Gentle warmth

[Ravensbourne]

Hi all.

As our new brewhouse staggers towards it's inaugural AG brew (maybe some pictures when it all looks smart enough for a 'reveal'), we note the onset of winter. The brewhouse being a steel shed, it seems that some nurturing warmth will be be required to keep the fermentation on track. Our FV is the 15 (US) gallon Mini-brew plastic conical (http://www.the-home-brew-shop.co.uk/aca ... enter.html).

Obviously we can lag it, but we're certain to need to apply heat. The STC 1000 controller looks like a default choice and the build for that looks straightforward, but I'm unsure of the relative merits of heating belts and submersible (aquarium-style) heaters - given the material of the vessel and it's size, are there any recommendations on this? Also, should one aim to submerge the probe, or could you just stick it to the outside of the vessel (under the lagging, obv.)?

All input welcome.

Cheers

 

[Archtronics]

Not really related to your initial post but have you thought about insulating your shed ?

 

[Ravensbourne]

Actually, no, I hadn't thought of that. The construction would make it challenging . . . I had thought that a greenhouse parafin heater could take the chill off though.

Cheers

 

[StubbsPKS]

I use an STC-1000 in my fermentation cabinet (only cooling atm), and I usually just put the probe against the FV, cover over with bubblewrap and then tape it there. It measures the temperature of the liquid inside VERY well using this method.

 

[Vossy1]

You'd be better placing the conical in a small insulated cupboard and heating it, that way you're not wasting money heating the whole shed. You could also use a tubular heater for heating

 

[Ravensbourne]

Ah, thanks Vossy. I've looked at your blog and indeed your cabinetry is wondrous. I'm not sure if my farmyard carpentry would measure up but I can see the merits of building an enclosure. The tubular heater is an excellent tip - do you use them and if so at what wattage?

Cheers

 

[Ravensbourne]

Actually, I should just read read properly - I see now 60 watts per 'cell'. Interesting.

 

[Vossy1]

I've looked at your blog and indeed your cabinetry is wondrous

It doesn't feel like that when tearing your hair out making the damn thing :lol:
Using a 'free' fridge would be far cheaper than making your own cupboard

 

[pjbiker]

Ravensbourne,

have a look at this rough 'fermenting chamber' pictures in this post viewtopic.php?p=162344#p162344

Just stuck foam insulation around everywhere and the fronts are just bits of chipboard floorboarding with insulation glued on. The heater is a plug in fan heater with it's own thermostat though control with another electronic device would be possible. I use 2 x 5 gallon FVs side by side under there.

 

[Ravensbourne]

Thanks vossy, pjbiker

The re-purposed fridge option is looking favourite, although we'll need a big'un to get the conical in. Never easy, is it.

Cheers chaps.