Troubleshooting Temperature Control Issues in Mash Tun and Fermentation Tank

[Callitiya]

Hello

I have been experimenting with a new mash tun and fermentation tank setup, but I’ve been facing some challenges with maintaining consistent temperature during the mashing and fermentation stages. The mash tun has a built-in heating element; but the temperature fluctuates quite a bit, which I suspect is affecting the efficiency of the starch conversion. My fermentation tank; on the other hand, has an external heating pad, but it’s difficult to maintain a steady temperature, especially in colder weather. I’m wondering if anyone has faced similar issues & could share their experiences or solutions.

I have already checked for any insulation gaps and made adjustments; but the temperature variations still seem to cause some inconsistencies in the final product. I’ve thought about adding a more advanced temperature controller with better precision but I’m not sure if it’s worth the investment. My main concern is achieving a uniform fermentation environment that doesn’t result in uneven flavors or stalling yeast activity. Does anyone here have any recommendations on hardware upgrades / specific products that have worked well for you in terms of temperature control? I have checked https://homedistiller.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=83mongodb guide for reference .


I’m looking for something that can be integrated into both the mash tun and fermentation tank without too much hassle. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!



Thank you !

[howie]

to be clear....
has the mash tun got a concealed element or water heater type?
is there any thermo in the tun and is it linked to the heater?
how do you control the power to the element?

fermentation issues are fixed by a number of things, from wrapping in blankets to the use of old fridges.

a good bit of hardware is the inkbird ITC 308 wifi.
it controls a heat pad and fridge with temp alerts to the mobile.
i have 2 x old all-fridges (one working) for fermentation.

[greggn]

I have been experimenting with a new mash tun and fermentation tank setup,

Brands and model numbers would help.

[Coyote]

I use an oil filled room size heater.
Very easy to control.
I have an 8' x 4' x 8 foot tall ferment
closet. You can easily and cheaply build
a small room from 2" insulation panels, with a
couple of short pieces of duct tape, if
you have no option for a room. When you
are not fermenting panels can go up against
a wall out of the way.

Just a thought for you


Coyote

[Stump Lake]

I’m looking for something that can be integrated into both the mash tun and fermentation tank without too much hassle. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

This is my first attempt at ferment tank temperature control. This is 32 gal Brute Trash can in a 44 gal trash can. The 44gal can is a water bath heated with an aquarium heater. It held the temps really good. You couldn't mash in it though.

This is my second attempt. I put heated seed mats under Reflectix wrapped around the brute. It also help temperatures well. I Gelatinizin the corn in the 30 gal pot to the side because I was worried the super hot water would melt the brute can. I scorched the corn in the 30 pot.

Another bad idea

This is where I'm at today. VEVOR Drum Heater Cover,55 Gal Drum Heater Blanket. I ditched the Brute Trash can and replaced it with a blue 55gal plastic barrel. I have a BITB filter inside the 55galbarrel that I can lift out with a come-along. The Vevor Blanket has been great so far. I add my hot water to the barrel at 205F. I set the Vevor to hold the barrel and the corn at 180F for 3 hours. Then I drop it to 146F to add my malts. Then I drop it to 80F to add my yeast.
I think I will keep this set up. I can gelantinizion corn, ferment , then filter with this set up. It's been a great work saver.

[subbrew]

What size is your mash and how long are you trying to hold temp? I mash is a 15 gal pot. Even in winter in a shop that is 20F If I put on the lid and put a blanket over it, it will only drop a couple of degrees in the 90 minutes to two hours I mash.

Fermentation is more difficult due to the time duration but once again, what size are you fermenting? For smaller batches some sort of water bath with an aquarium heater works fine. Yeast is pretty forgiving so keeping x.1 degrees temp control is no needed. If you keep a 3 or 4 degree band it will be fine even for sensitive yeasts like some of the ale yeasts.

Larger ferments will generate their own heat for the first few days. I use a small box built from insulating board with a 60 watt light bulb under the fermentation barrel and can keep it above 80F in a 65 degree room.