Fermentation temperature control

[buzzbromp]

Does anyone know of any devices or have any methods to get varying fermentation temperatures? My basemen is typically about 65. My homebrew shop sells a band that maintains 73.

 

[CallsignMigs]

You could try the Rubbermaid tub full of water with an aquarium heater trick. Or, look into building a fermentation chamber.

 

[buzzbromp]

Thanks, that aquarium heater is a good idea. Fermentation room API do expensive

 

[buzzbromp]

Sorry for the iPhone correction. Fermentation room seems expensive

 

[acidrain]

Cheap or free refrigerator off craigslist, an ebay aquarium dual temp controller, and a bit of wiring and hardware to make a fermentation chamber for less than $100.

 

[beergolf]

65 is a good temp for a lot of brews. I like it even cooler. My basement runs about 58-60 degrees in the winter and it is perfect for most brews.

If you are trying to get the temp up to brew Belgians or saisons that need a higher temperature, then a cooler to hold water and an aquarium heater works great.

I use a big cooler full of water, place the fermenter in that along with the heater. The heater I have is very accurate and holds temp to within +/- 1/2 degree. My basement is 58 right now and I have a saison fermenting at 88.

This is the heater I have... http://www.fishtanksdirect.com/aqueonpro150precisioncalibratedaquariumheater-1-1.aspx

 

[buzzbromp]

I thought 65 was a good temp too plus any extra heat from the yeast action. However, I was looking at a wyeast chart the other day and 65 was at the low end of the recommended range for many strains. I wanted to try for the middle on some to see if there is a difference, say 70 degrees. The 73 degree by is at the high end. I will look into some DIY chambers and the aquarium pumps. Thanks for the ideas!

 

[CallsignMigs]

Sorry for the iPhone correction. Fermentation room seems expensive

Cheap or free refrigerator off craigslist, an ebay aquarium dual temp controller, and a bit of wiring and hardware to make a fermentation chamber for less than $100.

Yup, I built mine for less than $100 even after paying $50 for a mininfridge.

 

[tjBrewer]

65 is a good temp for a lot of brews. I like it even cooler. My basement runs about 58-60 degrees in the winter and it is perfect for most brews.

If you are trying to get the temp up to brew Belgians or saisons

^ definitey agree.

Factor in the 5-10 degree increase generated by the fermentation and that 65 is looking good, maybe a bit warm as stated above. 73 ambient can push you way over where you want to be.

I have a chest freezer with a Johnson controller and I find around 60-62 a pretty good ambient temp for most and ramp up to 68 or so after fermentation starts to slow. I like to keep contributions from the yeast to a minimum unless needed (Hefe, Tripels, etc). Definitely prefer the lower temps for a clean finish.