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What I did for beer today

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Bought the PVC parts to assemble a keg washer so that I can wash my fermenters when I bottle next. Also, have a pump and small spray ball on the way from Amazon. Forgot the bucket though, stupid bucket.
In case you haven't seen these, I'd recommend one of two modifications to prevent "sudsing up" . This is best exemplified when washing a carboy. The suds and water build up in the fermenter because vacuum forms while draining.

1. Use a tote instead of a bucket, it spreads the suds out underneath.
2. A short section 6-10" ? of larger diameter >3/8" tubing in parallel to the rotary ball stem through the fermenter mouth. This would break the vacuum. This concept was suggested to me. I did not implement but used a tote. However, I have an SSBT keg washer now as well, and their design uses this idea. It works with a bucket. Probably could zip tie the tubing to the rotary stem. Though I haven't tried it yet on my DIY washer, this is likely the better option.
 
I like the vaccum breaker idea, especially considering I am using this on converted Sanke with a much small diameter opening. I will definitely try zip-tying a piece of tubing to the rotary ball stem. My only issue with a tub/tote is that I plan on using 4 lengths of 1" PVC as a floating "platform" for the keg to rest on and I am not sure that the longer length required for the tub/tote will hold the weight of the keg for very long. I am going to try it with a bucket, but I will keep this rec in mind if I start having issues with foam.
 
I messed up the brewing system.
I perform equipment checks to ensure my system diagnostic is functioning as designed and the faults are displayed on the correct local or remote displays.

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Bought this thing at Aldi's today. It was on sale and beer related so in the basket it went. You place the bottle or can inside the tower. Now instead of 2 things to clean (bottle and glass) I have 3 (bottle, glass + dubious usefulness beer dispenser). This really is a sickness isn't it? I'm not blaming any of you. It's 100% my fault. You did enable me, but I enabled you guys right back. It pours slooooow. You young guys will be eligible for social security by the time the glass is half full. 🤣

I broke the bank for beer today. $2.70 with tax.
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Finally cleaned the fermzilla that's been sitting in the ferm fridge for a week or so, chilled and under pressure so the slurry should be fine. Just lazy. Also used my fabulous yellow stuff to wipe down the inside of the ferm fridge, was getting nasty. My ferm fridge is an old side-by-side Samsung that was originally our house fridge, until the compressor capacitor went out and we decided to buy a new fridge. That's when I found out about those wonderful Supco 3 in 1 things, it's been in there for almost 7 years and hasn't failed on me yet. So instead of paying someone to haul it off, it's been the only reason I can brew whatever I want, any time of the year. Bought another Supco when the capacitor in the kegerator went out, that also is still going strong. Later today will stop at LHBS for grain to brew up a new NEIPA tomorrow; last one I made I used some El Dorado hops I've had in the freezer for forever, and despite being a bit old they made an amazing beer. Gonna pair it with some Sabro tomorrow to see what I get.
 
Transferred (LODO) my first Marzän of 2025 into a corny. Excited to try it once it has had a chance to lager a few weeks. Looked gorgeous. Gonna try a sip in a few hours once it is settled.

Cleaning the 6.5g corny keg used as a fermenter and the corny of kicked stout a few days ago. PBW phase almost complete.

Put the RO system in and bolted it to the back deck rails with a waterproof cover to protect it from the sun. The cover is two sided - one reflective (late spring-fall) and black for winter. It easily pops out so it can be brought inside if/when we get down to freezing. I just use it for beer and making small rins about 4 gal for coffee and drinking water. The first RO batch of beer is on day 5 of fermenting. Woo woo.

Getting a beer order together for a few misc supplies (flaked barley, mineral salts, biscuit and acidulated malt). A relaxed and mellow beer day - happy to get the "annoying tasks" done and ready to plant another garden bed of winter lettuce, beets, Chard, arugula and spinach.
 

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