Water Bath Fermentation Temp... Issue?

[smAllGrain]

I brewed a Dunkelweizen Friday night and for the first time I am using a water bath. I am swapping the frozen water bottles every 12 hours,as that is the best time for me to do it. At the beginning of that 12 hours my thermometer reading starts at 62F and by the end of the 12 hours its at 68F. Is this an issue? I am using a bucket and a floating thermometer.

Any advice\input is appreciated

 

[yeahfairly]

IMO a 6 degree temp swing over 12 hours is no issues what so ever. I doubt your fermenting wort is experiencing that much of a temp change. You are keeping it in a good temperature range and you beer will be all the better for it.

 

[RmikeVT]

What are you using to contain the water bath? I used to use a rope handle bucket and experience big swings like that. Then I started using an igloo cube cooler and now I am able to keep my temps in a much tighter range.

 

[smAllGrain]

IMO a 6 degree temp swing over 12 hours is no issues what so ever. I doubt your fermenting wort is experiencing that much of a temp change. You are keeping it in a good temperature range and you beer will be all the better for it.

That is good to hear, I have had issues in the past with temp getting to high and wanted to make sure this temp swing wouldn't have another ill effect on my brew.

What are you using to contain the water bath? I used to use a rope handle bucket and experience big swings like that. Then I started using an igloo cube cooler and now I am able to keep my temps in a much tighter range.

I am using a cheap tote from Menards I had laying around. Did you have any issues with the temp swing?

At some point I want to get a cooler and get it setup like Yoopers. Would like to Lager as she suggest she can with her setup

 

[yeahfairly]

That is good to hear, I have had issues in the past with temp getting to high and wanted to make sure this temp swing wouldn't have another ill effect on my brew.



I am using a cheap tote from Menards I had laying around. Did you have any issues with the temp swing?

At some point I want to get a cooler and get it setup like Yoopers. Would like to Lager as she suggest she can with her setup

Let me clarify what I typed by adding: Your temp swing between 62 and 68 over 12 hours isn't an issue..... You are below 70 and in a good range. A 6 degree swing that took you from low 70s to the high 70s would be something that concerned me.

 

[smAllGrain]

Let me clarify what I typed by adding: Your temp swing between 62 and 68 over 12 hours isn't an issue..... You are below 70 and in a good range. A 6 degree swing that took you from low 70s to the high 70s would be something that concerned me.

Totally understand, thanks for the quick responses :rockin: Really looking forward to this Dunkelweizen! The airlock smells like bananas Yum

 

[MindenMan]

Just a thought... I don't know what size water bottles you are using, but if you have a plastic bag big enough to seal some of the bottles inside of, your ice will last longer if there is air in the bag.
Of course I don't know initially how many more bottles you would need if any.

 

[smAllGrain]

Just a thought... I don't know what size water bottles you are using, but if you have a plastic bag big enough to seal some of the bottles inside of, your ice will last longer if there is air in the bag.
Of course I don't know initially how many more bottles you would need if any.

Interesting, I have never heard of doing this. I am using two 12oz bottles. I would think I could fit those inside a 1 gallon zip lock.. And I want to make sure this IS or ISN'T air inside the zip lock bag?

 

[MindenMan]

Yes, you DO want air in the bag. The temperature transfer will be slower due to the insulative property of the trapped air. The closer to 62*F you keep it for the first three days, the lesser the chances of esters you don't want. Granted, your fermenter may be a different temperature inside, (less is better), and you will probably still have great beer when you are done. What is the air temp where your fermenter is?

 

[smAllGrain]

Yes, you DO want air in the bag. The temperature transfer will be slower due to the insulative property of the trapped air. The closer to 62*F you keep it for the first three days, the lesser the chances of esters you don't want. Granted, your fermenter may be a different temperature inside, (less is better), and you will probably still have great beer when you are done. What is the air temp where your fermenter is?

Air Temp is 70F give or take. I will def have to try this. Totally makes sense. Really appreciate the help

 

[WoodlandBrew]

Putting air in the bag is a smart trick. Ideally you want the ice to finish melting about half way between the time interval that you are changing them.

Here is some more information you might find useful:
http://www.woodlandbrew.com/2012/09/swamp-cooler.html