Fish Tank for Infusing?

[dragonsmouth]

Is this a Crazy Idea or Interesting?

Here is the story:
I visited the Lost Spirits Distillery in Vegas a little bit ago. They are "fast aging" their rum in this glass container with oak chips, heat, and constant circulation. So, I was thinking of playing around with this concept using a new fish tank. I can't seem to find any information regarding the safety of the interaction of the rum with the silicone sealant. The temperature won't go over 100F.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Dan

[subbrew]

Silicone is not recommended for high proof liquor per the forum rules

why not use a glass carboy?

[Windy City]

Silicone is not recommended for high proof liquor per the forum rules

why not use a glass carboy?

Or use a stainless keg. I macerate my spiced rum in one and it works great

[TwoSheds]

Or a goldfish bowl that's glass without seams? Bonus points for a ceramic treasure chest, you know, since you're doing rum!

[MiddleOfTheWorld]

Silicone is not recommended for high proof liquor per the forum rules

why not use a glass carboy?

seconded

also you wouldn't have a way to contain the evaporation on something as big.

How much are you gonna "experiment" with ?

[Dancing4dan]

It's an interesting idea as long as you maintain safety. IE no silicone or internal heat element.

A used carboy and a couple of brewing belts with insulation to keep everything warm. Would not need much agitation. Just need to keep the liquid in motion. A small gear reduction motor would do fine. This one is a 120 volt 6 RPM motor from the projector in an electric fireplace. $28 in Canada so likely $2 everywhere else. The yellow box is a 120 volt variable speed router control incase your motor has more RPM. Should be able to attach a stir device that is non conductible through the top of a carboy fairly easily.

[dragonsmouth]

It's an interesting idea as long as you maintain safety. IE no silicone or internal heat element.

A used carboy and a couple of brewing belts with insulation to keep everything warm. Would not need much agitation. Just need to keep the liquid in motion. A small gear reduction motor would do fine. This one is a 120 volt 6 RPM motor from the projector in an electric fireplace. $28 in Canada so likely $2 everywhere else. The yellow box is a 120 volt variable speed router control incase your motor has more RPM. Should be able to attach a stir device that is non conductible through the top of a carboy fairly easily.
gear drive motor.jpeg
motor 2.jpeg

Thank You!

[dragonsmouth]

Silicone is not recommended for high proof liquor per the forum rules

why not use a glass carboy?

seconded

also you wouldn't have a way to contain the evaporation on something as big.

How much are you gonna "experiment" with ?

In the beginning just 5 gallons. But, I don't like to experiment without having a plan to scale it to a full barrels worth.

[NZChris]

If you heat from underneath, convection takes care of agitation. A well insulated vessel only needs a tiny Wattage to keep it up to temperature.

[zapata]

I'd suggest that 5 gallons is a lot. Note that lost spirits tried to make a go of selling other people their tech, and I haven't heard any buzz about those customers making fantastic spirits. And from my memory of the patents, the one thing that wasn't just wood in a jar is their magic light so don't forget the magic light. But if you're just stirring spirits over oak chips I think I'd just put a big Erlenmeyer on a hot/stir plate.

[NZChris]

It's not a magic light, it's UV. Make sure it does penetrate your choice of glass.

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