Fishies to Fermenting; aquarium chiller fermenter

[Woodbrews]

I use the cool zone jacket on two ported big mouth bubblers and a glass carboy. Everything can be kept at seperate temperatures. Works terrific. Similar results except my garage is 85 degrees and my chiller still only runs about 2-3 hours total a day once the fermentation temp is reached. This weekend took 5 gallons of wort from 82 degrees to 65 in less than an hour.

I'm looking to do something very similar -- I also have a CoolZone jacket, although I'm thinking of upgrading to a SS conical of some sort, preferably one where I can continue using the CoolZone jacket.

Question for the OP and other thread folks -- which is likely to work best -- modifying a window air conditioner unit to cool a reservoir full of glycol, or using an aquarium chiller to cool a reservoir full of glycol?

Is one capable of chilling the reservoir better than the other? The aquarium chiller seems more plug-and-play, but window AC units can be obtained for much less money than aquarium chillers. Anyone weigh the pros & cons?

 

[Woodbrews]

One more questions for the OP: What are the pros/cons to fermenting in a kettle vs. a conical? Do you prefer one over the other? Thanks!

 

[Scoobytj]

I have a 50 gal plástic conical fermenter, in your experience, do you think works in my fermenter.

 

[Shockerengr]

Depends on which part you're asking about? The insulation should work just fine. The aquarium chiller probably isn't big enough.