Best way to control Ferm Temps

[hophopenstein]

Been trying to figure out the best way to control my fermentation temps. Also dont want to spend a ton of money so at this point a fermentation vessel is not in the cards. Was thinking of the heater wraps used with a Johnson thermostat or doing the aquarium heater route. Would like to here your oppinions on this as most if not all of you know more about this than I do. New ideas welcomed. Thanks

 

[brandonhagen1]

swamp cooler,tub of water and ice or a heater should keep temps close

 

[pabloj13]

Check out this blog post from Nordeast brewer: Swamp Cooler temp control

 

[bad67z]

If you could describe the environment your attempting to ferment in (temp and how much it swings) you will tend to get some more refined suggestions.

 

[hophopenstein]

My basement in the winter months is between 55-60 summer is between 65-70 sometimes it might be higher but for the most part the temps stay in these regions.

 

[Nnaakk]

I've used a small(cheap) space heater set to the low heat setting with a temp controller inside a small chamber made from foam board insulation. I recently used this to ferment a belgian ale at 80* and it worked great. I also have a square hole cut out of the side to accomodate a mini fridge(got for free) with the door removed. I can keep the frementation well below ambient temps, and can switch the temp controller from heating to cooling as necessary.

 

[NordeastBrewer77]

here's the way i control temps. works for any ale or lager fermentation. there's even at least one user here who's actually lagered in this setup.

 

[pabloj13]

here's the way i control temps. works for any ale or lager fermentation. there's even at least one user here who's actually lagered in this setup.

I beat you to your own post. ;-)

 

[NordeastBrewer77]

I beat you to your own post. ;-)

doh! that's what i get for skimmin' the last few posts of the thread. thanks bro!

 

[greatschmaltez]

Johnson controller with a chest freezer from craigs list is a pretty cheap way to do it and you'll be within a degree or 2.