StillSmart

aquarium heater

2010-08-14T01:07:21+00:00

the issue with internal elements in addition to you possible infection, you also scorch the yeast if you put the element inside the feremnter as it creates hot spots and the convection currents make sure that the whole volume is damaged as the volume circulates.

hi freelancement,
sorry but i dont agree with any of that, ive been using my aquarium heater in both beer and sugar washes regularly for some time now and have had brilliant results. the fact that you can set it to exactly the correct temp for the yeast you are using means ,IMO, that the wash ferments dry every time. as for \'possible infection\' that should be eliminated by thorough sterilisation, (in addition i drilled the lid of my fermenter and hot glued the cable in the hole to ensure an airtight fit) no hot spots either as the fermenting wash is in perpetual motion as im sure you\'re aware.
cheers, hoppin

Statistics: Posted by hoppinmad — Sat Aug 14, 2010 1:07 am

aquarium heater

2010-08-10T04:55:46+00:00

swill thats a much better way of going about it, heat transfer
the issue with internal elements in addition to you possible infection, you also scorch the yeast if you put the element inside the feremnter as it creates hot spots and the convection currents make sure that the whole volume is damaged as the volume circulates. external constant low distributed heat is the way to go.
i use the 25w heating panels which is lifted off the ground insulated with carpet under it, its constant heat instead of the wrap around bands (had one burn out on me and burn the plastic, in addition it lost alot of heat to the atmosphere)

operational costs ($0.14kwh x 0.025w x 24hr = 8c a day) - altho the unit cost me AU$62.50 it has a 3 year warranty and is waterproof

Statistics: Posted by freelancement — Tue Aug 10, 2010 4:55 am

aquarium heater

2010-08-10T04:22:47+00:00

Hi guys, sorry to resurrect an old topic but had to make a suggestion.
I use an immersion (fish-tank) heater to ferment beer at 21C. ($15 AUD)I put several inches of H2O in the laundry trough, but any basin should do, put the fermenter in that. Attach the heater to the inside of the basin somehow making sure the unit cannot slip under water. (My model heater can only be 2/3 immersed). Heating the water around the fermenter will ensure an even and constant heat and less chance of infecting the wort.

Statistics: Posted by swill — Tue Aug 10, 2010 4:22 am

aquarium heater

2010-05-21T01:51:25+00:00

hi jimmy, i bought this one, works a treat http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/300-W-Submersible ... 45f2731e2c
also got this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/hand-driven-wheat ... 0905683804 should be ok for making cracked corn, havent tried it yet tho, will keep you posted,
cheers, hoppin

Statistics: Posted by hoppinmad — Fri May 21, 2010 1:51 am

aquarium heater

2010-05-20T05:48:37+00:00

I have neither brew belt nor aquarium heater, which gives some indication of why one of my fermentations took from last November to mid April! I keep meaning to pick up one of the Electrim immersion heaters but I always forget until I\'ve spent my paycheque for the month. Meh!

Statistics: Posted by Jimmy — Thu May 20, 2010 5:48 am

aquarium heater

2010-05-19T22:22:43+00:00

been using my aquarium heater constantly since i bought it and it works great, especially in my bakers yeast wash which i find ferments best at 30c, dont affect the yeast because the heater never goes over 30c and my wash is bubblin away nicely ;-) any sugar that \'sticks\' to it will be gobbled up by the yeast pronto.
hoppin

Statistics: Posted by hoppinmad — Wed May 19, 2010 10:22 pm

aquarium heater

2010-05-19T19:34:49+00:00

ahhhh see now i never even knew.cheers Andy.

Statistics: Posted by marc83 — Wed May 19, 2010 7:34 pm

aquarium heater

2010-05-19T16:46:29+00:00

Aquarium heaters need to be immersed in fluid otherwise they will crack from the heat.

Statistics: Posted by Andy — Wed May 19, 2010 4:46 pm

aquarium heater

2010-05-19T15:33:26+00:00

I was under the impression the aquarium heater wasnt in contact with the wash,thought if you had a box like cover over your fermenter the heater was inside the box keeping the temp constant.....correct me if im wrong though....

Statistics: Posted by marc83 — Wed May 19, 2010 3:33 pm

aquarium heater

2010-05-19T15:11:58+00:00

Wont the melted sugar stick to an aquarium heater? Also would any yeast that come into contact with it die? This is what i have read on other forums which put me off buying one. But if you guys are not having these problems i mite go and invest in one myself now! I was looking at brew belts but they are quite expensive for what they are imo.

Statistics: Posted by mrweizen — Wed May 19, 2010 3:11 pm

aquarium heater

2010-03-15T13:24:13+00:00

Good thinking, will do, thanks for that, I would\'ve probably just stuck it in my wash, :-p

Statistics: Posted by hoppinmad — Mon Mar 15, 2010 1:24 pm

aquarium heater

2010-03-14T08:26:59+00:00

Hoppingmad you have a bargain there well done. Just one thing try and make sure the temperature is set right before you use it on a wash. Test it on in 25 litre of water and adjust till your happy with it.

Statistics: Posted by bluecap — Sun Mar 14, 2010 8:26 am

aquarium heater

2010-03-14T00:01:41+00:00

brilliant, i cant wait till it comes and i can start another wash, was thinking of trying the alcotec wash as its had some good reviews on here and one of my local hb shops has it on special offer.

Statistics: Posted by hoppinmad — Sun Mar 14, 2010 12:01 am

aquarium heater

2010-03-13T19:43:58+00:00

I use one all the time, it puts the heat in the centre of the wash/wort/must and gives ace results.

Statistics: Posted by umpa — Sat Mar 13, 2010 7:43 pm

aquarium heater

2010-03-12T03:39:31+00:00

I have a barrel full of yorkshire bitter, got the kit from a local brewshop for 7.25 on a gamble but I must say its some of the best beer I\'ve ever made

Statistics: Posted by hoppinmad — Fri Mar 12, 2010 3:39 am