Fermenting temperatures

[grohr]

I did it all grain batch this past Sunday and I have the beer in a closet it was worn that the east I used would set off like a rocket sure I have a blow off to my wife said it stinks so bad I have to put it in the garage it is dipping down into the 30s at night in Virginia today's high will be 64 tomorrow will be 75 I will try to insulate my carboy as good as possible today concerned about the fluctuation in temperature Will this harm the beer or just prolong the fermentation

 

[solbes]

A period or two never hurt. "Set off like a rocket sure I have a blow off to my wife". Are we talkin brewing here?

Lol, I kid, I kid. I would not put a primary fermentation into a space that can fluctuate 40 degrees. The tighter you can hold the temps, the better. Once primary is over, then the flucuations aren't as important. But it won't be off gassing smelly stuff at that point either.

 

[duboman]

Those te,temperature fluctuations are not going to be great, yeast don't like it. If it gets into the 30's the yeast will go to sleep, then wake up when the temp warms up and so on and so on............

The first several days to a week during active fermentation is when you really want good control and steady temps. You can use a swamp cooler to buffer against wild swings but 64 to 30's is pretty extreme. Find another location that the wife will agree to, ideally in the mid 60's for at least the first week and hopefully everyone, including the yeast will be happy

 

[billl]

Yes, those temps will be horrible for your brewing process. You will not be able to insulate your carboy well enough to overcome 30 degree ambient temps. You will need a heat source (to use during the night, and a way to shut it off during the day) if you want to brew in the garage. Otherwise, put it in the bathtub, laundry room etc.

And get a blowoff tube so you don't have any more eruptions.

 

[Beer-lord]

I totally agree with all the above. Brewing is a bit more forgiving than fermenting in my book. You can brew the best, tastiest beer and if you use the wrong yeast or don't allow the yeast the right environment to do their job, you're just wasting time and money.
Temperature fluctuations will strain the yeast and they won't be happy and do what's needed.

If you worry about eruptions, buy a Cool Fermenting bag. Not only can you add ice bottles to chill in the summer but you can also put hot water in milk cartons and help to keep the temps up a bit. The enclosed bag will also make cleaning up any eruptions that much easier.

 

[flars]

I did it all grain batch this past Sunday and I have the beer in a closet it was worn that the east I used would set off like a rocket sure I have a blow off to my wife said it stinks so bad I have to put it in the garage it is dipping down into the 30s at night in Virginia today's high will be 64 tomorrow will be 75 I will try to insulate my carboy as good as possible today concerned about the fluctuation in temperature Will this harm the beer or just prolong the fermentation

The fermentation temperature was probably to high if the fermentatin took off like a rocket. Hold the wort in the low 60°s during the first few days of fermentation. The slower ferment will not produce the aromas your wife doesn't care for. Without a lot of sudden off gassing you may be able to keep your fermentors in the house.

And then brew something she really likes.