I asked the folks over at Blichmann about the tiny o-ring and washer between the Pot and the Ball Valve.
response was.
The O-ring is S70-019
The washer has an inside diameter of 0.938", Outside Diameter of 1.15", and thickness of 0.048".
Thanks and yes I did use Whirlfloc tablet and the stuff seems pretty amazing so far. It is starting to Compact down but still has the original form just not quite as prevalent. Today is 3 weeks in Primary and was planning on moving it to a Keg but I am about to leave the house for an...
You just run a higher chance of getting an infection in your batch if there is already some wild yeast or bacteria. There is nothing to dominate the Wort so they have a better chance of getting a foothold.
I did my first BIAB last week (7 days ago) and it is a honey ale with 6 lbs of grain and 3 lbs of honey!
I'm brewing it for Memorial Day party etc...
However I've never used honey in a brew or White Labs 0001 before and of course I've never seen a fermentation look anything like this yet...
To do some temperature control - Limited control that is.
Go to a TSC (Tractor Supply) or sometimes Home Depot has them.
http://www.tractorsupply.com/tub-24-protein-cattle-2512736
They are called Mash Tub's or similar.
I use a Mash Tub and put it in a location that is COOL and Dark. Fill it...