It will not function if you use a tire pump or a regular air compressor. Most of these compressors have a maximum pressure of 180 psi, however your paintball tanks require a minimum of 3,000 psi to fill. There are a few things you should keep in mind no matter where you have your tank filled: the more paint in your tank the harder it is to push the buttons on the filler neck; and once you reach 3000 psi there's no going back - the tank will explode.
The best way to fill your tank is to rent a low-pressure air compressor. These can usually be found at home improvement stores and they're used to fill tires with air at lower pressures than a normal compressor. They're easy to use and won't damage your tank if you over-fill it. But remember that compressor too! They can get expensive if you don't use them regularly.
If you don't want to spend money on a compressor then your only option is to use a tire pump. These are available at any auto parts store and they work by pulling air from behind the wheel rim. Not recommended for filling large capacity tanks.
Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. A compressor has the advantage of being able to deliver higher pressures which allows you to fill smaller tanks faster but they are also more expensive to buy and run. Tire pumps are cheaper but they can only deliver a limited amount of air per stroke which makes them slower at filling large tanks.
Any air tank will not be able to fill your paintball tank. This is due to the fact that you must consider both the PSI of your air tank and the PSI of the equipment you're using to refill it. If your paintball tank has a PSI of 2,000, a refill tool that only provides up to 200 PSI will not fill it. You would need a refilling tool that provides at least 2,000 PSI to do so.
The best way to fill a paintball tank is with a high-pressure pump. These can get expensive, but they are very efficient and allow you to fill large tanks in a short amount of time. Some companies make low-cost replacement pumps that work just as well as their more expensive counterparts; however, we don't recommend buying replacement pumps because they aren't guaranteed for use on any particular tank. It's better to spend a little more money now than pay again later!
If you have a low-pressure pump, such as those found on most air guns, you will need a compressor to increase the pressure enough to fill a paintball tank. Compressors are also expensive to buy and run, but they do last quite a while if used properly.
It is possible to fill a paintball tank with air from a deflated ball, but this is not recommended because all the air that leaves the tank does not go into the ball.
In short, nothing harmful will happen to your paintball air tank, whether it has air or not. It is really recommended that you leave some air in the tank for the sake of the regulator and the air tank. 1000 PSI should enough. However, if you get a good deal on a used tank and want to save some money, then by all means, go ahead and buy one that is completely empty.
It is important to only purchase an empty tank, as even small amounts of air can cause problems for the regulator. If there is any air in the line leading from the tank to the marker, then this will affect how accurately the tank can be regulated. Also, any dust or debris that finds its way into the line may block the flow of air, causing unnecessary pressure spikes or drops when shooting.
Overall, it is not harmful to leave air in your tank, but it is recommended that you do so to ensure proper regulation of the tank and protection of your equipment.
If you have the correct CO2 tanks with suitable pressure, you can even refill your paintball gun at home. Your paintball gun will not shoot properly if there is insufficient air pressure. Unfortunately, you can't just fill up your tank with any old air tank or compressor to get back into the game. You need a specific type of tank for this purpose called an "air tank". These are usually found attached to your marker housing as part of the optional equipment list.
The best way to keep your tank full is to use an air compressor. This creates a supply of air that flows into the tank through a valve on the side. You then just need to turn the compressor on and off when playing to give it enough time to fill up.
If you don't have access to a compressor, here are some other ways to keep your tank full:
Find an empty gas can and tape the mouth of the can to the end of your tank. Let the gas in the can slowly flow into the tank until it's full. Make sure to only use gas cans that are approved for airsoft play and avoid using aluminum cans which could cause damage to your marker.
Use a bicycle pump to fill your tank. Make sure that it is appropriate for airsoft play and doesn't pressurize the water in your tank beyond what is safe for your parts.
The use of compressed air for your paintball pistol inevitably raises the issue of filling your own tanks. Air is, in essence, free. CO2 is not a gas. You can utilize free air to fill your own tanks with compressed air if you have the right equipment. However, it is not recommended because it is expensive and uses up valuable air that you may need later.
The easiest way to keep from wasting air is to use an air-powered tank pump. These pumps are available online and at some hobby stores. They work by connecting to your air compressor with a hose. The pump then sends air through the hose into the tank until it is full. When you are done using the pump, simply disconnect it from the compressor and put it away in its storage container.
Another option is to buy a pre-filled tank. These tanks contain enough air to fill your marker several times over. They are available online and at some hobby stores.
Finally, you can always just steal someone else's tank juice. But be careful not to get caught!