disconnecting carbonated keg from co2

[Hoont]

I should just jump into kegging and 'figure it out', but I want to make sure I understand it so I get my setup right... so here is tonight's question.

I have been looking at discussions on natural versus forced carbonating. Natural carbonating in a keg interests me... but that got me thinking. Once you have a keg carbonated, be it forced or natural, do you have to leave it hooked up to the co2? I haven't seen anyone saying they disconnect it from c02 once carbonated. But assuming you have a keg with no leaks, why would you need to leave it connected to c02? And if there is a reason for leaving it hooked to the co2 and you naturally carbonate, should you hook up the c02 once you start pouring from the keg?

Thanks in advance!

[Stinkfist]

you have to have it hooked up to CO2 or it will eventually go flat, you lose CO2 pressure every time you pull a pint..You don't have to have it hooked up all the time but you do need to hook it up if you are drinking from it..and or fill it back up afterwards..