MrZ2U
Well-Known Member
I have been thinking of alternative ways to maintain temps during fermentation.
Right now its a little chilly by our standards so keeping the temp UP is on my mind. Too cool to just let the fermentation sit in the garage and I am not going to heat the house all day just to keep temps up for beer either.
I have heard of folks filling a tub with water and putting the carboy in there to keep temps lower and consistent and thats perhaps well and fine if you have a tub that goes unused long enough. But why not get a new and clean trash can from where ever, fill it with water at the desired depth and throw an aquarium heater in there to keep the temp up? A good aquarium heater keeps a pretty tight temp range, tighter than I would imagine one of those bottle belts would and adding a basic little powerhead to circulate the water to keep should further help keep a consistent, even temp. Could even build a thin plywood box around it and stuff that with insulation to aid in efficient/economical operation. Or for that matter, find a craigslist special, nonfunctional fridge, freezer etc, often free, and make it water tight.
Anyone ever do something like this, the principal that is?
Right now its a little chilly by our standards so keeping the temp UP is on my mind. Too cool to just let the fermentation sit in the garage and I am not going to heat the house all day just to keep temps up for beer either.
I have heard of folks filling a tub with water and putting the carboy in there to keep temps lower and consistent and thats perhaps well and fine if you have a tub that goes unused long enough. But why not get a new and clean trash can from where ever, fill it with water at the desired depth and throw an aquarium heater in there to keep the temp up? A good aquarium heater keeps a pretty tight temp range, tighter than I would imagine one of those bottle belts would and adding a basic little powerhead to circulate the water to keep should further help keep a consistent, even temp. Could even build a thin plywood box around it and stuff that with insulation to aid in efficient/economical operation. Or for that matter, find a craigslist special, nonfunctional fridge, freezer etc, often free, and make it water tight.
Anyone ever do something like this, the principal that is?