I got a tip from a fellow homebrewer on how to easily put together your own FermWrap by ordering the parts individually from a reptile supply store. All you need is the wire/clip/insulator set ($5), and 2 feet of 11 inch Flexwatt heat tape ($6.50). Attach the wire clips and insulators to the 2 silver strips on the tape (I just used a pair of pliers), and you've got yourself a FermWrap that homebrew shops sell for $30 - $40. Plug it into your temperature control device, and you're good to go. Just tested mine out, and it works great - cheers!
November Throwback: Algiers/Security Brewing
1 month ago
This is one well-timed post, as I'm looking to brew a gluten-free Saison soon and it's a bit cool to keep fermentation temps in the mid 70s. One question, though... What do you use for the temperature control device? I'm familiar with the controllers for keeping temps down, but not up.
ReplyDeleteI got the Johnson A419 (also available from the reptile store). You just need to modify a jumper inside the unit to switch from heating to cooling (literally just either removing/placing a piece of plastic). It's all in the manual - cheers!
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly what I'm doing, I've used this stuff before and works great. Yeah this is like almost 1/3 the price of the other thing and the link you provided assembles for free!
ReplyDeleteWithout the thermostat controller about how much would you say it raised the temperature of fermenting wort?
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Thank you so muck
Prost!
I've actually never used it without the temp controller, and think the results would be largely dependent on the ambient temperature of the room and if you use it inside anything to help hold the temp (like an unplugged fridge). An easy experiment would be to fill a carboy with 5 gallons of water, wrap the ferm-wrap around it, plug it in and see what happens - let us know any findings!
ReplyDeleteI just got one but got a jolt while positioning on the carboy. Now worried about a fire.
ReplyDelete@Megalomani - I'd check your connections (where the clips touch the wrap), and possibly return it. I've never had that happen before!
ReplyDeleteCan this setup be use for wine making? I need a constant 75 degree. Thanks
ReplyDelete@Jean-luc - I don't see why not, I just used it to keep a saison at 77/78F. It helps to keep it insulated somehow, mine was in a turned off fridge to maintain the heat.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you use for the temp probe? Do you submerge it in beer? If so, what kind of a probe do you use for that?
ReplyDeleteI take some bubble wrap and make a little pocket on the side of the fermenter (I used glass carboys) using some electrical tape, then I stick the probe from whatever temp control device I'm using into that. The wrap insulates the probe from the ambient temperature, just make sure you tape it low enough so the wort's on the other side of it.
ReplyDelete