Temperature control

[Fungi]

Is anyone else finding the current weather is putting a crimp in their yeast's activity? I only have the heating on when I'm home (and even then I'll put a jumper on before putting the heating on) and my two batches on the go have slowed way down with the bubbling.

To try and raise the temperature and keep my brews happy I've made my FVs a blanket tent and stuck a hot water bottle in with them.

Given I'm using plastic 5l water bottles that seems the least likely to end in years, we'll see if it actually helps at all!

 

[terrym]

If you have a 2' square space next to a power socket try one of these
How to Set up a Water Bath for your FV - The HomeBrew Forum
They are effective and when you have finished with it, it can be packed away and stored somewhere.

 

[Derekmr]

Mine has slowed but still ticking over
Apparently it makes for better flavour, will find out soon I guess

 

[LED_ZEP]

I use this (and it helps keep things cooler if it gets hot in summer): https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/temperature-control-solution.72856/

You could also use GV5 yeast as it's designed to work in cooler temps down to 8c

 

[tonyhibbett]

I bought a 20 watt Electrim TE2 heating tray, which accommodates 2 djs, connected to a 24 hour timer. This maintains a constant temperature around 22 c. For 5 gallon brews I am using a 60 watt heating belt which does the same job.

 

[tonyhibbett]

The heat belt has stretched over time and doesn't fit well, so I bought a 25 watt heat pad which is much more convenient and heat efficient.