[joshthebrewer]

Hi everyone,

I'm starting to build my own mash tun based on the AHA sample using a cooler. Only real difference is I found some fittings that screw together instead of using all the tubing in the video


I have 2 questions,
1) should I use Teflon tape for the inside connection (inside the mash tun from the braided "false bottom" to the bulkhead)

2) The instructions say to use a 48 quart or larger cooler and while 48 quarts translates to 12 galons of space will using a 48q cooler limit the size of my grain bill? I currently make 5 gallon batches and don't for see growing past that anytime soon but I want to make sure that I can make higher grain beers like imperials and not need a new mash tun.

Thanks

[denny]

That video is based on my system which you can see at www.dennybrew.com.  My experience is that a 48 qt. cooler maxes out at about 28 lb. of grain at 1 qt./lb.  And at that point it's almost too full to stir.  That amount of grain lets you make 5 gal. of a 1.100 beer.

[denny]

BTW, I've tried the bullkhead and fittings and went back to the tubing.  I get better performance that way.

[joshthebrewer]

That video is based on my system which you can see at www.dennybrew.com.  My experience is that a 48 qt. cooler maxes out at about 28 lb. of grain at 1 qt./lb.  And at that point it's almost too full to stir.  That amount of grain lets you make 5 gal. of a 1.100 beer.

Thanks Denny,

I guess that makes you the perfect person to ask. I guess I should be more than fine with the 48q sicne I don't plan on making anything quite that big, I want my friends and family to enjoy my beer not have 1 then a nap 

[Joe Sr.]

BTW, I've tried the bullkhead and fittings and went back to the tubing.  I get better performance that way.

I screwed around for ages putting together a ball valve fitting and it was a major PITA.  I finally slobbed it up with silicone and it doesn't leak.

For my second tun, I just stuffed the hose in through a mini-keg bung and it sealed and worked with minimum effort.

[toby]

Bulkhead and fitting in a Coleman Xtreme work exceedingly well for me (with a bazooka instead of a braid).

[HoosierBrew]

Bulkhead and fitting in a Coleman Xtreme work exceedingly well for me (with a bazooka instead of a braid).

I use a bulkhead/valve conversion in an Xtreme, except I use a braid. Really happy with it, too.

[bboy9000]

Bulkhead and fitting in a Coleman Xtreme work exceedingly well for me (with a bazooka instead of a braid).

+1.  Love that combo.

[toby]

Yeah, the drain channel in the Xtreme 70qt is its best feature, IMO.

[denny]

Bulkhead and fitting in a Coleman Xtreme work exceedingly well for me (with a bazooka instead of a braid).

Tried that exact setup in my 70 qt. Coleman Extreme and found that it didn't drain as well as with my Cheap'n'Easy setup.

[toby]

Tried that exact setup in my 70 qt. Coleman Extreme and found that it didn't drain as well as with my Cheap'n'Easy setup.

Wonder why.  If I leave more than a cup of liquid in the tun, it's because I choose to.  Maybe the altitude. 

[denny]

Tried that exact setup in my 70 qt. Coleman Extreme and found that it didn't drain as well as with my Cheap'n'Easy setup.

Wonder why.  If I leave more than a cup of liquid in the tun, it's because I choose to.  Maybe the altitude. 

Yeah, that's GOT to be it! 

[bboy9000]

Tried that exact setup in my 70 qt. Coleman Extreme and found that it didn't drain as well as with my Cheap'n'Easy setup.

Wonder why.  If I leave more than a cup of liquid in the tun, it's because I choose to.  Maybe the altitude. 

Yeah, that's GOT to be it! 

Mine is actually in a 10 gallon Igloo water cooler but with the bazooka screen and SS bulkhead.  I never have issues lautering and sparging.  I've never needed rice hulls even with 60% wheat.

[joshthebrewer]

Thanks for all the god input. I managed to find a 48q Coleman for $20 at my local grocery store thank you Independence Day sales. The tun is nearly ready I just need to put in the ball valve and get to brewing with it .

Last stupid question. Do I need to sanitize the tun prior to adding the strike water and grains, or do I just make sure it's clean and trust the boil will kill everything?

[Stevie]

Just keep it clean. I don't scrub mine but once in a great while. After the mash I scoop the grains out and hose it down.