On Thursday, January 10, 2002 at 3:10:59 PM UTC-5, Keith Adams wrote:
We're building a house with a direct vent gas fireplace. We live in a
mild climate and use the fireplace only occasionally - maybe six times a
year - just for show, not for heat. Our builder is suggesting we
install a propane unit and fuel it with a 20 lb. BBQ-style cylinder -
the kind you can exchange at the supermarket or hardware store.
Fireplace dealers differ on whether that's a good idea. One said that
he does it all the time for demo units and it works fine. He says each
cylinder lasts about 18 hours in a 20,000 BTU fireplace. But a couple
of other dealers have said the 20 lb. tank is too small and won't
provide adequate pressure to fuel the fireplace. They recommend a
minimum of 100 gallon tank (426 lbs.).

Has anybody tried this?

Thanks.

Yes, I just did and the 20# BBQ tank works fine. I don't yet know how long the tank will last.