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Fermentation Chamber, Fan Needed?

Discussion in 'Equipment/Sanitation' started by Chris-P, Mar 21, 2013.

 

  1. #1
    Chris-P

    Member

    Posted Mar 21, 2013
    I'm planning to build a fermentation chamber from a mini-fridge, very similar to this setup: http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/another-fermentation-chamber-build-253949/

    So is a supplemental fan truly necessary? I realize that it will help air circulation but is it a must have?

    I ask because I intend to buy a Johnson controls to minimize wiring hassle. And if I also need to hook up a fan, that will require addl wiring.

    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. #2
    progmac

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Mar 21, 2013
    i think a fan is absolutely necessary. if you look at a chest freezer, you've got cooling coils in the entire space. with an expanded mini fridge, you just have a tiny section of cooling coils. you have to move that cool air into your box.
     
  3. #3
    westo2

    Well-Known Member  

    Posted Mar 21, 2013
    Yes - a fan is necessary - I started out with a small computer fan that I wired up - wasn't enough (my chamber is a fairly big one though - able to fit 6 carboys). After having the freezer plate ice over and become completely ineffective- I defrosted and tossed a small desk fan in there - solved all my problems. Wiring can be straight forward too - just put a multi-plug on the controller, plug the fridge in and plug the fan in. Both will cycle.
     
  4. #4
    Chris-P

    Member

    Posted Mar 21, 2013
    Makes sense. Thanks all
     
  5. #5
    Hedo-Rick

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Mar 27, 2013
    Was wondering how/what you use to power the computer fan?
     
  6. #6
    westo2

    Well-Known Member  

    Posted Mar 27, 2013
    An old cell phone charger. Nip the cell phone plug off, strip the wires and wire nut them to the fan wires.
     
  7. #7
    RoadKing

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Mar 27, 2013
    Radio Shack has 120v.Computer type fans. I use one and it works good.
     
  8. #8
    kerklein2

    Supporting Member  

    Posted Mar 27, 2013
    No fan in mine. Use to have one but it died and I never replaced it. Still making great beer...
     
  9. #9
    Hedo-Rick

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Mar 27, 2013
    Does it matter where you mount the fan? Because I planned on mounting am 80mm fan to the collar in upper right hand corner.

    P1010001 - Copy.jpg
     
  10. #10
    RoadKing

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Mar 27, 2013
    Anywhere. Just so it moves the air.
     
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