Spike Conical- observations and best practices

[Shrimp]

I'm deciding between SS and Spike conicals, so I'm following this thread closely. Scratches on the inside (or even the outside) of the conical would be completely unacceptable to me given how expensive these things are.

Agreed, but just as a push the other way, look at the Ss weld quality on the Unitank. Most of the pics I've seen are not worthy of a $1k+ piece of equipment.

I would hope that Spike fixes the issue here. The cosmetic things on the outside aren't a big deal, but I'd be pretty disappointed to open up a CF whatever and think someone let their kid play with an angle grinder on it. Also, what's the deal on the third pic above? https://www.homebrewtalk.com/forum/attachments/20180217_114717-jpg.558668/

 

[Boise1024]

I use the stock PRV from the start. The pressure keeps the kraeusen down, even with 11-12gal in the fermenter. However in my more recent wlp300 batch the fermentation got so vigourous that some kraeusen went into the prv. Didn't seem to affect it's operation, just made a mess (was dripping on fermenter, not spraying everywhere). I'll need to look into cleaning it after fermentation is complete.

 

[philly224]

I use the stock PRV from the start. The pressure keeps the kraeusen down, even with 11-12gal in the fermenter. However in my more recent wlp300 batch the fermentation got so vigourous that some kraeusen went into the prv. Didn't seem to affect it's operation, just made a mess (was dripping on fermenter, not spraying everywhere). I'll need to look into cleaning it after fermentation is complete.

So you let it get up to 15 psi and then rely on the prv to let off any extra pressure?

 

[Dcpcooks]

I don’t think one light cleaning with bar keepers will do much but if you want to be carful I wouldn’t put a ton of pressure if you want to keep the logo intact.

Bar keepers friend will pull that etching off relatively fast. I would use it on anything etched.

 

[Rhyanmeade]

Those are what the welds from the legs and the handles look like on the inside of the tank.

 

[Boise1024]

That's right. The PRV will usually start releasing pressure at 12psi. During very vigorous fermentation it will go up to about 15 psi, you can hear the constant hiss of co2 escaping.

 

[jdr01]

If dry hopping, the pressure would have to be eliminated before opening the vessel. It did not workout so good for me. Hop vomit all over the freezer. I could not tweek the PRV to bleed slowly enough.

 

[Boise1024]

The only IPA I did I added the dry hop charge with the yeast, and then a second dry hop in the keg. I would guess that because the beer is carbonated while fermenting, any addition (hop, herbs, coconut, cocoa nibs, ...) would create a gigantic explosion of froth from the co2 coming out of solution. You can clearly see how much the beer is carbonated when taking a sample, there is quite a lot of froth and you need to wait for the co2 to escape before using the hydrometer.

 

[philly224]

If dry hopping, the pressure would have to be eliminated before opening the vessel. It did not workout so good for me. Hop vomit all over the freezer. I could not tweek the PRV to bleed slowly enough.

Did it come out of the prv when you bled it or something?

 

[Shrimp]

Those are what the welds from the legs and the handles look like on the inside of the tank.

Can anyone else post pics of the same place on theirs? Is this a normal specimen or did Rhyanmeade just get one that wasn't so great?

It might just be the way the lighting is, but it looks like a great place for crap to get stuck.

 

[Rhyanmeade]

[QUOTE

 

[philly224]

Mine has a stout in it currently. I can get a pic this weekend if no one posts one before then.

 

[Boise1024]

On mine the welds are extremely smooth on the inside, and flush with the walls. I'll post pics next time I open it up. In fact, all the welds were some of the best welds I've ever seen.

 

[philly224]

Looks like the temp control system is coming out in March! Super pumped!

 

[burdbrew]

A few things of note : I got a 2" tc to 1/2 barb adapter for the bottom port. Don't ever try to open that without some form of restriction on there while under pressure. Even with the adapter the dump is violent !

Boise, I completely found this out. I won't say the hard way, but I made one hell of a mess with my first batch.

Your post peaked my interest because you're saying that the dump is violent even with the adapter. I bought such an adapter because I want to experiment. I think that there is enough pressure that I could collect yeast with a sanitized hose. If I evacuate trub a couple of times early on, I think there would be enough pressure to collect yeast when the batch is done fermenting.

The 90 degree elbow would have a yeast collection vessel horizontal when collecting, which is a problem. I'm not really far enough off the ground to add a collection vessel to the conical without the elbow (I'm on wheels but no legs). So I'm brainstorming as I very much want to collect yeast.

So I guess I'd ask if anyone has thoughts on collection. I may be over or under thinking it. Thanks OP for starting this thread, I have a feeling it will be popular.

 

[Rhyanmeade]

I have yet to actually try this, but would a sight glass, with a cap on one end, attached after the valve be enough to collect what you want? That way you close the valve and empty the sight glass without having to worry about spraying stuff half way across your brewery. Or would it be to small, depending on the batch, causing you to have to repeat the process a couple of times?

 

[Shrimp]

Looks like the temp control system is coming out in March! Super pumped!

Yeah, I guess they only sent it to certain folks. I've been waiting to order the conical to get the temp control at the same time.

Between crap-tastic QC demo'd here and these antics, I'm starting to see this as a sign.

*looks over at ad on side* Brewers Hardware has a jacketed conical for about the same price as Spike's coil version... hmm.

 

[philly224]

Yeah, I guess they only sent it to certain folks. I've been waiting to order the conical to get the temp control at the same time.

Between crap-tastic QC demo'd here and these antics, I'm starting to see this as a sign.

*looks over at ad on side* Brewers Hardware has a jacketed conical for about the same price as Spike's coil version... hmm.

I think they are sending it to people who own the conical first but it says it'll be available in March for everyone as well.

 

[Shrimp]

I think they are sending it to people who own the conical first but it says it'll be available in March for everyone as well.

Yeah, I just saw him post on the FB page. I guess waiting to buy everything together bit me. I was going to buy in early Jan, but heard rumor of the temp control being available in Feb. Now, I'm waiting again...

I was decided (Ss vs Spike), but am honestly a little pissed at this point. Plus, I'm worried that I'd just end up with a conical as shown above.

Sorry for the drivel.

 

[philly224]

Yeah, I just saw him post on the FB page. I guess waiting to buy everything together bit me. I was going to buy in early Jan, but heard rumor of the temp control being available in Feb. Now, I'm waiting again...

I was decided (Ss vs Spike), but am honestly a little pissed at this point. Plus, I'm worried that I'd just end up with a conical as shown above.

Sorry for the drivel.

No worries! Was just letting you know in case it helps you make a decision!

 

[burdbrew]

I have yet to actually try this, but would a sight glass, with a cap on one end, attached after the valve be enough to collect what you want? That way you close the valve and empty the sight glass without having to worry about spraying stuff half way across your brewery. Or would it be to small, depending on the batch, causing you to have to repeat the process a couple of times?

If I use the 90 degree elbow, that has the sight glass attached horizontally. So when I take the clamp off, half would spill if I tried to flip it up right. And there really isn't much clearance between the bottom of the conical and the support stand, hardly enough room for one of Jaybird's mason jar set ups, say nothing a sight glass. I don't really want to use legs to lift it up, trying to problem solve with what I have.

 

[timpritchard23]

I feel like this thread is painting an image of spike based off of 1 conical that has a bit of an issue. I bought the cf15 in late December along with all the attachments and it is incredible. The carbonation stone was awesome, with an aquarium chiller got my beer down to 43 degrees and carbonated in 24 hours. Cleanup is all hands free with a bucket, sump pump and cleaning ball. I'm not saying the 1 scuffed one doesn't have an issue, I'm just saying I bet there are a lot more ecstatic customers out there. Remembering how much these threads help people make decisions I thought I'd post to show the good side of these conical. Maybe more happy customers could too.

 

[philly224]

I feel like this thread is painting an image of spike based off of 1 conical that has a bit of an issue. I put he'd as cf15 after in late December along with all the attachments and it is incredible. The carbonation stone was awesome, with an aquarium chiller got my beer down to 43 degrees and carbonated in 24 hours. Cleanup is all hands free with a bucket, sump pump and cleaning ball. I'm not saying the 1 scuffed one doesn't have an issue, I'm just saying I bet there are a lot more ecstatic customers out there. Remembering how much these threads help people make decisions I thought I'd post to show the good side of these conical. Maybe more happy customers could too.

What aquarium chiller do you have?

 

[timpritchard23]

Hydrofarm active aqua chiller 1/10 HP. It works great. I've had the beer down to 41 but found 43 to work just fine without the unit firing too much. Use my old 10 gallon cooler as a reservoir and some old leftover immersion pumps. Got the email last night about the jackets and heaters going on pre-sale to current owners next week so I'll for sure be adding that.

 

[sheikyerbouti]

Just finished my first ferment. A couple of notes:

-As stated, when you open that dump valve, be ready with a bucket. Thankfully, I had a lot of hops, so mine was plugged and I had to put a screwdriver in to break it up.
- Mine is near my sink with a sprayer, making cleaning easy, however I bought the CIP ball and wanted to use it. It did a very good job with the chugger pumps. With the 4" lid off, I could see the spray hitting the top side of the conical(not the dome) but solution did not spout out like in the demo video.
-Remember to mix your cleaner prior to putting into the fermenter. I added 2 gallons of hot water then 2 scoops of brewery wash. When I took everything apart, there was a big undissolved chunk of it on the 90 degree tube at the bottom.

Overall, very pleased, works as advertised.

 

[Rhyanmeade]

It seals, and will in the end probably be a good unit.

 

[Shrimp]

I feel like this thread is painting an image of spike based off of 1 conical that has a bit of an issue.

Agreed that it's a small sample size, but I'm honestly concerned now that when this thing shows up, I'll be another "1" conical. What guarantee or even warm fuzzy feeling do I have that I'll get one that doesnt look all beat up? The dude above has a legitimate gripe and they throw $50 at him to buy more of their stuff. Either that, or he can return it at significantly more cost. That's crap.

Others talk about how great the customer service is for damage or missing in shipping. Yeah, it's pretty easy to do that when you insure the item. I'm not seeing evidence to support how great of a company we're dealing with.

I don't know how many potential buyers will see this thread, but I would imagine it's probably worth it to Spike to really fix the problem. Up until this thread, I was all in, but I'm honestly waning. Am I the only one, or just the only one posting? I guess that's a gamble for Spike.

 

[sheikyerbouti]

Let's keep this thread on track with best practices for the conical if you own it. This way we can help others solve some common issues and streamline their efforts.

No offense to folks with QC issues, but that may warrant another thread.

 

[Shrimp]

Let's keep this thread on track with best practices for the conical if you own it. This way we can help others solve some common issues and streamline their efforts.

No offense to folks with QC issues, but that may warrant another thread.

Best practice: Order conical, click over to amazon for sandpaper/rubbing compound/polish, pray creases from shoddy leg installation doesn't result in infection. Sweet.

 

[burdbrew]

My CF10 showed up perfect. No issues like the one's we are seeing pictures of.

I can tell you that if I shelled out $600 for this and it showed up as it did in some of the pictures, I would be very unhappy.