A couple questions about heating a fermentation chamber

[thehopbandit]

I recently built a STC-1000 temperature controller to use with my chest freezer. The cooling side is all fine since the compressor will take care of that. However, I'm looking into ways to regulate the heating side of things.

I have seen a number of ideas online, and am thinking about going for the lightbulb inside a can method.

1. However, are there going to be any problems from the moisture/wet environment inside the freezer in regards to the lightbulb?

2. Also, what is the best way to go about setting this up? Do they make plugin adapters for lightbulbs that plugin a wall outlet, have a cable, and then a light fixture on the other end? If so, could you link me up to one?

3. Any other better heating ideas?

Thanks!

 

[Bensiff]

I have had a heat lamp catch fire on me before so my general rule is, if it can get hot enough to start a fire, if for instance it gets stuck on, I won't use it as I like my house and pets. Now I use one of those fermenting heat wraps, the homebrew heat panel from Midwest looks like a good item too...albeit more expensive but more durable looking.

 

[Chrisl77]

If I have one fermenter going I will use a brewers belt pluged into my temp controller. If I have multiples going I will use a reptile heat cable that I got form a pet supply store. My fermenters sit on short platforms I arrange the cable under the platform to the heat can rise up.

 

[Rbeckett]

I use a reptile mat that they sell for keeping a habitat warm. It only pulls a few watts and will not overheat. The pads are water proof also. Since I bought it from a herpetological store I paid a bit extra, but it work amazingly well. My ferm chamber rarely or ever needs a heater. About the only time I have needed heat was when I raised the brew temp for a rest prior to cold crashing and bottling. In the south we just don't need much heat, up north that may be a different issue all together. Good luck with whatever you decide to use.

Wheelchair Bob

 

[LKHA]

small heater with fan works great

 

[Veedo]

All I use is a 15 watt cfl bulb with some small computer fans wired up to an old 12v DC adapter to keep things circulated. Works fine and no worries about things getting too hot. Doesn't take much to warm things up inside of a freezer.

 

[HDIr0n]

I use a fermwrap, they work great. It doesn't make sense to me to heat up the whole chamber instead of the fermenter that you should be measuring but that is just my opinion. If you are only fermenting one thing in there than I suppose that you could get away with heating up the chamber. I regularly ferment 2 different batches at the same time (lager and ale) and heating up the whole area doesn't work.

-G

 

[thehopbandit]

Thanks for all the advice, everyone! I appreciate it.

I think the reptile heater or bulb will be a great idea. I also like the computer fan addition!

 

[FatsSchindee]

2. Also, what is the best way to go about setting this up? Do they make plugin adapters for lightbulbs that plugin a wall outlet, have a cable, and then a light fixture on the other end? If so, could you link me up to one?

Thanks!

I followed this guys tutorial on how to build one:
http://brewstands.com/fermentation-heater.html

I just bought a cable/cord from HD, as I didn't have any extra around the house to cannibalize. I went with the grounded one, and think it was ~$9 for an 8' one with one end already cut/stripped and ready to attach. The only thing he didn't say was where to attach the ground wire (which he recommended using in his edit), so I attached it to the metal pancake box (see pic).

I have about zero electrical experience, and found it to be pretty easy to wire up. I just bought a wire cutter/stripper/crimper tool that came with some spade terminals... You just crimp those onto each of the three exposed wires, and then screw those down onto their respective screws (the lamp assembly packaging tells you which wire (hot or neutral) to screw onto which screw. Pretty easy.

I don't know about the moisture affecting it in the chest freezer... But haven't seen any negative comments about it in my (limited) research about it.

 

[thehopbandit]

I just bought a cable/cord from HD, as I didn't have any extra around the house to cannibalize. I went with the grounded one, and think it was ~$9 for an 8' one with one end already cut/stripped and ready to attach. The only thing he didn't say was where to attach the ground wire (which he recommended using in his edit), so I attached it to the metal pancake box (see pic).

Awesome! Yeah, I was planning to do something along those lines, too. That was the one question I had was about grounding the box. Metal enclosures should always be grounded, so I was wondering about where the ideal area was to attach the ground wire for something like that. It looks like, from your picture, that the metal pancake had a screw for the ground wire already? Or how did you attach it there?

 

[FatsSchindee]

It looks like, from your picture, that the metal pancake had a screw for the ground wire already? Or how did you attach it there?

I attached it (via a spade terminal I crimped onto the wire) to one of the two bolts I used to attach the pancake box to the can lid. Although, looking at the pancake box, you can see on the left (in my pic) there is a raised hole in the pancake box itself, which I believe is a grounding point... It just didn't come with an extra screw for this purpose (I'm sure I had one that would've worked around the garage somewhere, but figured the bolt would work just as well, and just tightened it snugly under there).

 

[FatsSchindee]

1. However, are there going to be any problems from the moisture/wet environment inside the freezer in regards to the lightbulb?
Thanks!

I've been wondering more about this as well. I've seen some people saying different things each way (no problems / some problems). Can anyone who has a chest freezer used as a fermenter (not necessarily a keezer since those would normally be kept at lower temps, I assume) chime in with their experiences? Is excessive moisture a problem? And then mold from that also? If so, what do you use to remove said moisture (I've seen small de-humidifiers you can plug in, or some kind of chemical substance in a bucket that absorbs it - forget the name)? And how often do you clean it out? And with what? Just general all-surface cleaner that you'd use in a normal fridge or freezer, or something more brewing specific like PBW, followed by a rub or squirt down of StarSan before you throw your newly pitched wort in there to ferment?

Sorry so many questions... Just want to make sure and take care of my new creation and not neglect it enough to have a negative effect on my beer, and want to hear what's worked for everyone else. Thanks!

 

[thehopbandit]

I've been wondering more about this as well. I've seen some people saying different things each way (no problems / some problems). Can anyone who has a chest freezer used as a fermenter (not necessarily a keezer since those would normally be kept at lower temps, I assume) chime in with their experiences? Is excessive moisture a problem? And then mold from that also? If so, what do you use to remove said moisture (I've seen small de-humidifiers you can plug in, or some kind of chemical substance in a bucket that absorbs it - forget the name)? And how often do you clean it out? And with what? Just general all-surface cleaner that you'd use in a normal fridge or freezer, or something more brewing specific like PBW, followed by a rub or squirt down of StarSan before you throw your newly pitched wort in there to ferment?

Sorry so many questions... Just want to make sure and take care of my new creation and not neglect it enough to have a negative effect on my beer, and want to hear what's worked for everyone else. Thanks!

I have been looking into this, too. I think the best solution is probably something along the lines of using a product like DampRid or silica gel packets. Or something like the Dri-Z-Air moisture remover. I have also heard that people will wire up a small computer fan to help circulate the air inside the keezer/chamber. I haven't ran into a problem yet with excessive moisture, but I suspect it will be down the line, so I'm looking into it.

Theoretically, your beer should be fine in the environment since it has an airlock and is sealed elsewhere. The environmental air shouldn't be getting in.

 

[FatsSchindee]

I have been looking into this, too. I think the best solution is probably something along the lines of using a product like DampRid or silica gel packets. Or something like the Dri-Z-Air moisture remover. I have also heard that people will wire up a small computer fan to help circulate the air inside the keezer/chamber. I haven't ran into a problem yet with excessive moisture, but I suspect it will be down the line, so I'm looking into it.

Theoretically, your beer should be fine in the environment since it has an airlock and is sealed elsewhere. The environmental air shouldn't be getting in.

Good point! I had obviously overlooked that...

DampRid was what I had heard of before but couldn't remember the name. I guess it couldn't hurt to keep some in the starting early to prevent any build-up... Or could it? Any negatives (beside cost) using this stuff?

 

[LLBeanJ]

I'm using a GE 7.0 CF chest freezer exclusively as a ferm chamber. It's in my basement where the ambient temp varies seasonally between 62° and 67°. I live in a dry climate, so condensation and mold are non-issues. I've been using it since January (12 or 13 brews so far, both lagers and ales) and haven't had to clean it yet. If I did, I would go with dish soap and warm water and maybe spray it down with a mild bleach/water mix and wipe dry. So far, it's been pretty low maintenance.

For heat, I use one of these. I just have it sitting up against the back wall and it works like a charm.

 

[rpe290]

Have a small crock pot (Like an 8" diameter)? Those can be had for $10 or less. May want to leave water in it so its not run dry...that's what I use anyway.

 

[FatsSchindee]

I'm using a GE 7.0 CF chest freezer exclusively as a ferm chamber. It's in my basement where the ambient temp varies seasonally between 62° and 67°. I live in a dry climate, so condensation and mold are non-issues. I've been using it since January (12 or 13 brews so far, both lagers and ales) and haven't had to clean it yet. If I did, I would go with dish soap and warm water and maybe spray it down with a mild bleach/water mix and wipe dry. So far, it's been pretty low maintenance.

For heat, I use one of these. I just have it sitting up against the back wall and it works like a charm.

That's good to hear (low maintenance). I'm in Austin, and my garage is that cool in winter, but gets in the 90s in the summer, and is more humid here... So I'm thinking it'll get more moist inside mine (about the same size)...

 

[triangulum33]

I use one of these and a cheap little fan
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002AQCPK/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[ChuckO]

I think that the light bulb in the can is probably a very safe method of heating. The heat is spread out over a large surface area. I would put a grommet or a small tube through the hole surrounding the cord though. A sharp edge could over time cut the insulation and cause problems.

Even in my somewhat damp garage a tub of DampRid works for about 6 months before replacing.

 

[thehopbandit]

Does anyone have any experience with heating the fermentation chamber with a plug in heating pad that people use for muscle aches, etc.? How well does it work and is it safe?

 

[FatsSchindee]

I think that the light bulb in the can is probably a very safe method of heating. The heat is spread out over a large surface area. I would put a grommet or a small tube through the hole surrounding the cord though. A sharp edge could over time cut the insulation and cause problems.

Even in my somewhat damp garage a tub of DampRid works for about 6 months before replacing.

I just bought some DampRid... Think that'll be a cheap and easy way to combat moisture.
That's a good idea about the grommet, too. I think I'll just line the hole with a couple pieces of electrical or duct tape... A poor man's grommet!

 

[dozer5454]

I used the light bulb in a can technique. I used the two prong wire instead of the three and attached the bulb piece to the bottom of the can instead of the top. Used the light from the fridge and it works fantastic. Haven't had a problem one. As I use it in my fermentation fridge which sits in the garage it's more of a winter time use. But it does work very well.

 

[SpeedYellow]

I use a seed germination mat and it works wonderfully. No hot spots (barely warm to the touch) and designed for a wet environment. Search amazon for "seed mat" -- costs just $15 to $20. I highly recommend this due to safety reasons.

 

[rpe290]

Does anyone have any experience with heating the fermentation chamber with a plug in heating pad that people use for muscle aches, etc.? How well does it work and is it safe?

I used to, but it would always shut off if it was on for extended times, so check that (safety timer I assume).

 

[zendog]

I use a seed germination mat and it works wonderfully. No hot spots (barely warm to the touch) and designed for a wet environment. Search amazon for "seed mat" -- costs just $15 to $20. I highly recommend this due to safety reasons.

I use this methods too and it works well. I have a SOF chamber and regulate the temperature by either removing the top panel, side panel or both. The heat pad is placed under my fermenter, which is off the ground on a baker's cooling rack.

 

[Setesh]

I use a reptile heating pad as well. It is waterproof and doesn't get very hot at 20 watts per foot. I've used them for years on my boa/python cages. I use a two foot long section and haven't ever thought of putting a fan in there too. I assume there is less need for one with an element two feet long than one that is a few inches in diameter (can or infrared lamp), but maybe not. Maybe I should look into one. I've got a lot of computer fans around and it would be easy enough to get 7-12V of DC to it. Anybody find that they make a huge difference? I know that any liquid will stratify based on temperature so I suppose it could really help in a big open area, but I question the effect in a keezer stuffed with kegs and hoses. I just don't see there being enough open space to really get air currents flowing. Thoughts?

 

[BamaProud]

I use a cheep(15 dollar I think) heating pad from Walgreens. I am sure other pharmacys have them ...just make sure it doesn't have any safety features that turn it off automatically after a certain period of time.

...after seeing the seed germination pads(which I had never herd of) I think that is likely the best and simplest option.

 

[collinsDPT]

I have 2 STC1000 units on their way from Amazon (1 for freezer and 1 for minifridge kegerator). I have a $90 giftcard to RadioShack and was thinking of buying this as my heat source... any thoughts? I live in Denver and the freezer will be in the garage, kegerator in the basement.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10841743#

At Radioshack, I also plan to buy a project box, power cord, wire nuts, box face plate as well to use up the giftcard. Anything you guys can think of that would be a better use of my money at Radioshack? Should I just do the paint can light bulb or the heatpad wrap?

 

[Veedo]

Could save the $100, hardwire the stc1000 into the freezer, and toss in an old lamp or seed matt. Depends what you're going for i guess.

 

[collinsDPT]

True. I just hate Radioshack and can't think of anything else I would ever use it on.