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4
votes
4answers
159 views

Would placing the fermenter tank in a tub of water be a good way to handle hot environments?

Summers where I live typically have 80F nights and it can easily pick up to 95 degrees during the day. I have a plastic trash can (which I bought for this purpose) that I have filled up with water. ...
1
vote
3answers
81 views

Temperature control equipment and Fresh Wort Kits

My first brewing attempt (from a can) has just finished bottle fermenting and it turned out pretty bad (mostly just tasted very weak). I'm not concerned though, I know what mistakes I made along the ...
3
votes
4answers
2k views

How do I set up a Sestos D1S temperature controller?

I am trying to set up an Sestos D1S temperature controller. Initially, just to see if it works at all, I am trying to use it to control the temperature of my kettle. I've wired it all up correctly so ...
14
votes
7answers
3k views

How do you cool a lager on a budget?

What techniques would you suggest for cooling a lager during the lagering phase? Further, how important is the stability of that temperature?
8
votes
2answers
5k views

Choosing a good refrigerator/freezer for kegerator conversion

Does anyone have experience and recommendations for a good fridge/freezer for conversion into a kegerator? I'm basically choosing between a full sized fridge, a mini-fridge and a chest freezer. I'll ...
3
votes
1answer
206 views

2 Temperature Control Questions - difference in ambient temp; moisture control in chest freezer

I use a chest freezer with a Brewpad heating element stuck to the inside wall (for warmer fermentations/bottle conditioning), and a single-stage Johnson controller. Since getting this, I haven't used ...
5
votes
2answers
670 views

Aquarium water heaters for Fermentation chamber

Looking for suggestions on brands of aquarium heaters to use in a fermentation chamber I've built. My set-up is a 60 qt Igloo cooler with a custom foam insulation top cut to allow for a 5 to 6.5 ...
1
vote
1answer
625 views

do I need a thermowell with stainless temperature sensor?

I'm planning a fermentation monitor based on an arduino board. The temperature sensors comprise a 1/4" OD stainless tube 8" long, which will be used with buckets and carboys. There are stainless ...
5
votes
3answers
539 views

At what stage of the fermentation process is temperature control most important?

I've been using a fridge w/thermostat to control fermentation temperature for ~6 months now & have recently started dual-purposing the fridge for a keg as well. Since serving & fermentation ...
4
votes
4answers
1k views

Heating Methods

Just yesterday, I bought a chest freezer and digital Johnson temp controller, and am EXTREMELY psyched. I think I'm going to make a pre-prohibition pilsner/classic american pilsner as my first lager. ...
3
votes
2answers
785 views

Can't get accurate temperature with johnson controls and freezer

I've just started fermenting my first lager with my recent new temperature control equipment, but am having some problems getting to the correct temperature. I have a chest freezer with a johnson ...
5
votes
5answers
678 views

What to look for in a temperature controller

I've decided to begin assembling the components for temperature control, as I am walking around telling new homebrewers that its the best thing one can do to improve quality, yet I myself don't have ...
5
votes
4answers
279 views

How to monitor FV Temperature online

Is there a temperature monitor/device which I can attach to the fermentation vessel that will post temperature data back to a PC via Ethernet or wireless?
5
votes
1answer
130 views

How long should I keep a lambic at fermentation temperature?

Normally I ferment beer in my basement, which varies in temperature from 50-70 degrees, depending on the season. These temperature swings can be bad for fermentation, especially in winter. So when I ...
2
votes
3answers
775 views

Can a Johnson A419 control both a heater and cooler, or is a single-mode?

I just recieved a Johnson A419 digital temperature controller, but I think I was mistaken in my expectations. I was under the impression I could plug both a heater and cooler into the controller; ...
11
votes
3answers
373 views

How long do I need to maintain my fermentation temperature?

Do I need to maintain my desired temperature until bottling or take it out of the "ferm chamber" after initial fermentation is done? What about with long term brews such as sours?
3
votes
2answers
2k views

Which type of cooling system makes the best fermentation chamber?

There is already a general question about ways to control fermentation temperature. This question, however, is more specific - it pertains to active fermentation temperature control using ...
3
votes
3answers
409 views

Maintaining Lagering Temperatures

I've got a Pilsner in primary that I'm hoping to start lagering this weekend. I don't have a refrigerator that can accommodate the carboy, so I'm thinking about keeping it in a largish lidded foam ...
2
votes
1answer
611 views

What options exist for temperature control for electric HLT

Are there any low cost (less than $150) solutions to add temperature control to an electric HLT? My setup is a keg with a 5500W water heater element. I love how quickly it brings 15 gallons to ...
5
votes
3answers
484 views

Can I put a secondary fermenter in room temperature without creating any off flavors?

I would like to have more brewing capacity, but I am limited by the amount of temperature controlled storage that I have. Do you only need temp control in the primary fermentation process? I'm ...