Using reptile bulb as heater

[ManseMasher]

Fermentation fridge nearly finished. I'm using a red reptile heating bulb as the heat source. Will the red light skunk the beer? Would I be better off shielding it? Be a real shame to muck up a brew.

 

[Fil]

only problem using a ceramic reptile enclosure heater is they can produce a lot of heat and if mounted too close to the fridge plastic inner wall can melt it.

even with a fan you have a lot of radiant heat to deal with

if the budget will stretch i would go with a lower impact heat source a light bulb in a flowerpot if the favorite £20 tube heater isnt an option.:electric:

 

[ManseMasher]

It's not a ceramic one, just a red bulb?

 

[Fil]

like your cage/enclosure .. I was thinking it was one of this type
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1xNEW-Cer...619?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item27fc9d195b..

i use the tube heater in my fridge ..

afaik its UV light thats responsible for skunking of hop aroma and if anything its IR thats coming off your bulb by the looks of it.. so in my uneducated opinion you should be fine,,,

 

[Twostage]

As above I read recently that incandescent (traditional) bulbs are fine as far as not skunking is concerned.

I've just made my heating setup in anticipation of a brew fridge. I'll post pictures tomorrow.

I used a wooden port box, a CPU fan, a hanging light fitting with a small 40 watt bulb and a load of cooking foil. It makes sense when you see it :smile:

 

[Twostage]

Fridge heater pictures :-

Overall view

Bulb

Fan

Finished