Build Log: Grizzly 400 "Modplunge", AA 1/4 Chiller setup.

wintermute

Warthog-79 That sounds difficult to find off the shelf! Would be interesting to test and see the actual impact.

jshak123

Hi, first off thank you for creating this post. I have bought all of the parts listed above.

For the Mcmaster Bulkhead, how would I connect the garden hose for draining, is there a piece that I would need? since the inside of the bulkhead is not threaded

wintermute

jshak123 The Mcmaster bulkhead is not threaded so it will need a new solution. I am currently not using that bulkhead but I am thinking there is a way to make a tight enough compression connection there for a drainage hose. Let me know if you come up with a solution.

Livetoride

Bulkhead Question:

I believe you used the FlexPVC bulkhead as you made a 1 3/8 hole. You then made a recommendation for a new McMaster bulkhead https://www.mcmaster.com/36895K112/. I am confirming you did not use this one as it has an Non-threaded inside on the external side of the cooler and your connection was with 3/4 pipe nipple which would not go together.

Would you recommend using the Mcmaster bulkhead you recommend with a flat pipe glued into it externally or would you suggest this one (https://www.mcmaster.com/36895K122/ and connecting with the nipple?

Kelly_CO

Livetoride

based on my research - you are correct. he used a FlexPVC bulkhead. the FlexPVC bulkhead can be ordered with threaded or slip fitting on either side.

if you use the mcmaster bulkhead - its slip fit on the inside, threaded on the outside.

HTH

wintermute

I used the flexPVC bulkhead but also have the MCMaster bulkhead on hand in case I ever want to switch it out. I do love that the flexpvc bulkhead is threaded so I can screw a hose onto it to empty the tank. However, I'm sure it would not be hard to come up with some sort of compression fit adapter to do the same thing with the McMaster bulkhead. The two that you linked above seem identical to me, I'm not sure what the difference is.

Kelly_CO

Threaded connection on both sides:
https://www.mcmaster.com/36895K122/

Threaded connection on the outside, Slip connection on the inside:
https://www.mcmaster.com/36895K112/

HTH

wintermute

Kelly_CO Threaded on both sides is awesome, I missed that! I am now recommending that one.

surfdog08

Kelly_CO if I bought (2) of the K122 connections can I just return and switch those out for the K122?

coman1080

I know you've stood behind it in previous comments, but just looking for some reassurance prior to pulling the trigger. I am planning to replicate this build with an Ice Barrel 500 in Central TX where summer temps reach 100+. I will place the tub in my garage. Given the insulation on this model, would you still stand behind the AA 1/4hp being sufficient? I have seen mixed opinions all the way from the 1/4hp being plenty to others suggesting a 1hp model. Due to the drastic price differences and availability, I'm looking for an opinion from someone with direct experience. Thanks!

wintermute

coman1080
Yes, 3010 BTUs is enough. I wouldn't consider using a more powerful unit. The AA 1/4HP chiller did fine all throughout the brutal '23 Texas summer we had. The max temps in my garage this past summer got into the mid 90s during the hottest days.

coman1080

wintermute this is awesome news for my wallet! I’ve asked this question in numerous places and have gotten answers ranging from 1/4hp all the way up to 1hp, but hearing your first hand experience is just the assurance I needed. Thanks!

wintermute

surfdog08 You had a typo but yes they take the same size hole so you can swap them.

MikeAZ

Been dealing with a small leak at my top bulkhead. Just 3D printed a new plastic gasket for the outside tightening ring and added 100% silicone water proof. Letting it sit for 24 hours and hopefully will do the trick. Thanks for a great post

wintermute

MikeAZ Which bulkhead are you using? I want to see pictures of the 3D printed ring you made. Hopefully you get the leak stopped. If you really need to you could always use JB water weld the bulkhead on the inside. You'll have to cut if off if you ever need to take it apart though.

MikeAZ

It is the bulkhead that came with the Penguin Chiller Grizzly 400 tub. The ring I printed didn’t have the slight taper that the tub has but used 100% silicone that is waterproof and it’s holding with no leaks. Penguin chillers also sent me a new gasket so I have an extra one. They’ve got great customer service so far.

wintermute

MikeAZ I'm assuming you used a silicone sealant? Or did you just apply silicone grease to the inner gasket and that fixed it for you?

Can you post some pictures, I'm curious which bulkhead they chose to use? You can make your own post showing it off if you would like. I am glad to hear they have good customer service considering the prices they charge for their products.

I investigated UV sanitation (It doesn't filter) but determined it not beneficial in my use case as my water stays clean long enough for me.

MikeAZ

Also did you look at using UV filter at all?

dastratman

@wintermute - This thread has been extraordinarily valuable, thank you for all of the information! I have a few follow-up questions now that you've had this setup for over a year.

Are you still relying solely on H2O2 for sanitation? How often do you change your water and filters?
If you added an additional sanitation option, would you go with ozone or UV? Based on my informal research, 66% of commercial cold plunges rely on ozone, (+ spa chemicals) 16% on UV, (+ spa chemicals) and 16% on spa chemicals alone.
If you went with ozone, would you 1. use a JED 303 and drill a hole in the cooler lid, or 2. install inline with a venturi injector?
Why did you go with a 4.5" filter housing vs. the cheaper 2.5" filter housing?
Why did you use PVC fittings instead of barbed hose fittings + clamps?
The Grizzly 450 has two drain holes, one on either side of the cooler. Would you recommend using both of these existing holes for supply/return, or still drilling a hole higher up on the cooler wall and installing a bulkhead?

wintermute

dastratman

Yes H202 is fine, change water every 2 months max and filter almost never. If I didn't use H202 I would use small amounts of chlorine. I wouldn't use ozone or UV because I don't see any need and just added cost and complexity. If I was forced to use ozone I might inline it but either option is valid and I would spend too much time debating. Bigger filter housing bigger flow rate. Barbs and clamps are fine if that's your style don't let anyone stop you. If I had a 450 I would still drill a bulkhead to keep the connections on one side and I want the water input line to be higher than the drain line.

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