Fermentation Temperature Control

[mbg]

Question about fermentation temperature control. I have the components to to use a pond pump, cooler w/ice, controller, and coil in my All-Rounder fermentor. I tested this out and it functions but have read the ice maintenance is a pain and it's hard to achieve cold-crash temperature. The other day I was thinking in the basement I have a side/side refrigerator that the freezer side is usually empty. The freezer is narrow & tall so have this idea to put a corny keg with glycol in there. It has QD and could be sealed off well for storage when not in use. From those experienced with type of system think this will work? Other suggestions welcome too.

 

[yowzers]

Yes it will work. I have a coil in my fermenter and use ice jugs in a styrofoam cooler. I still only have to change the jug once per day to maintain ale temps and twice per day for lagers. I insulate by fermenter with an old blanket. I can get my fermenter down to the low 40's with ice water. If I used glycol at closer to 0 F I'm sure you could get it down to low 30's as long as the fermenter is well insulated.

 

[mbg]

Yes it will work. I have a coil in my fermenter and use ice jugs in a styrofoam cooler. I still only have to change the jug once per day to maintain ale temps and twice per day for lagers. I insulate by fermenter with an old blanket. I can get my fermenter down to the low 40's with ice water. If I used glycol at closer to 0 F I'm sure you could get it down to low 30's as long as the fermenter is well insulated.

Thanks for the info. Once a day ice change I can handle. Maybe I'll give the cooler/ice a try. I also have a few Cooler Shock packs that go to 18F so may try them too.

 

[Dland]

At some point, making or investing in glycol chiller is a good way to go, if one brews often enough. Sound like it would hook into the pump & coil system you have already.

 

[lablover]

Thanks for the info. Once a day ice change I can handle. Maybe I'll give the cooler/ice a try. I also have a few Cooler Shock packs that go to 18F so may try them too.

I do the same thing with frozen 2 liter soda bottles, a small cooler, and this coil with a tiny pump and I can effectively maintain Ale temps with one bottle change per day as well. This is the system I use, but I have a slightly larger cooler that I can close on the water and ice bath. I drilled little holes in the lid for my recirculating water lines. Ball and Keg: Home Brew Keg Level Indicator