I am obsessed! I think I need this.
- Thread starter Bugleman
- Start date
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Hum? Well I didn't see the price, but there's quite a few hereabouts that have invested in conical fermenters, both stainless models and plastic (presumably either HDPE or PET) ones.
If you have the money and can justify the expense then what the hell, go for it.
regards
fatbloke
I know the feeling Bugleman. On my "How Much House Can I Afford" spreadsheet is a tab estimating costs for new mead equipment.
If the stainless is a bit pricey, you might consider the plastic ones offered by www.minibrew.com. Not to sound as if I have stock in the company, but I like the idea of a built in thermometer, as well as an extra plug on top that can be fitted with a valve for blanketing with CO2.
Huesmann: You are correct, though with the conical you don't rack. You simply open the bottom valve and flush the old yeast and gunk out. Can't say which is /better/ in the grand scheme of things, but I'd guess the conical is easier.
If the stainless is a bit pricey, you might consider the plastic ones offered by www.minibrew.com. Not to sound as if I have stock in the company, but I like the idea of a built in thermometer, as well as an extra plug on top that can be fitted with a valve for blanketing with CO2.
Huesmann: You are correct, though with the conical you don't rack. You simply open the bottom valve and flush the old yeast and gunk out. Can't say which is /better/ in the grand scheme of things, but I'd guess the conical is easier.
14.5 Gallon
It says the 14.5 gallons is $499.00 on craigslist. Think this is a start up importer.
Man I wish I had the dough now..
It says the 14.5 gallons is $499.00 on craigslist. Think this is a start up importer.
Man I wish I had the dough now..
Huh.... Looks like I spoke too quickly. They're price is competitive with the plastic ones. Hrm..... $310 for the 7.3 gallon SS vs $350 for the 8 gallon plastic.
I use http://newstore.vvessel.com/
You can make a thermowell from the cap to place a themometer.
Saludos
I bought my big ones here http://www.tank-depot.com/product.aspx?id=854
The only issue are their lids, it is necessary to do a little work on them to obtain a good seal for anaerobic fermentation. But when is done they work great. I wash them with my kärcher high pressure pump so there's no abrasives procedures during cleaning and sanitizing.
Saludos,
I looked at the VVessle, but I did not want to hang it on a wall. I like the free-standing SS fermenters.
Stephen
These remind me of the cotton candy from Killer Klowns From Outer Space.
But anyways, I'm looking forward to the day I can justify one of these large fermenter to my wife. Might even have to get one of the ones from VVessel and paint it pink...
Being obsessed isn't so bad a thing? I Think
I went this route and this will be my second year of operation.
Couple of issues, first the lee's dumping isn't as efficient as one would
hope without patience and the ability to cold crash. The other issue is
the internal racking arm is a must have to adjust above the silt line prior
to dispensing / racking off of fluid. I made the SS decision as I do both
primary and secondary in the vessel and the plastic ones I felt may be a
bit to air permeable for my needs. This unit I have has been used strictly
for hard cider so I may be not much help to you with respect to mead.
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/the-fermenator-stainless-steel-conical-fermenter-27-gallon.html
Regards,
TB
I've looked at that model before, but couldn't get a good feel for the lees purger. How well does that work? Can you top up with C02 on this model?
How did you seal them? I have silicone around the ring on the tank body itself. Did you modify the lid in any way to make a better seal? That is my only complaint about these tanks that the top seal leaves a lot to be desired.
Silicone didn't work, O-rings did't work. First time I made a good seal I had to make it with plasticine, now I'm using refrigeration tape because of the temperature that I work create a lot of condensate and is the only one that won't fall. But I'm going to make new lids with fiberglass, I want something more reliable.
Saludos,
I modify them, in the bottom I made some PVC plumbing so they can work by VVessel concept and I can drain the wine when fermentation is done.
I drill a little hole in the middle and placed a better bottle rack valve, so I can take my samples with out opening.
I drill a little hole in the top where I placed a bung, this hole I use to add nutrients.
I made a thermowell for my temperature controler.
I never used CO2 during fermentation.
Saludos,
Well stainless is nice but for the same price you can get 2 15 gal Plastic ones from www.minibrew.com or look on line (I got mine from ebay almost 80.00 off the vendor price brand new in the box). I have one and it has changed my mead making for ever. Lees are simple pull off just open the bottom valve carefully and out they come.
I love mine and will never go back to a carboy again.
Steve
I love mine and will never go back to a carboy again.
Steve
