how do you maintain fermentation temp?

[aerod1]

I use an old chest type Coke box with a Johnson controller. I just took the rack out and my fermenters fit just fine. I have an Oktoberfest in there right now.

 

[onipar]

Being so new to this, I don't have the money to invest in any temp controlled cabinets (boy I wish I could). So far I've been using my garage (no basement) which tends to hold a steady 60-65 even when it hits 80 out.

This won't be the case, however, once summer really hits. I'm still not sure how I'll manage to keep the fermenter cool, though I imagine I'll be using one of the lower tech solutions outlined here (namely a cooler with an icebath, or something along those lines.

I think during cooler weather I'll always be able to use the garage for a steady 60-65, since we have an area heater in there to keep the pipes from freezing.

But if I ever get into lagering (I don't currently have a secondary, so it's not even an option anyway), I imagine I'd have to rig something up to drop the temp even more.

Money money money. Blah.