Kegging

1. Using a Tap King for your BIAB batches.

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   First post by pist, 11 years ago

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   Many of you may have already read up on this/know about it, but in the interests of sharing info, I'll post it up for those who may not have considered this or read about it.
   
   Many of you already probably have keg setups, so won't be so much interested in this, however I've got a slight issue here. See, SWMBO is concerned about energy consumption, and it has become apparent that it's not within our budget with regards to energy consumption to have another fridge dedicated to kegging, and the...

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   Np pistolpatch. Its good to be able to give some useful information back...as its because of the ton of info and discussions that members here and especially yourself left behind on other sites that got me into biab. So thank you!
   
   The bottles and lids appear to have been designed specifically for the tap king unit...the lids are a non standard size and ive not seen anywhere online where they sell pet bottles of this size. Would be handy if you could get a blank cap to put over them as this...
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   Last post by pist
   10 years ago
2. Kegging for Beginners

   4 Replies 16403 Views

   First post by Beachbum, 14 years ago

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   Basic Kegging
   
   By Michael Gardner (Beachbum)
   
   Introduction
   
   There’s nothing like striding up to your own tap and pouring a pint of your best. However kegging can be very confusing for the beginner as there are so many possible setups, from the simple private setup in the brew shed which could just be a small fridge, one keg and a plastic tap to the fully fledged bar with a row of frozen fonts that could take pride of place in any pub.
   This is a basic introduction and is not intended to...

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   BeachBum,
   
   Great job. Very informative. I wish I could have read this before I set up my rig. If you need help about balancing a system I can help.......... steer you to some information
   
   I have to this date not really balanced my system. Some days the pour is perfect some days I get a lot of foam? I am the last person in the world give advice and the first person to need it! Thanks for all the hard work done and yet to come!
   
   P.S. In the US we have been seeing more of these for...
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   Last post by BobBrews
   13 years ago
3. The Basics of Kegging

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   First post by BIABrewer, 14 years ago

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   All brewers, new and experienced, are encouraged to start new topics in this section provided they have read the below.
   
   This section is still being structured. A temporary thread can be found here
   
   For now, post your suggestions here or in the thread above and we will tidy up this section as we go along. Don't be offended if your post gets deleted later. If of value, it will have been incorporated somewhere before being deleted and, if possible have given you credit.
   
   All brewers, new and...

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   Okay,I kegged a stout form an extract kit last night after carefully weigh out 78grams of corn sugar adding it to a cup of preboiled water.
   Apparently it is not a good idea to panic and dump the hole thing into the keg as you see the beer approaching the top.
   I think beer is a lot like blood,when it is so important to you and you see it lying on the floor you would swear there is gallons of it.
   Anyway I really don't know how much sugar I actually got in the keg or if that brown foam that came...
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   Last post by stux
   13 years ago
4. Kegerator Conversion

   5 Replies 14140 Views

   First post by Am33106, 4 years ago

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   After a lot of thought and planning I have decided to convert a 4.4 cu ft dorm fridge to a kegerator. My question to those that have done this is what did you use to protect your gas line if you feed it to your co2 tank outside the fridge? I'm guessing there are grommets big enough as you see them on commercial kegerators frequently, I'm just not sure if they're available on there own.
   
   Cheers
   Tony

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   That sounds like a good system. I see that it's a new product in the Catalog. I will have to check it out on my next visit to Morebeer.
   Cheers!
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   Last post by robertz64
   4 years ago
5. A General Warning on Purchasing Kegs - New or Used

   15 Replies 29179 Views

   First post by BIABrewer, 8 years ago

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   Preface: This post claims copyright. You may though link to it or, instead, copy it in entirety, including this preface and the diagram. Partial copies are not permitted.
   
   It is very important that you check and investigate the quality of kegs before purchasing.
   
   Brand New doesn't mean they are Quality Kegs
   
   More and more brand new kegs are being offered to the home brewer however, the quality of these kegs is often poor. These brand new kegs come in many shapes and forms; some even look...

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   Thanks Pistol
   great info
   I do like the shorter kegs for my Keezer, I convert them to Ball lock. And I have found out about Cornelius fittings in my travels, I have had issues disconnecting generics.
   somehow I wish that the sellers would get the message about cheap gods from China. I go out of my way not to buy the stuff because it never last.
   Sorry guys but there is no quality control, just pump it out and let the retailer deal with the returns seems to be the policy they have.
   Sorry for the...
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   Last post by Jamato
   7 years ago
6. MINI BIAB Kegerator Journey Thread

   2 Replies 8690 Views

   First post by LI Mike D, 7 years ago

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   I'm taking the next step in Mini-BAIB with a DIY Kegerator.  My son returned from college and I immediately took possession of his unwanted magic chef mini refrigerator  2.6 cu ft.   I removed the door panel and replaced it with self adhesive 1/8 foil lined insulation and foil tape (mainly to clean up the edges).   I painted it black enamel to fit my apt living room decor.  
   My keg is a 1.75 gal cannoball with the regulator and picnic tap.  The tower faucet arrives in a few more days for the...

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   v2W0ouhDSpQ
   
   Magic Chef 2.2 cu in mini fridge I repossessed from my son's dorm room.  2.5 gal Torpedo Keg  (I have 2 of them, plus a 1 gal Cannonball min keg for small batches and travel). 
   
   5lb CO2 tank,   2.5 in Kedgo tower faucet tap.   2 computer fan in a project box to blow cold air into the tower.  
   
   I had to remove the door shelves using a cutting disk on the drill and then used 1/8 self adhesive insulation and foil tape to clean it up.    Bent the cooling unit (ice tray) slowly to a...
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   Last post by LI Mike D
   7 years ago
7. Carbonation of Kegs - What do you do?

   2 Replies 9595 Views

   First post by Pat, 8 years ago

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   We've had several threads over the years on carbonation. One thing those threads have shown is that there is a massive variance in recommendations and techniques*.
   
   We've nailed tricky stuff like this before so we might as well do it again.
   
   Can you please click on the link below that applies to you or that you have experience in, and then follow the instructions there to give us your numbers on what works or has not worked for you?
   
   If you keg and force carbonate (fast or slow)
   
   If you keg...

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   If you naturally prime your kegs, please select and copy the Code below, paste it into the Quick Reply box and complete the details. An example follows the code.
   
   Keg - Naturally Primed
   Overview
   
   Beer Style:
   Original Gravity:
   Final Gravity:
   Desired Vols CO2:
   Metric or US Measurements Supplied:
   
   Yeast/s, Times and Temperatures
   
   Main Yeast:
   Type and Amount of Yeast Used when Priming (if any):
   Wort Temp 72 hours before Priming:
   Wort Temp at Priming:
   Days Allowed for Carbonation:
   Avg Temp...
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   Last post by Pat
   8 years ago
8. Natural or Forced Carbonation?

   48 Replies 72308 Views

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   First post by jmbingham, 14 years ago

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   just curious what is the more popular way to keg your brew
   in the joy of homebrewing Charlie says to prime with a 1/3 cup of sugar and let rest for 4 to 5 days, do ya force carb with Co2, or do ya have another method, and bottliers why do ya bottle instead of kegging :?: I would comment on my prefered method but seeing how my keg system is still in the mail i dont really have one yet :D

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   guess I'm always different. I have done both and prefer the force carb. I can taste a naturally carb'd beer and don't like it. Maybe I'm just really sensitive to something with sugar Carb'd beers.
   
   For me, best force carbing is at serving pressure, takes a while though. I too am blessed with quite a few kegs so time isn't usually an issue. Force carbing at serving pressure can take upwards of 2 weeks to reach that perfect level and bubble size
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   Last post by Bellybuster
   9 years ago
9. Shelf cooler line balancing

   3 Replies 10618 Views

   First post by kmmacker, 9 years ago

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   I've been using my Keezer happily, although I did take some time to balance my lines etc...!
   
   I have just picked up a cheap shelf cooler (Maxi 210) and will set it it up in a little bar that can be wheeled into the garden for BBQ,s. It will consist of a countertop with cooler under on a shelf and barrel under that shelf...so all within 500mm of each other!
   
   Question is..is there issues with line balancing or formulas related to how long the python line ( insulated beer line) needs to be for one...

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   I'd be happy to stop over and help you with the testing process....
   
   ---Todd
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   Last post by thughes
   9 years ago
10. Perlick tap gas leak?

    1 Replies 8201 Views

    First post by laserghost, 9 years ago

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    Wondering if that's where my problem is ... I have a 2 tap tower kegerator with 5lb gas tank inside with a new tap rite dual regulator. Two ball lock kegs, 15 ft / tap of silver barrier line and Perlick 525.
    
    Kegerator is at ~40 and regulator ~12.5. Kegs seem to be perfectly carbed once I clear the lines of semi-carbed beer. If it sits in the lines for a few days it loses some carb.
    
    Can't source the leak, help!
    
    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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    You should always pour off about 1/4 pint before pouring anyway. The beer goes stale overnight and needs to be purged. Mine will sort of burp or spurt when the fresh beer hits. I don't think what you are experiencing is anything abnormal or faulty in the system.
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    Last post by Lylo
    9 years ago
11. removing guages from regulator

    6 Replies 12693 Views

    First post by jrodie, 9 years ago

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    I was trying to replace the high gauge on my regulator, I was unsuccessful and in doing so broke my low pressure gauge. So I now have new low pressure and high pressure gauges, but still cannot get the broken ones off the regulator. Any advice out there on a technique, or tool used to get those SOBs off?
    
    Yes I know they are right threaded. ;)
    
    Thanks!

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    I reckon the reason why they are so hard to get off is that they almost certainly would have used liquid gas sealant. Use some of that as well for the new ones.
    
    Just looking at time of your last post and you probably already have the new ones on :).
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    Last post by PistolPatch
    9 years ago
12. Keezer

    12 Replies 19616 Views

    First post by iijakii, 13 years ago

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    Pretty much done with my keezer, I'm proud of 'er. My first time doing any woodworking or even manly and crafty stuff :p. Still need to decide on a drip-tray, and do some final tubing-management on the inside. I'll take more pictures later.
    
    Racked over a doppelbock I've been lagering for 5 months, damn is it good. I drank an entire glass of it uncarbonated. Also put an IPA on gas. Can't wait until they're carbonated!
    
    I have room inside for 5 kegs, or four and a carboy or some bottles. My...

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    Ahh my files are too big...I will have to have a jiggle around and get this sorted.
    
    Sorry won't get onto it today but will show completed keezer and my new brew bench ...new boiler etc!
    
    Have a good day guys
    K
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    Last post by kmmacker
    9 years ago
13. re: Gas types

    18 Replies 23863 Views

    First post by DanIAm, 9 years ago

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    Why straight co2 for homebrew? Why not barmixes, which include Nitrogen? Is this just habit, it's what we've always done? Or are there specific concerns?
    
    From the BOC website
    
    Co2 Food grade quality gas used in pressure beverage dispensing for bulk beer, cider
    and post mix systems. Carbon Dioxide 99.9%
    
    Multimix 30 Beverage gas typically used for dispensing bulk stout for Guinness.
    Carbon Dioxide 30%, Nitrogen 70%
    
    Cellamix 40 Beverage gas typically used to dispense draught beer. Carbon...

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    I would follow the same thought process Dan.
    
    From the same book previously mentioned it is written that Nitrogen has a low partial pressure, therefore, it is less likely to be dissolved in the beer (compared to C02). Read;
    
    Bubble formation and size
    
    Despite beer being supersaturated with carbon dioxide, bubbles will not form spontaneously unless nucleation occurs, promoted by a particle, fiber or scratch in the glass (Prins and Marle, 1999) or the dispense mode, be that tap (Carroll, 1979)...
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    Last post by mally
    9 years ago
14. First keg setup....

    15 Replies 21574 Views

    First post by slash, 9 years ago

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    I've just got into kegging, I bought a 2nd hand keg setup and I'm sure the previous owner didn't know what he was doing and lied about a few minor things. all that aside I put down 3 quick LME brews to test the setup...and until my grains come....don't want to waste good beer.
    
    but I'm running into some problems that I can't solve yet and would like some advice on where to go next
    
    I have 1x co2 bottle with a micromatic regulator, this plugs into 2x kegs
    2 of the kegs have hand taps, one a...

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    I expect you know this but just in case, always pull the trigger/tap handle fully open when pouring, trying to ease the beer pout makes things worse.
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    Last post by Lylo
    9 years ago
15. Brewferm Mini Keg System

    4 Replies 14574 Views

    First post by balli1990, 10 years ago

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    Hi Yall,
    
    Its my first time using the Brewferm mini kegs and tap so thought I would share my experiences with them, there seems to be allot of conflicting views on the internet. People either love them or hate them.
    
    So far so good. Easy to fill, simply fill them leaving a few cm to spare (bulk primed before hand) and insert rubber bung (super easy!!). I also bottled some beer so I could test conditioning along the way without tapping a mini keg.
    
    Screw dip tube to tap, Push dip tube...

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    The reads above are well-written and much appreciated mally and balli. Thanks for taking the time :peace:. I don't think we have these here in Ozland yet. There's something about this mini-stuff that keeps nagging me. I think it is in a good way though.
    
    Thanks again :salute:.
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    Last post by PistolPatch
    10 years ago
16. SODA-STREAM C02 BOTTLE ADAPTOR

    4 Replies 12889 Views

    First post by shibolet, 13 years ago

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    any have any experience with one of these?

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    +2 on the thread tape. These adaptors leak without it. I went through a full cylinder before working out that it was leaking. Since ive been taping the thread on the cylinders ive had no issues
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    Last post by pist
    10 years ago
17. Real Ale

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    First post by BrewBagMan, 11 years ago

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    I went to the local brewshop yesterday simply to collect some grain and came away with my first keg complete with all the bits and bobs needed to serve up my own brews. I did have some explaining to do to the wife but sold her on the but there will be no more bottles lying around line.
    
    My plans were to prime in the keg and use one of those nifty handheld CO2 dispensers to give my lightly carbonated ale a helping hand to reach the glass.
    
    Then I remembered seeing some vids on making a Real Ale...

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    Nice work Guinges, suppose the question is... when are you gonna put some ale in there? I tried pouring from my 'bag' last night and was disappointed with the nozzle/pressure within the bag as there wasn't much of a flow. I think the key is getting a fair amount of carbonation happening inside the bag. the guys who successfully use polypins mention that they have to vent off the pressure a couple of time before their beer is conditioned enough to serve.
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    Last post by BrewBagMan
    11 years ago
18. CO2 regulator from Hong Kong?

    12 Replies 19637 Views

    First post by Tsar, 11 years ago

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    Hi guys,
    
    I'm starting to think of kegging my beer, and I'm looking for parts prices. Is this CO2 regulator usable?
    
    I know it's not the best choice, but it's the cheaper to start with.
    
    Thanks

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    Tsar,
    i had used a regulator designed for welding when i first started kegging. i didn't work very well and was very frustrating. i would not recommend cutting corners with this specific item.
    have you tried onclick= window.open(this.href);return false; ?
    
    Wise words there Shib,
    
    I consider these sort of purchases as long term investments. I know that cost can be an issue if you are on a budget but paying more for a quality item that will definitely do the job as intended is always better in...
    12 Replies
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    Last post by Yeasty
    11 years ago
19. Kegerator upgrade

    10 Replies 18650 Views

    First post by Kingy, 12 years ago

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    Previously moved from a fridge setup to a freezer and have brewed my first beers of the year. Finally get to sample the finest from kings brewery lol. Cheers! Gunna be a good Arvo sampling the nectar of the gods.

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    I got mine here he didn't have them until I asked adn then he sourced them out of the States.
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    Last post by Lylo
    11 years ago
20. draft beer in my kitchen

    12 Replies 18711 Views

    First post by shibolet, 13 years ago

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    I don't have time for a long write up, but my weekend project included installing 2 beer faucets over my kitchen counter.
    
    i'll let the pictures do the talking:
    onclick= window.open(this.href);return false; ... directlink

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    Shibolet,
    
    I occasionally fill a keg with some cleaning solution and run it through the lines. I leave it hooked up for a day and put a warning on the tap not to use it. I think that the tap-line cleaning solution in the line for a day cleans it well enough. I flush with some water (sometimes I let water stay in the line for a while also?) and hook up some beer! It seems to keep any off flavors out of the lines? Of course with my lack of taste buds what do I know?
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    Last post by BobBrews
    12 years ago
21. My new project

    16 Replies 21083 Views

    First post by Aces high, 12 years ago

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    I picked this freezer up on the weekend. Its about to become my new keggorator. Its 340L and I can fit 7 kegs in, plus with a gas bottle or some beer bottles on the compressor hump.
    
    The only drawback is that it is angled from back to front which makes the carpentry job of making a collar just that little bit harder. Ive got most of the tools, but my carpentry skills are sometimes pretty dodgy.. I need to work out how the taps are going to fit etc
    
    I spent a lot of time on the weekend staring...

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    Great work Aces, that looks a treat :)
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    Last post by hashie
    12 years ago
22. A Ramble on Finding/Preventing CO2 Leaks.

    10 Replies 17261 Views

    First post by PistolPatch, 12 years ago

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    For those who have experienced a CO2 leak, one of the most amazing things is how easily a full gas bottle can disappear overnight with even a small leak. I'm now trying to find a tiny leak that has drained my gas bottle in a bit over a week.
    
    So, I've just put on my second gas bottle, have a brew day on Saturday, and want to make sure I don't lose what I have left in the meantime. I have 41 connections in my gas lines and these just go to the disconnects :dunno:. I have 9 disconnects which can...

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    Just a quick note on Starsan as a leak finder...
    
    If you have John Guest type fittings, don't use StarSan to test for leaks as it corrodes them unfortunately :dunno:.
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    Last post by PistolPatch
    12 years ago
23. Stupid Sod

    8 Replies 16684 Views

    First post by lambert, 12 years ago

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    So, got a fridge from the office and decided its perfect for conditioning beer, store my yeast & yeast slants and keep my leftover hops in. After cleaning it out I plugged it in and loaded it with 10L of lager and the other stuff. Temperature setting on 2 (1 being warm and 8 being cold). Opened the fridge yesterday to be confronted by a 10L bucket of beer frozen solid and some frozen yeast slants/wash yeast bottles.
    I'm accepting the loss of the yeast as payment for my stupidity of not using...

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    :idiot: :idiot: :headhit: Good point..seeding with a grain of dried yeast it is then :lol:
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    Last post by Yeasty
    12 years ago
24. kegerator taps

    15 Replies 22886 Views

    First post by samuls35, 12 years ago

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    hi been putting every thing together to build a kegerator from a chest freezer and wondering what taps people prefer or should stay away from Im looking to buy something thats not cheap and nasty aslo in stainless

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    My perlicks were $88 each,included tap,4 1/8 ss shank,tail pc. and nut and 1 each gas and liquid discos.
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    Last post by Lylo
    12 years ago
25. co2 Tank

    19 Replies 24999 Views

    First post by zapzapper, 12 years ago

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    Can you place the co2 tank inside the refrigerator that you have set up for your kegs or does it need to set out side of it or does it make any difference where you place it inside or out?
    
    Thanks
    Roger

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    I use a fire extinguisher guy to fill it. He drops what he is doing for me. $5 for a 5lb refill! I called about a regular tank refill place and they said next day, maybe !
    19 Replies
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    Last post by BobBrews
    12 years ago