Newbie

[datch22]

Hello everyone. Joining from South eastern CT. Even though I brewed my first beer several years ago, I just started brewing again. I have mostly been using extract kits but am very eager to try all grain. Does anybody have any suggestions whether I should try brew in a bag first or just go for the glory ? I have read a couple of books as well as tons of YouTube videos on all grain and feel like I can take the plunge!

I have another question in regards to fermentation temperature. I am considering putting my carboy in a bucket of water with a fish tank heater to maintain temperature. Good idea? Bad idea?

Looking forward to hearing from you all!

 

[JPourciau]

Hello from Windham...

I would say go for it with the AG thing. I am doing mostly extract with steeping grains and the occasional partial mash kit these days, but if you have the ambition and equipment, I say go for it!

Regarding fermentation control... The water surrounding a carboy will certainly help to mediate temperature fluctuations, but I would ask whether your goal is to keep the fermenter warm or cool. I use a carboy heating pad that maintains a constant 72 when I need to keep the fermentation temps up in winter, and I recently put a small chest freezer on an external thermostat to maintain lager temps. There are a few innovative products on the market now, as well. Look through the ads in BYO by way of example. Good luck!


Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

 

[Cyclman]

Welcome to the group, from CO

BIAB for sure. Less money, less equipment, still AG, I could easily see how one would never go to 3-vessel after starting BIAB. Bucket fish tank heater / bucket frozen water bottles is a great, cheap way to start off controlling fermentation temps. Sounds like you're on the right path.

 

[enkamania]

I do BIAB, but here's a link to build a mash tun http://www.dennybrew.com/.

 

[rlmiller10]

Another guy is asking similar questions at https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f39/brew-cost-difference-498799/ I second the BIAB. I tried the fish tank heater in a tub of water when I started. (winter and a cool basement so too hot was not a problem) The only problem was I could no find a tank heater that had a setting below 69 and I wanted to ferment at 66. I ended up getting a STC-1000 and making a temp controller I could plug the tank heater into.

 

[jtratcliff]

BIAB for minimal upfront equipment costs...

I've found no reason to switch to a traditional 3 vessel set up but the option is there.

If you put out the $$ for the 3 vessel equipment first, you'll feel like you have to use it...even if you don't care for AG. With a $3 paint strainer or voile curtain, you can chuck it and go back to extract without worry

 

[datch22]

Wow! Thanks for all of the input. Happy brewing guys!