Fermentation Location Help

[MrEggSandwich]

So I just set up shelves etc, in my basement to start fermenting down there. The issue is- It's cold. The high is usually 62-63...I am not sure what low is- Just got digital thermometer, so I should know tomorrow. I plan on brewing tomorrow.

Do I just ferment in basement and wrap in blankets etc...? Next week should warm things up nicely...to mid 60's+

Or

Keep the fermenter upstairs where there can be decent temp swings due to skylights etc...

 

[eastoak]

62-63 is perfect for most american ales and many other styles.

 

[MrEggSandwich]

Do you think I can keep it in the mid 60s with blankets, etc, when ambient will be low 60s...

I am making a BIG IPA today, with a 2.3l starter with 2 vials WLP001. My thinking is this:

It should take off like a rocket, and get the temp to mid 70s easily...next week should warm up nicely, thus warming basement to mid 60s...

If I can get fermentation going quickly, the temp should take care of itself...

 

[BluBruShack]

The temp sounds fine to me as well. If you are still worried about it I picked up a seed starter kit for my garden recently and it had a warming mat for the seeds. I find that when you wrap it around your keg with a towel it brings up the temp about 6-7 degrees F. Looks like this though I got mine from a local green house. http://www.simsupply.com/p-125935-germination-station.aspx?CAWELAID=1317016915
GL and HF
BBS

 

[duboman]

Your basement temps actually are right in an ideal range, just like mine. I don't use any type of heater but I do use a swamp cooler. I find that it provides consistent insulation regardless of the temp swings and I do not use any ice bottles. The water keeps the bucket at a perfect 65 degrees.

remember that during active fermentation the temp in the bucket could rise 5-10 degrees for a few days.