FastFerment conical fermenter??????

[jbb3]

Looking sweet on the home made stand!
Casey & The FastRack Team

Thanks!

Can you let us know what size temp probe is needed to fit the thermowell? I have an STC-1000 controller and the probe is too small. It doesn't contact the inside walls of the thermowell.

 

[p40whk]

Great product, can't wait to use it. One suggestion though, I threaded one of my temp probes into the thermowell and the only thing that I didn't like was that the probe was angled upwards toward the top of where the Wort would be (with the face of the probe angle down). Obviously this is due to the thermowell being on the downward angle of the side of the fermenter. I realize it would take a bit more redesigning to build some sort of nipple on the side so the probe itself could be parallel to the ground.

If the fermenter is sitting on a stand then the face of the probe is pointing down so you have to bend over to read it. Not a problem if you have the ferment on the wall higher.

Just my 2Cents

 

[gotbags-10]

For my fermenter chamber I was thinking about cutting about a 5" hole in the bottom of my mini fridge and then having the collection ball and union all sticking out of the bottom. Then taking some rigid insulation and building a small box that I could take on and off to cover what was sticking out of the bottom. I was thinking to build a quick stand out of a couple 2x4's with a sheet of plywood for a shelf with a hole cut out in the middle for the stuff hanging out of the bottom of the fridge to clear. If my stand is tall enough then I could go right into my kegs when done as well without having to move the fermenter out of the fridge.

 

[M0KCE]

The wardrobe idea would be great if you could add cooling to double as a fermentation chamber!

I've been pondering that for days now. Still drawing a blank. My basement temps stay fairly stable here in Wiscowsin most of the year, and in particular once the winter heating season starts. I think that would work for most of the things I want to do, and then something like that wood frame for use in the bar fridge when lagering.

 

[M0KCE]

Thanks! It's a DIY stand. Materials were scraps I had laying around. The top ring, cabinet grade 1/2" ply, is 9-7/8" ID and 13" OD. The bottom ring, 3/4" ply, is 13" ID and 16" OD. The legs are 21" in length which gives a 3-3/4" space between the bottom of the collection ball and the floor. They are made from oak for strength and stiffness.

Thanks for this...I have access to a CNC router, I think I'm going to cut some parts out at work tomorrow.

 

[jbb3]

Thanks!

Can you let us know what size temp probe is needed to fit the thermowell? I have an STC-1000 controller and the probe is too small. It doesn't contact the inside walls of the thermowell.

For anyone else interested, the FastRack folks responded to my question and stated the ID for the thermowell is 9mm.

 

[gotbags-10]

Now we just need a 9mm temp probe. I've been scouring eBay with no luck. Any ideas?

 

[dkmag]

Now we just need a 9mm temp probe. I've been scouring eBay with no luck. Any ideas?

If the OD of you probe is less than 9mm you could just use some heatsink thermo paste to make good thermal contact between your probe and the thermowell.

 

[Kalmah]

Does the probe have to fit tightly into the thermowell? Couldn't you just slide the STC-1000 probe in and wad some tissue or tape in behind it?

 

[elgaot5]

I was hoping this page would pick up a little traction once everyone started getting their fermenters. I got mine last Wed but I've been traveling all weekend and have only had a chance to hug it once. That's an awesome stand jbb3. I'm trying to figure out how to make a compact ice bottle cooled ferm chamber that can hold the fastferment or a standard bucket, but I can't decide on the design. I might just make it bigger and have it fit the entire stand inside...

 

[MaddBaggins]

Mines still in the box. Haven't had time to mess with it or make the stands.


Sent from my magic box, using only my thumbs.

 

[Brendon]

I just brewed a batch this weekend (Northern brewer Ace of Spades) and only have few minor complaints. I bought 1 conical fermenter plus the accessory pack.

Complaints:
1) I don’t like the screw caps, I would have preferred the cam locks that were in the original video when I ordered. I see they’ve added an FAQ page talking about why, I wouldn’t have cared about the extra cost.
2) The level markings are nearly impossible to read, I might just add tape or mark it so I can see the 5-gallon mark.
3) Carry strap is really awkward. I wasn’t planning on carrying this around full anyway but when it first arrived I was testing to see for any leaks and tried the strap and just didn’t feel like ever risking a 5 gallon batch. I will not move this around when it is full.
4) The stand for the fermenter has nothing in place to keep level (when empty). So when filling this initially the hose pulled the fermenter to the side. It would be nice if there were notches or something to keep this steady when it’s empty.

So negatives out of the way, cleaning was easy. Although this wasn’t dirty when it arrived I still did pbw & star san, cleaning and rinsing were a breeze and already make this worth it. The wide opening at the top makes it real easy to reach inside and clean.

I’ll update how this looks after this first batch is done and will be able to comment on transferring & etc. So far happy with the purchase, my few complaints are very minor. I’ll see how this goes in the long term.

Couple notes on the picture. The temp gauge is all the way on the side because while filling this I needed to see the level marks. I also forgot to put on the collection ball, hopefully I’ll remember next time
The beer is just about the 5 gallon mark with the krausen going to about 5.25.

Lastly 6.5 gallon carboy on the right (Northern brewer breakfast stout).

 

[jbb3]

I just brewed a batch this weekend (Northern brewer Ace of Spades) and only have few minor complaints. I bought 1 conical fermenter plus the accessory pack.

Good to see one full finally!

With all that head space, what do you think about scaling up the recipes by a gallon? I usually shoot for 6 gal post boil and 5-1/2 gal bottled. Maybe 7 gal post boil and 6-1/2 gal bottled?? That may be pushing it a bit but that's what blow off tubes are for right??

Are you going to attach the collection ball? If so, you should probably do it soon before oxygen becomes a bad thing. If you attach an empty ball and open the valve, air will bubble up through the wort.

Keep us posted!

BTW, they could fix the stand by increasing the ID of the upper ring slightly so the fermenter sits a little lower in the stand. Mine sits vary stable in my DIY stand.

 

[mxstar21]

Brendon-

I took a black Sharpie and traced over the increment markings. Makes them really easy to read.

 

[Brendon]

Good to see one full finally!

With all that head space, what do you think about scaling up the recipes by a gallon? I usually shoot for 6 gal post boil and 5-1/2 gal bottled. Maybe 7 gal post boil and 6-1/2 gal bottled?? That may be pushing it a bit but that's what blow off tubes are for right??

Are you going to attach the collection ball? If so, you should probably do it soon before oxygen becomes a bad thing. If you attach an empty ball and open the valve, air will bubble up through the wort.

Keep us posted!

BTW, they could fix the stand by increasing the ID of the upper ring slightly so the fermenter sits a little lower in the stand. Mine sits vary stable in my DIY stand.

The first mark you see above the krausen is the 6 gallon mark, so i think its pretty safe to do a 6, even 6.5 gallon batch. Theres still room after the 7 gallon mark, will test in the future.

I was going to attach the collection ball but i'll probably just drain the yeast/trub directly into another container (using their other attachment). I won't be reusing this yeast as i have 3 mason jars of it in my keezer. Its been about 2.5 days in the conical, will it be okay to add the collection ball? It just started bubbling away yesterday.

 

[Brendon]

Brendon-

I took a black Sharpie and traced over the increment markings. Makes them really easy to read.

Thanks will do that.

 

[jbb3]

I was going to attach the collection ball but i'll probably just drain the yeast/trub directly into another container (using their other attachment). I won't be reusing this yeast as i have 3 mason jars of it in my keezer. Its been about 2.5 days in the conical, will it be okay to add the collection ball? It just started bubbling away yesterday.

Hmmm... Not of us have experience with this thing but... Not sure how well the thick trub would drain through a 1/2 barb on the end of the other fitting?? I think I would use the collection ball if you're going to do it.

We oxygenate the wort so the yeasties can breath and eat (so to speak). At some point, oxygen in the wort becomes bad. I assume as long as you're at the beginning of active fermentation, you will be ok with a some air bubbles traveling through the wort?? BUT, I'm a relative rookie too. So maybe some brew veterans could chime in??

BTW, Did you test to see how accurate the volume marks are??

 

[jbb3]

Brendon-

I took a black Sharpie and traced over the increment markings. Makes them really easy to read.

Not sure how permanent the permanent marker will be on this plastic, but works for now...

 

[elreplica]

Still waiting here in Canada. Apparently they are to go out via UPS starting tomorrow to Canadian customers. I am in a major need of replenishing my pipeline as I am spending too much on overtaxed suds here. All being said, things are late but the correspondence with the company is top rate. I hope this continues!


Sent from my iPad using Home Brew

 

[tdf700]

Still waiting here in Texas. I sent them an email last week when I started seeing people on here get deliveries, they replied that all orders had been shipped and ups was dealing with a lot of packages and would send me a notification. A week later still nothing.
I sent them another email this morning telling them still no product or notification but I have not heard back yet.

 

[mxstar21]

Not sure how permanent the permanent marker will be on this plastic, but works for now...

Could use a paint marker too. I figured if it rubs off, its pretty easy to redo. It definitely makes it easier to read the markings. Stand looks good.

 

[elgaot5]

Any thoughts on how a raised 5 gallon bucket might work out as a stand? I'm thinking a bucket with a hole in the bottom big enough to fit the collection ball through sitting on a couple of wood blocks. Standard bucket diameters I've seen are around 12" which looks like it might sit right below the thermowell...

 

[jbb3]

Any thoughts on how a raised 5 gallon bucket might work out as a stand? I'm thinking a bucket with a hole in the bottom big enough to fit the collection ball through sitting on a couple of wood blocks. Standard bucket diameters I've seen are around 12" which looks like it might sit right below the thermowell...

It's going to be pretty close to hitting the thermowell. Even if it clears, be careful with how you support the bucket and make sure it is secure and stable. I would hate to spend the time, money and energy into a brew only to have it end up all over the floor from an inadvertent bump...

 

[pauld315]

I am getting ready to start my first brew using this fermenter tomorrow. It's a Bourbon Vanilla Porter so I have to do both a first and second because the vanilla bean gets added in the secondary. How much beer will be lost into the collection ball if I use it during both fermentations ? The collection ball is almost 24 oz. I don't think there would be that much lost on the primary but I think the secondary would be mostly beer in the ball. I am now beginning to think it would be better to just use the ball on the primary but not use it during the secondary and then drain any sludge from the secondary just using the hose. What does everyone think ?

 

[NateBrew]

I was not planning to reattach the ball after primary. I think the oxygen pickup would be worse than any benefit.

Here is a picture of the stand I threw together quickly for it. I have a heating pad strapped to it and the probe from an STC-1000 controller in the thermowell.

 

[NateBrew]

The only thing I haven't worked out very well is how to drain it into a keg, given that it is so low. How are it others planning to do this? I considered putting a second bracket on the wall or free standing that would be tall enough to put the keg under. That would mean I would have to lift it into the high stand, but I already lug around carboys so maybe it doesn't matter much.

 

[joshuadbak]

Ace of Spades black IPA started today. Built a quick easy stand out of scrap 2X4's. I am going to build a ferm chamber similar to the son of fermentor to fit right around this but it is about 66 degrees in the basement right now so I figured I'd get a batch going.
I found that a fine sand paper folded a couple times worked perfectly for cleaning up the threads where the mold left a little extra plastic. My lid spins on so nice now.

When is everyone planning to do first trub dump?

 

[elreplica]

Now they have changed shippers here in Canada and are sending out via FEDEX. Unfortunately for me I will be away when they arrive. Hopefully they'll be here when I come back as I'm getting quite antsy.


Sent from my iPad using Home Brew

 

[cantrell00]

The only thing I haven't worked out very well is how to drain it into a keg, given that it is so low. How are it others planning to do this? I considered putting a second bracket on the wall or free standing that would be tall enough to put the keg under. That would mean I would have to lift it into the high stand, but I already lug around carboys so maybe it doesn't matter much.

Pressurize with CO2?

 

[cantrell00]

Could someone be kind enough to get a measurement for me?

I would like to know how tall it is from it's widest point to the bottom of the collection ball? I realize I need to add 1.5" to that measurement.

MUCH appreciated. Don't know if my fridge will handle it or not.