Grain bed that just wouldn't set

[spiderwrangler]

I take a piece of aluminum foil, punch holes in it and lay it on top. Pour gently, and you're good.

[EagleDude]

Depends.

Each grain bill is going to be a little different. Each mill is going to be a little different. Each mashtun is going to be a little different. Recirc until it's set. Personally I use a continuously recirculating system. You can't hurt it by recirculating too much.

I don't have a pump, I guess I could just fill a bottling bucket up and keep emptying it on top.
I'll try that next time.

Be sure to get a good Mashout rest ... otherwise you will be losing a lot of temp and mess up all the work you put into the mashing part of the process.

[brewinhard]

Maybe try not opening up your valve that far at first. Try a bit slower flow until it starts to clear up a little, then open it a bit more.