Ive been contemplating this build for a while, and over the last couple months, Ive done the majority of the work. The issue I was trying to overcome is that I dont have any floorspace for a fermentation chamber AND keezer, so I had to come up with a solution. I got a lot of inspiration from other builds on this forum and decided to make a Double-Decker Ferm Chamber/Keezer!
So I started out making my keezer. By just adding a standard collar (made out of 2x8 board) and a stand, I was able to get 5 cornies inside my 7.2 cu.ft. Magic Chef chest freezer. I got the faucets and shanks installed and was ready to build up the Fermentation Chamber.
From other threads (this one in particular) I got the idea to use the cool air from the keezer to cool my fermentation chamber. I knew I had to have the FC above the keezer, so my plans are to attach it to the keezer via hinges. This requires the FC to be lightweight, so I made it out of foam board. Apparently 2 thick foam board is unheard of in Houston, so I went with doubled-up 0.75 thick foam board. I think the final R-value is 10. Glued it up over a couple days and set it on the keezer.
After much searching, I ended up using bilge pipe as the air ducts. Im not quite happy about this, but for lack of an affordable, better option, it works.
Ive still got a few details to clear up, but for the most part, its working great. Ive been able to maintain the desired ferm femps, granted its winter here and thats not a great feat. When it warms up (in a few weeks ) Ill see how it really does in warm conditions. Ill have all the details finished by then (hinge, pipe insulation, all gaps filled, and a power disconnect for the fans).
Just thought Id share my build! Thanks for reading!
So I started out making my keezer. By just adding a standard collar (made out of 2x8 board) and a stand, I was able to get 5 cornies inside my 7.2 cu.ft. Magic Chef chest freezer. I got the faucets and shanks installed and was ready to build up the Fermentation Chamber.
From other threads (this one in particular) I got the idea to use the cool air from the keezer to cool my fermentation chamber. I knew I had to have the FC above the keezer, so my plans are to attach it to the keezer via hinges. This requires the FC to be lightweight, so I made it out of foam board. Apparently 2 thick foam board is unheard of in Houston, so I went with doubled-up 0.75 thick foam board. I think the final R-value is 10. Glued it up over a couple days and set it on the keezer.
After much searching, I ended up using bilge pipe as the air ducts. Im not quite happy about this, but for lack of an affordable, better option, it works.
Ive still got a few details to clear up, but for the most part, its working great. Ive been able to maintain the desired ferm femps, granted its winter here and thats not a great feat. When it warms up (in a few weeks ) Ill see how it really does in warm conditions. Ill have all the details finished by then (hinge, pipe insulation, all gaps filled, and a power disconnect for the fans).
Just thought Id share my build! Thanks for reading!