Fermentation temp control

[SV-Distiller]

I have been fermenting in my basement which is normally about 22C/72F. I know that most of the time fermenting works best 26-32C/80-90F depending on what yeast and recipe you are fermenting.

I picked up an Inkbird IPT-2CH WiFi Reptile Thermostat Temperature Controller with 2 Probes and 2 Outlets. I also picked up two 25.4cm x 52.75cm/10" x 20.75" - 20 watt heating mats. I taped the mats to the outside of my fermentation buckets and taped the temp probe on the opposite side of the bucket.

I have used it for the 4 batches and it has been working good. I can about tell when the ferment is completed because the temperature will drop and the mats will not be able to keep it warm.

I may wrap the buckets with part of a thick yoga mat but the temps have been staying even and the heaters are able to warm the buckets up 5.5C/10F degrees in about 12 hours.

[Uncle B]

I did something similar - rather than the heating mats, I used 100W aquarium heaters suspended in the middle of the fermenter. But the Inkbird Wi-Fi controllers are really pretty awesome.

[jonnys_spirit]

I use this inkbird and a couple wifi cams to keep an eye on it throughout the day.



For heat I've got four heating pads and then wrap in reflectix. Don't really need a cooling circuit much except for when I first pitch yeast about 90*F so I did get a wort chiller that i'll experiment with hooking up to a water reservoir and pump maybe for that first day.

Maintaining about 85*F with bakers really bangs through a ferment in about three to four days very quickly when I pitch a good starter.

Cheers!
-j

[S-Cackalacky]

This thread popped up just at the right time. I was just minutes ago looking at heat mats on Amazon. I ferment in my basement which stays fairly cool all year - low 70's in the summer to low 60's in the winter. I have a couple of 20 gallon fermenters, one 32 gallon, and one 55 gallon.

Do you reckon a couple of the mats would be enough for the 55 gallon drum with about 45 gallons of wash inside? Or, maybe 4, or more mats? Is it safe to put insulation over the mats? Any other advice?

I have an Inkbird that looks pretty much like the one j_s linked to in his post. Don't remember the exact model. Figured I would plug all the mats into a power strip and have the one Inkbird control all of them.

Any advice will be appreciated.

[greggn]

I use this inkbird and a couple wifi cams to keep an eye on it throughout the day.

A *couple* wifi cams ?!?

[bluefish_dist]

I used inkbird controllers and a 4kw element on 110. Worked well for 110 gal fermenters. I did put the element in the bottom and the thermometer at the top to take advantage of convection to help keep everything mixed.

If heat and thermometer were at the top the ferment would stratify and the bottom would get cold before fermentation was done.

[jonnys_spirit]

I use this inkbird and a couple wifi cams to keep an eye on it throughout the day.

A *couple* wifi cams ?!?

Well I wanted to watch it while I was at work so one cam over top looking down and a second cam side view uh huh. It’s sorta like watching paint dry but I like it. If I miss anything it records a new file every hour and I can go back and catch up. I can share some vids if you’re interested

Cheers!
-j

[greggn]

I can share some vids if you’re interested

If you have any showing an airlock blowing off the top, or a violent krausen overflowing onto the floor, then sure ... 'cause "misery loves company."

[jonnys_spirit]

I can share some vids if you’re interested

If you have any showing an airlock blowing off the top, or a violent krausen overflowing onto the floor, then sure ... 'cause "misery loves company."

I don't normally use airlocks for primary ferment but I was concerned about the minimal headspace I had left for a sugarhead that was unexpectedly quite frothy and active - I moved about 10 gallons to a secondary brute for a couple days and avoided the mess though I did monitor the cam feeds just in case... With everything wrapped up in reflectix and covered with packing blankets it was pretty boring entertainment TBH... If it had erupted that would be a great addition to either the "What Not To Do" or "My Mistakes" thread ...

[Demy]

I use the heating bands and a sweater outside external but your temperature has nothing wrong, in fact you get a cleaner product.

[cob]

A waterbed heater found at goodwill for $5.00 US has been working fine for years.

[Bushman]

I built an insulated cart for fermenting:
https://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtop ... =2&t=54259

I heat it with the following aquarium temp control I purchased from eBay:
https://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtop ... 85&t=25475

I should add that my heat source went from a heater to a lightbulb as that was plenty of heat generated even in the winter. The cart is stored in an outbuilding that I do not heat.

[8Ball]

I use a 10 gallon Igloo water cooler under an outdoor pole shelter with no walls for everything. If its cold outside, I use a cool temp yeast like US05 and wrap that cooler with old quilts and blankets. If its hot like right now, I use bakers yeast & FP921 and leave the lid off but have a paint strainer bag in place to keep the flies off it. I try to plan my ferments to match the season: eg, rum & bourbon in the summer, single malts in the fall and winter. Doesn't always work perfect, but it does okay nonetheless. I’d love to have room for a climate controlled box for maintaining a cool ferment though ….

[NZChris]

The ferment provides more than enough heat to keep itself warm as long as you use enough insulation to keep the heat in the can. It's only when you don't that you need to use a heater. Sometimes I use so much insulation that I have to loosen some off and connect a fan to the controller to make sure it doesn't get too hot.

[TwoSheds]

a couple wifi cams to keep an eye on it throughout the day.

Jonnys, what webcam are you using? I have a couple for home security but those are $$$, I've been looking for a cheaper one that doesn't suck for less critical stuff.

Thanks.

[jonnys_spirit]

a couple wifi cams to keep an eye on it throughout the day.

Jonnys, what webcam are you using? I have a couple for home security but those are $$$, I've been looking for a cheaper one that doesn't suck for less critical stuff.

Thanks.

It’s a tiny little usb charger/nanny cam thing. Micro SD card goes in the back and you set it up for wifi and it just works. Don’t remember where I got them exactly but it was maybe $50 off a silly FB popup ad. I’m a sucker.

[TwoSheds]

a couple wifi cams to keep an eye on it throughout the day.

Jonnys, what webcam are you using? I have a couple for home security but those are $$$, I've been looking for a cheaper one that doesn't suck for less critical stuff.

Thanks.

It’s a tiny little usb charger/nanny cam thing. Micro SD card goes in the back and you set it up for wifi and it just works. Don’t remember where I got them exactly but it was maybe $50 off a silly FB popup ad. I’m a sucker.
AFB867F2-AECF-4140-AA35-735F89C3F15D.jpeg

Nice! I'm sure I can find something similar, if I don't hack together something with a Raspberry Pi first. I've got a couple of those lying around doing nothing.

[Hambone]

I use the heating bands and a sweater outside external but your temperature has nothing wrong, in fact you get a cleaner product.

Pullover, or Cardigan?

[Demy]

I use the heating bands and a sweater outside external but your temperature has nothing wrong, in fact you get a cleaner product.

Pullover, or Cardigan?