Swamp cooler necessary for Steam Beer?

[mdwmonster]

Thinking about making a steam bear for my next batch (3rd ever). My basement stays a pretty consistent 67-degrees. Is this a little warm for a steam? I've done some looking and it seems like closer to 60-deg air temp would be better. From what I understand, the wort will be about 5-deg warmer during fermentation, so if the ambient air temp is 67-deg, the wort should be around 72-deg during active fermentation, right?

If this is too warm, should I go with a swamp cooler? My fear is that the ice water will drop the temps too cool for proper fermentation. Revvy had a post where he says his swamp cooler method keeps right about 50-deg pretty consistently - which seems too cold.

I don't have the space/money to build a fermentation cooler out of an old refrigerator or freezer.

Any thoughts/suggestions?

 

[phatuna]

Check this thread for some tips: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f39/primary-fermenter-temp-too-high-116255/

 

[BierMuncher]

I found this method gave me about 7-9 degrees relief from ambient temps.

Keep in mind that Revvy lives five paces south of the arctic circle.

 

[flaminpi3]

I live in Dallas so hot temperatures are an issue for most of the year. I usually wrap a towel around my fermenters and keep it damp with a spray bottle that I keep in my refrigerator. It drops the temperature by about 5-7f.

 

[mdwmonster]

I found this method gave me about 7-9 degrees relief from ambient temps.

Keep in mind that Revvy lives five paces south of the arctic circle.

Thanks - I guess if this works for one St. Louisan, it will work for another....

Do you put water only in there - or do you add some ice as well? I'd guess that since I'm not looking for a crazy temp drop (planning on a steam beer after all, not a true lager), that just plain water would drop the temp enough?