Temperature Control Thoughts

[KWright_VT]

I've done a lot of reading on how to accomplish temperature control for my fermentation, cold crashing, etc. I built my own temp controller with an STC 1000, and have a spare fridge hooked to it and it's working just fine. I'm planning to use it to cold crash a beer this week before bottling.

My question is using this setup for fermentation, and having better control over my temps. I had been toying with using a small light bulb in the fridge hooked to the heating side of the outlet, but then realized I have a submersible aquarium heater. Why not set up a swamp cooler in the fridge, and place the heater in the water hooked to the controller. With the probe in the water, wouldn't I then have good temp control both heating and cooling to maintain almost any temp I wanted?

Just trying to use what I already have to build something safe and effective. Thoughts?

 

[h22lude]

http://www.brewstands.com/fermentation-heater.html

 

[KWright_VT]

Thanks, I've seen that project and like it, just wondering about using what I have. I also wondered if the swamp cooler style wouldn't stabilize the beer more than the paint can.

 

[C-Rider]

Must get below 60* where you keep the fridg. Oh yea, Virginia....guess it gets cold over there. LOL

 

[beerkench]

Sounds like a good idea. I use a heat pad for pets under my vessel.


Sent from hell
using Home Brew

 

[h22lude]

Thanks, I've seen that project and like it, just wondering about using what I have. I also wondered if the swamp cooler style wouldn't stabilize the beer more than the paint can.

The swamp cooler just seems like way too much work for not a lot of return. Plus it is a larger mass to heat and cool. I just don't think it will do much of anything. Plus if the probe is in the water, the temp will be for the swamp cooler, not the beer.

 

[beerkench]

It's worth a try though.


Sent from hell
using Home Brew

 

[mblanks2]

I've done a lot of reading on how to accomplish temperature control for my fermentation, cold crashing, etc. I built my own temp controller with an STC 1000, and have a spare fridge hooked to it and it's working just fine. I'm planning to use it to cold crash a beer this week before bottling.

My question is using this setup for fermentation, and having better control over my temps. I had been toying with using a small light bulb in the fridge hooked to the heating side of the outlet, but then realized I have a submersible aquarium heater. Why not set up a swamp cooler in the fridge, and place the heater in the water hooked to the controller. With the probe in the water, wouldn't I then have good temp control both heating and cooling to maintain almost any temp I wanted?

Just trying to use what I already have to build something safe and effective. Thoughts?

First of all, Welcome! I'm about 20 minutes from you in Altavista. I originally used the set-up you describe to maintain temps with the exception of attaching the probe to the side of the carboy just out of the water. It worked well. My basement generally stays 58*F this time of year even on the coldest days.
However, I have recently acquired a commercial refer that has door heaters and I just set whatever temperature I want and it will control just fine. Again with the probe attached directly to the carboy.
Maybe we'll share a beer one day.