Tube heater

[Twostage]

After years of using 40 watt light bulbs as the heat source for my brew fridge I decided to 'upgrade' to a 60 watt heat tube, primarily because they are splash proof. Did the install this morning, set my controller for 19c and set it away as a test. Over two hours later it has crawled up to 18c having started at 10c. Looking at the graph of the temperature rise it looks like 19c is a stretch for it so doing a Kviek at 30 odd is not going to be possible.

Is this in line with other people's experience with them ? My light bulbs would have got there in a few minutes. I'm thinking I might have to change tack and construct splash proof housings for the bulbs.

 

[Rwilts]

I am not surprised , i have on in my keezer - Have never considered it a fast option, but neither have i used one for fermentation temp control..

 

[Caramel Ox]

Have you checked to see if the heater has a built in thermostat? It may be set low and limiting the heating. I have one but it’s not seen much duty.

 

[MashBag]

Stop being so splashy

 

[Buffers brewery]

As @Caramel Ox says, make sure the tubes inbuilt thermostat is turned to maximum. (I removed the thermostat altogether in mine. Works fine.)