Controling temperature

[Beardy]

So my first brew has given me some thinking to do, and I'll be adapting my kit slightly before I start my next brew (another kit)

My biggest concern though is controlling the temperarure for initial and secondary fermentation, as most of my house tends to be on the cool side except the kitchen which can go from cold to very warm and then cold again during the course of a day. I want to keep my next brew at a constant temperature throughout.

That's the spec, but what is the best solution for the least hassle?
I've seen two possible solutions on the forums, either an aquarium heater or a temperature controlled cupboard. The cupboard is obviously going to be the bigger work up (and will require greater negotiation!) but I believe will be the best solution. But does it provide an improvement over the use of aquarium heaters commensurate with the added outlay (both cash and brownie points) and hassle.

Or is there another solution that I've overlooked?

 

[Aleman]

I use a Brew belt and a Python chiller to control my fermentation temperatures. Linked to a TC10 temperature controller. For cooling there is a Stainless coil in the FV, which the python chiller drives cold water around), when it needs heating it switches the Brew belt on.

 

[evanvine]

The simplest solution that works well that I've used is a water bath (3-4") + an aquarium heater.
You can make it more sensitive by putting a heat sensor into the brew, but only if you want to.

 

[timbowden]

i used, until recently, brewbelts for the FV but have since moved these to the kegs for secondary fermentation. I now use aquarium heaters in the FV's with immersion heater lagging wrapped around the vessels. This is because i have had to move my FV's to our cold out house. The brew belts where hard to control temp wise so the best bet for me was the thermastatically controlled aquarium heaters with the lagging to help maintain their warmth!

tim

 

[Springer]

Its down to individual circumstances and choice or lack of it :lol: , but for me the cupboard is the way to go, other suggestions work well as an example see
http://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=6049&start=0
Like Es water bath but don't like the idea of putting extra things, infection risks, into the FV. :)
How do you do that posh link thing anyone ? :?

It works so well that I have built another, at this time of year I am using them for secondary fermentation.

 

[Good Ed]

That's the business :thumb:

Could you please provide some info on where to get a heater and stat, and how you hook them up, thanks. :

 

[evanvine]

Like Es water bath but don't like the idea of putting extra things, infection risks, into the FV.

Use a blanked off tank connector for the sensor!