tank ung pinaka malaki at saan o aq makakakuha pati mo ng nameplate ingrate

  12. matt says:

    are you selling helium filled balloons and if so how much per piece? and do you deliver?

  13. Erika says:

    Hello. Would like to purchase a hydrogen tank. Where are you guys specifically located in Leyte? Tacloban? I’m planning a surprise birthday party for my sister this december.

  14. Peachris Micole Centeno says:

    Hi Sir/Mam,

    I would like to ask what’s the price of your smallest tank for a helium gas? I want to buy it for a party.Hope you can help me please email me or reply me immediately, I really need the helium gas before November starts. Thank you.

    • Mark says:

      We are very sorry Maam Peachris, we are not selling Helium Tanks. This blog about Helium & Hydrogen is for information purpose only.

      • Phil says:

        hi sir mark the price on hydrogen tank which is P1,200 to P1,500 does that include tank and hydrogen or hydrogen alone or tank?

        • Mark says:

          It’s the Hydrogen Content only. The tank has a different price. It can be bought or rented.

          • Michael says:

            Hydrogen is easy to make just get some aluminum foil, muriatic acid, and a bottle. You can make your own hydrogen.

  15. Theresa Tampus says:

    Hi Sir/Madam,

    I would like to ask if where can i buy a helium tank or can you suggest a good supplier for helium tank. I want to buy and used to my helium balloon. Hope you can help me.

    Thank’s

    Thess

  16. jcl party xpress says:

    hi sir/ma’am, i would like to inquire if where can we buy a helium tank in cebu? can we ship it through boat? we are in leyte but we can visit your store if you have there in cebu. thank you so much.

  17. Jasz says:

    Hi,

    How much is the smallest helium or hydrogen tank? I mean, the cheapest one… And where I can buy it? I live in Cebu.

  18. Xenia Grace Lim says:

    Hi Sir/Madam,

    I would like to ask if where can i buy a helium tank or can you suggest a good supplier for helium tank. I want to buy and put it in our shop Partyrush (partyneeds) in Paranaque. Hope you can help me.

    Thank

    Xenia Lim
    0919-3948940

    • admin says:

      Hello Xenia,

      We are a Cebu-based Company and we don’t know any supplier in Paranaque area. You can try to ask your LPG suppliers maybe they know someone (or a company) who are selling Helium tanks in your area.