difference b/w ferment temp and fridge temp

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by GeeL, Apr 11, 2014.

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  1. GeeL

    GeeL Initiate (0) Aug 27, 2008 Massachusetts

    Hi. Usually I have the fermenting bucket in a big tub of water, use an aquarium heater to heat the water, and a johnson controller to control the temp.

    It's gonna be warm for a few days before it cools off. So I'm going to put the bucket in my keg fridge. A couple questions:

    Does anyone know the difference in temp between the fermenting wort and the ambient air in the fridge? In other words, what should I set the controller for? 5 deg cooler than ideal ferment temp, 10 deg?

    Or, can I put the johnson controller probe in the fermenting bucket? I've had it water and it's working ok, so I know water's ok. But I didn't know if beer/alcohol/ph etc might harm the probe in some way.

    Thanks.
     
    #1 GeeL, Apr 11, 2014
  2. JohnSnowNW

    JohnSnowNW Initiate (0) Feb 6, 2013 Minnesota

    Just tape the temp probe to the side of the bucket, and insulate it with something...some people use bubble wrap. Set the controller for the temp you want to ferment at.
     
    #2 JohnSnowNW, Apr 11, 2014
    PapaGoose03 likes this.
  3. inchrisin

    inchrisin Pooh-Bah (2,013) Sep 25, 2008 Indiana
    Pooh-Bah

    Thermometer probes tend to seize up when submerged in water at my house. I'd discourage this and second taping the probe to the side of the fermenter with insulation. Your idea is good, but I think it's going a little too far.
     
    #3 inchrisin, Apr 14, 2014
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