I need inspiration. I have been having a lot of difficulties straining out my hop and trub debris when using my pump to recirculate or transfer. It gets clogged every time. I've tried a spider, tea ball, custom hop tacos (3 versions)...you name it, I have probably tried it. I draw slowly from the pump, whirlpool and draw from the side. Doesn't matter. Anyone come up with a method that works for them? I don't use typically more the 8 oz in the kettle for my IPA's for a 5 gallon batch so I don't think I'm being unreasonable expecting to pull the wort out without clogging. Otherwise, not much use for my spendy pump set-up. Thanks in advance.
Double up a 5 gallon paint strainer bag. If you've already tried that then I suggest ditching the pump and doing the old fashioned auto syphon. Caveman brewing at its finest.
I have no issue with straining into the bucket. my issue is trying to make whirlpooling less manual and to avoid the slow pace of a siphon. Dumping is quicker but brutal on the back.
Have you considered one of these? http://www.stainlessbrewing.com/Hop-Spider-with-seam-welds_p_158.html
I have actually zip-tied sanitized paper paint strainers or a typical muslin bag to the end of my siphon hose when racking from one vessel to another to eliminate sediment.
Get 1 or 2 gallon hop sacks and fill them up. I do this. I can even wring them out post boil to get all the hop goodness, and not lose much wort. PIA to clean, so I am going to start tossing and buying new ones each time. A little more costly, but worth it.
Looks like a nice build. A little spendy but maybe down the road if I can't work out a cheaper options.
There are so many other factors that go into utilization that I have just adjusted mine to my system. I had the same exact issue as you, bought a new, shiny, cool pump and couldn't use it. None of my hop tacos or giant braids worked. Hop spiders just get in the way when chilling.
Do you use this? If so, how do you like it? I built one a few years ago with pvc and a paint strainer, but I never used it. I end up using the strainer, if I remember to pull it out. Otherwise, I just add hops to the wort.
