question about all grain brewing eq

[Geneticjim]

Ive noticed a lot of people use the 10 gallon beverage coolers for a mash tun. Do I have to get a brand new or can I convert an old one? I work for parks and we have a few that are not being used that were left behind. Is it bad to use an older one for the quality sake?

 

[schatzke]

I don't see a reason not to. Unless you really want to go buy a new one I guess.

 

[Geneticjim]

I don't see a reason not to. Unless you really want to go buy a new one I guess.

One more question and thanks for replying! I am a complete newbie. I assume it doesn't matter if there are some scratches on the inside? Since its a pre boil step being 100% sterilized isn't a huge deal?

 

[schatzke]

You are correct.

 

[JayInAmes]

Mine's a 54 quart that I bought off craigslist for $10. I think used is perfectly good for this purpose. Free is even better.

 

[CJ-3]

www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=123585Before you spend money converting the 10 gallon cooler check out this thread. It has a chart on what size cooler to use depending on what you plan on brewing.

 

[catdaddy66]

Ive noticed a lot of people use the 10 gallon beverage coolers for a mash tun. Do I have to get a brand new or can I convert an old one? I work for parks and we have a few that are not being used that were left behind. Is it bad to use an older one for the quality sake?

My brother snagged 2 older 10 gal coolers from his job as a high school coach (they were being tossed away) and they have worked very well.

 

[Geneticjim]

My brother snagged 2 older 10 gal coolers from his job as a high school coach (they were being tossed away) and they have worked very well.

Thanks!

www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=123585Before you spend money converting the 10 gallon cooler check out this thread. It has a chart on what size cooler to use depending on what you plan on brewing.

Great chart thank you!

 

[Geneticjim]

Another question. I wanted to make my own immersion wort cooler. I can get 50 of 3/8 copper for about 40. Since I live in Florida I will need to use a pump to circulate cold water from a cooler. What pump do I need to get? I have found pond pumps that pump 300+gph that have a .75 inlet and outlet. I'm kinda lost I guess

 

[T-Boy]

I am currently "practicing" the technique with a small batch kit. First try is working so far but won't be able to taste for another 2 weeks or so. If I decide to start doing 5 gallon batches, is this a good set up?

http://www.northernbrewer.com/fermenters-favorites-essential-all-grain-brewing-starter-kit-7-gallon

 

[T-Boy]

Here is the kit I started with;
http://brooklynbrewshop.com/beer-making-kits/bruxelles-blonde-beer-making-kit
I had trouble keeping the mash in the correct temperature zone. I used a funnel with a strainer to pour the wort into my fermenter. The funnel kept getting clogged with spent yeast. Here is what it looked like right after I set it up and then on the second day of fermenting:

 

[Geneticjim]

Looks good!
I found a 20 plate chiller for just about 65. I bought a good pump that can pump up to 1800 GPH and is submersible

 

[daksin]

That is a pretty heavy duty pump! Mine was $300 and is not submersible, and it'll do about 14gpm (March AC-5B).

 

[Geneticjim]

That is a pretty heavy duty pump! Mine was $300 and is not submersible, and it'll do about 14gpm (March AC-5B).

I hope this pump lasts a bit.. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X05G1A/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[Geneticjim]

Got my plate chiller today! I'm almost ready to brew. I have to wait for my kettle to come in