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View Full Version : Dry-hopping problem in my conical

ray m
02-25-2005, 11:46 AM
I know some of you guys have conical fermenters, and have probably dry-hopped at one time or another in them. I dry-hopped my pale ale on Monday, and have noticed that, since yesterday, it seems as though the hop matter has all settled into the bottom of the cone, appearing to have clogged the junction between the fermenter body and the yeast/trub collection ball (I have a V-vessel).

Is this an occurrence to expect with dry-hopping in a conical? I want to bottle this on Tuesday, and need to know a way to get that crap out of the fermenter without stirring it back up into the beer on bottling day. Thanks.
fretlessman71
02-25-2005, 12:04 PM
Hmmm... maybe a hop bag suspended at the top would have been a good idea....
HogieWan
02-25-2005, 01:24 PM
I dont have a V (I'm jealous), but can you take off the ball, dump it, replace it and then remove it again?
brewmonkey
02-25-2005, 01:37 PM
I always dry hop in a bad and then tie the bag off with some fishing line so that the hops do not clog the bottom.

If it is clogging the out valve you might try tapping lightly with a rubber mallet. Gently though, I know how you cops like to beat on stuff until it is done....:eek:
ray m
02-25-2005, 02:58 PM
LMAO!!!!! I tried the rubber mallet thing 5 or 6 times and it's not working. I guess I'll have to unclog it manually---like HogieWan suggested.

If I do this again, I'll probably try the hop bag idea. I was afraid this was gonna happen.:(
ray m
02-26-2005, 02:42 PM
Ya know, I don't know why I posted this question. I just did what I had to do one time with some yeast that was clogging up the works: stick a racking cane down there and loosen things up. DUH!!

All appears to be fine now. Thanks, guys.:)
fretlessman71
02-26-2005, 03:01 PM
Originally posted by ray m
LMAO!!!!! I tried the rubber mallet thing 5 or 6 times and it's not working. Maybe you should have aimed for the kneecaps! ;)
ray m
02-26-2005, 04:27 PM
Usually the lower spine does the trick!:rolleyes:
fretlessman71
02-26-2005, 04:55 PM
Jeez Louise... remind me not to get in that kind of trouble in YOUR town.... :(
ray m
02-26-2005, 05:06 PM
lol!!
brewmonkey
02-26-2005, 05:17 PM
Originally posted by ray m
Usually the lower spine does the trick!

Tell me about it! :eek: