Hello all, I am new to this forum and have seen a lot of great information. I know this is going to sound crazy but... I have never brewed before however I seem to always start over my head and then catch up. In watching videos,reading and checking out the web I have come to the conclusion that a 2 tier all grain system is not really all that difficult to brew on. I'm sure the first few batches may not be great but I will learn as I go.
That being said, I plan to use a 4500WT high density element in my HLT and a 3500WT low density element in my BK. I plan to use an Igloo 5 gal cooler for my Mash tun with a cooper manifold. I plan to use 1 pump to recirculate for Mashing and then to transfer to BK. I work in electrical wholesale and I am in the process of building a control unit with separate PID,SSR,Thermocouples and lighted toggle switches for each element. I just finished the frame for the system last night. I will post pics when i get a chance.
Any and all feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks, Carl

I think a 5 gallon mash tun is going to be too small! I have an 18 gallon for my 10 gallon system and i have pushed it to(maybe a bit beyond) its limit before.( a few times at least) Do you get a discount on pids and ssr's?

I was actually thinking of going larger with the Mash cooler. 5 Gal just seemed a little small. I'm still in the design stages so who knows what I will end up with.
As fara a discount on PID's and SSR's. I am contacting some of the vendors we deal with on the electronics end to see what they will do for me. We are mainly electrical supply ie: pipe, wire lighting,switches,recpt's. not a lot of electronics but I'm trying.
I'm sure i will be back with more questions.
Thanks

jeepguy wrote:I think a 5 gallon mash tun is going to be too small! I have an 18 gallon for my 10 gallon system and i have pushed it to(maybe a bit beyond) its limit before.( a few times at least) Do you get a discount on pids and ssr's?

That's definitely going to be the case when brewing any high gravity stuff. A larger mash tun is a great idea.