Spike Solo Owner's Thread

[sleev-les]

Here's the latest version of what the neighbors and I have tried. We did a couple SMaSH's, one with the bag (just slice a small slit/hole in the the bag) in the basket and one just the bag, didn't like either in the end so we're sticking with the basket. BUT we are keeping the arm with the diffuser on the end via tubing. We've got a few different lengths that we swap to depending on the grain bill size/etc.

And before everyone freaks out, I know the diffuser should be below the wort line... that lesson has been learned.

The parts below keep everything TC but Nor Cal Brewing Solutions has a bunch of options if you want to play around, just search "arm" on their site.

Diffuser plate
https://www.norcalbrewingsolutions.com/store/Sparge-Diffusion-Plate-Half-Inch-Barbed.html
Arm
https://spikebrewing.com/collection...s/spike-pickup-tube-center?var=12257695367227

Why below the wort line? The Spike hose that comes with it is above based on their videos and the one I bought will be above. Never noticed the difference so curious.

 

[Thorrak]

Here's the latest version of what the neighbors and I have tried. We did a couple SMaSH's, one with the bag (just slice a small slit/hole in the the bag) in the basket and one just the bag, didn't like either in the end so we're sticking with the basket. BUT we are keeping the arm with the diffuser on the end via tubing. We've got a few different lengths that we swap to depending on the grain bill size/etc.

And before everyone freaks out, I know the diffuser should be below the wort line... that lesson has been learned.

The parts below keep everything TC but Nor Cal Brewing Solutions has a bunch of options if you want to play around, just search "arm" on their site.

Diffuser plate
https://www.norcalbrewingsolutions.com/store/Sparge-Diffusion-Plate-Half-Inch-Barbed.html
Arm
https://spikebrewing.com/collection...s/spike-pickup-tube-center?var=12257695367227

Why should the diffuser be below the wort line?

 

[Matsayz]

Why below the wort line? The Spike hose that comes with it is above based on their videos and the one I bought will be above. Never noticed the difference so curious.

Why should the diffuser be below the wort line?

I was whacked on the Spike FB page or Reddit page for having it so high above the wort level because of hot-side aeration/etc. I don't have the experience level to discern such a thing but I figured it's a simple fix anyways

 

[sleev-les]

I was whacked on the Spike FB page or Reddit page for having it so high above the wort level because of hot-side aeration/etc. I don't have the experience level to discern such a thing but I figured it's a simple fix anyways

Gotcha. I’ve always seen them above and always done it that way. The only system I had where the line was below was grainfather but that was how they designed it. I have not noticed any difference in outcome above or below. Just sticking to above.

 

[Mac MacFarlane]

What bag do you use in your basket?

 

[Biggz1313]

I just grabbed this from brewers hardware. The arm is one piece and the TC with bushing is another. Hoping to try it soon.

That's super slick. I think I really like that. How's it work for you so far?

 

[Biggz1313]

Tied to the question above from ShaLaH - Is it possible to rotate the whirlpool arm, while the kettle is filled? In case we had a basket or bag that wasnt original equipment and needed added clearance?

Shout out to Biggz1313 for helping me out with other questions!

Yes I do it with my pickup tube all the time when transferring my wort to fermenter. I have it down during mash/boil, then I rotate it pointing up halfway through chilling, and then after my wort has cooled and settled, I'll pump out the wort with it pointing up and will slowly rotate it back down getting as clear of wort as possible into fermenter (though brulosophy has tested trub in fermenter and there seems to be no perceptible difference in their tests). You only have to loosen the tri-clamps slightly to get it to rotate.

 

[sleev-les]

That's super slick. I think I really like that. How's it work for you so far?

I'll be using it for the first time this Saturday. I'll try and remember to take a video to post. What I like is you can adjust the drip plate as it is threaded and locked in place by a butterfly nut. I bought their dry hopper earlier in the year and have been really happy with their products so far.

Here are the links to the parts

https://www.brewershardware.com/bh-sparge-arm-modular-return-system
https://www.brewershardware.com/mod...over-compatible-modular-return-system-adapter