Is 5/8" OD x 50' tubing overkill for an IC?

[Chaddyb]

So I was thinking of buying some kind of wort cooler, until I stumbled upon the DIY topics, and I'm a huge DIY'er, so I decided I would make it myself.

Heres the deal, I decided I would build an IC, because of the simplicity, and the fact that I'm still fairly new at brewing.


I can get 50' of 5/8 OD copper tubing from my work (I work at a steel tubing place) for $64, wheras if I go to home depot the same stuff is $85, and 1/2" OD x 50' is $55. Is 5/8 overkill, and a waste of water, or will it work out ok?

 

[Bobby_M]

I used 5/8 and recommend 1/2 instead.

 

[drummermattie02]

I agree - 1/2" x 50' should be more than enough. And it makes it easier to integrate with the rest of your plumbing, assuming you go w/ 1/2" elsewhere.

 

[Chaddyb]

Thanks guys, I made a 1/2" x 25' one, and it cooled 3 gal of water down to 75° in 8 minutes, so it should work fine for my partial boils.