Question for 1550 owners

[Spurtrax]

I am working on a build for a new brewstand based on the 1550 model. I have a couple of questions:

1. How much hose do I need?

2. I plan on running the system with a HERMS coil off of a Johnson controller. How often does the pump clog with chaff and shit? Should there be a filter?

Thanks

[foomench]

2. I plan on running the system with a HERMS coil off of a Johnson controller. How often does the pump clog with chaff and shit? Should there be a filter?

That depends on your false bottom. I've never had my pump clog. I used to have the plastic QDC fittings with the internal crosshairs and the one on my mash tun clogged once or twice, but I've since switched to stainless QDCs.

[Zen_Brew]

How much hose you need really depends on how you set it up. I have a 1550 set-up with the old style Italian kettles. I run it as an electric HERMS. I decided I didn't care for the mash tun on top because of having to dough in up high, so I run my HLT on the top of the stand, and my Mash Tun on the bottom.

As to clogging, I picked my system up used, and modded it to electric. Turns out it came with enough parts to use a false bottom and a bazooka style screen in my mash tun. I have never had the slightest clogging or sticking issues, even running grists with 65% wheat malt and only 1/2 lb of rice hulls. I'm sure the bazooka screen under the false bottom helps me out there. I also whirlpool recirc in the boil kettle. I have a bit more trouble on that side when I have a heavy cold break, but it is manageable.