StillSmart

For reasons of subterfuge ie keeping it from the OH I am planning on doing my ferment in the garage using a heating tray and a padded jacket for insulation.
Will this do the trick as I am hoping to do a run on Tues 1st May. Will there be enough heat so I get a reasonable ferment.

Cheers
Newdistill

I'm currently fermenting in the garage using an aquarium heater in one, and soil warming cable in the other, both wrapped in old sleeping bags.

fermenting well and nearly done.

Update :

Got a wash done yesterday afternoon and left it at approx 4pm. Came back and checked it and at 4 am it wasn't bubblin but was quite hot, temp was 34c so turned the heat tray off.
30 mins later it was going like a mad thing, same at 12 pm today so hopefully got the the first bit right.
That carbon is messy shite, gets everywhere!
Used the se triple distilled yeast, still have some sachets left. Should I stick with it or try other yeast when I've used the sachets up,

Cheers

Copperhead was formerly Newdistill

Carbons what makes it stink too I use classic with carbon for whiskey mixes Bit harsher (tried without carbon. No good inmho)
I just love vodka star yeast 7 kg of sugar always pushing 17% takes 10 days but no carbon and when double distilled it's brilliant for vodka or single distilled owt else you fancy
So cheaper AND better

Evenin' gentlemen,

Checked the hydro in the mash and its reading 1025 after 6 days. It is still bubbling but when I checked the temp it was only 12c so I put the tray heater back on,
Any idea how long it will take to finish and would I be better moving it into the kitchen?
Cheers
Copperhead

Constant temperature will result in a better ferment that is more likely to be more predictable in terms of finishing.

Before I made my hotbox to control temp I used to use a simple plug-in timer socket to switch a belt type heater on for 15 minutes every hour. Then I got some aquarium type immersion heaters that have a basic built in thermostat that keeps the wash within a temp range you can set. They work pretty well as long as your insulation is reasonably good.

Big swings in temp are bad for your yeast and should be avoided. With the current reading at 1.025 I'd say you have a bit to go yet. I don't know what your original wash was made of but in general you're looking to get down to 0.990 or less - probably 3-4 more days if you can keep the temp between 20-25oC

If you can get the temp under control and constant in the garage there's no need to move it especially if you're trying to keep it under wraps!

AM

I moved it into the kitchen to keep it a a bit warmer and its fine now after a good stirring.
I saw your hot box do will have to make one, maybe picking your brains in the near future.

Cheers
Copperhead