Please forgive the long winded thought process, but here goes. I am definitely new to brewing but in doing all the research I can about equipment and the process, I have obviously come across the coil chillers that are widely available. It occurred to me that they are just a coil of copper or stainless tube, and they come without a pump. Local hardware stores sell a 20' coil of 5/8 copper tube for $35. It is easily bent and seems like its almost pre-made to be a coil chiller save for a small number of bends and a touch of stretching. I also have a canister filter from an aquarium that I got rid of that pushes something to the effect of 300 gallons/hr and has a 2.5 gallon capacity. If its half filled with ice and topped off with water it seems like it could get the job done. Am I completely off base here? It will be a while before I will need a chiller, but I am a gear junkie and like to look to the future. Short of calling me a total idiot I can take a beating, so be honest, direct, and if I am being totally stupid, please let me know. OR if you think its an amazing idea feel free to heap loads of praise upon me (though I don't expect it)
Slainte
Slainte