Mash Tun Question

[Hopscott]

I am working on some equipment for an AG set-up this week and trying to decide what to use for a mash tun. I have access to some free rectangular coolers with approximate dimentions of 19in. (L) x 13in. (W) x 10in. (H). I think this works out to about 10 gals. I will be making 5 gal. batches with it, with a good percentage beeing medium to high gravities (1.050-1.070). Would I have any problems with the grain bed depth being too shallow with 5 gal. batches in a cooler of this size? Also, I was planning on using braided SS hose. Is there any benifit to making a manifold and running a few sections of the braided hose, or is just one section running from the bulk-head sufficient?

Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

[Phil]

will you be batch sparging or fly sparging? i'm a batch sparger myself, and from what i've heard channeling (that you'd alleviate with a manifold lauter system) isn't an issue unless you're fly sparging. so if you'll be batch sparging just go with a single line.

or you can do what i did and put a tee fitting on the inside and get a 36" braided hose and assemble it in a ring. i doubt it makes a difference, but i think it looks better.

[Hopscott]

Thanks Phil, yeah I was planning on batch sparging with the SS hose. I just wasn't sure if making a ring like you did or if making a manifold to run a few different lengths of the hose could help with efficiency. I'm also fine with just making it look better, good to impress non-brewing friends once and while.