False bottom in a cooler MT

[czubak]

I have a large rectangular cooler. I hate my braided stainless line, it drains like poo and never stays where you want it. I built a BIAB bag for the entire cooler (have yet to try it out). Thinking about just buying some perforated stainless, several stainless bolts for legs and maybe a couple handles to make in/out easier. Thoughts? Or just build a copper or CPVC manifold and call it a day.

[andrewmaixner]

Google seems to indicate you should make a manifold or use a bazooka tube, but it probably doesn't matter all that much. I have a braid and have just started adding $1-$2 of rice hulls to every batch
http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/round-f ... er-511323/
https://www.google.com/search?q=False+b ... +cooler+MT

[czubak]

Google is always right

Likely go with the CPVC setup. Simple and cheap and the bazooka tube is a tough sale for me for some reason

[whitedj]

my manifold in the small mash tun is cpvc with copper t fittings. I just take it apart to clean it good after using.
My larger mash I built a false bottom using perforated stainless sheet and bolts as you described. Big drawback is the holes are too large so you still need the bag. Although you may be able to use a mesh on top of the stainless sheet.

[czubak]

$7 and about an hours time and I can toss my braided steel line in the trash once and for all. Still need to cut slits in the bottom. 1/2" CPVC, used about 8' out of 10 purchased, 11 T's, 1 45* street elbow and 4 caps. I had the silicone tubing and cooler valve parts on hand.



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[whitedj]

Does it float? If so throw a couple copper t fittings on it.

[czubak]

Pretty snug fit opposite the valve end. Need to do a water test and get a rough idea on how much is left behind

[czubak]

Worked pretty well for my first run Saturday. No clogs and I hit my numbers spot on. Wort was pretty cloudy, so I did a couple vorlof's. Leaning it was relatively simple once broken down, some pieces stick to inside where I cut the slits, but a blast from the hose fixed that. I'd say this was a win.