I think somethings gone wrong!?

[EoinMag]

Im having completely the opposite problem!

I put the heater in the FV at about lunch time set to 20(ish). Theres one of those adhesive thermometers stuck to the outside of the FV as far away from the heater as possible. Its still reading 15-16 degrees!?! I think the problem lies with the fact that its such a large volume of still liquid its very hard to bring it back up to 18+. The heater seems to be warming the fluid immediately around it and then shutting down which is no good! Should I have it stuck to the side of the FV or just have it loose in there? perhaps 50w isn't powerful enough?

Wrap the vessel in an old quilt or sleeping bag or the like then the temperature will equalise faster. Be patient.....

[Swiller]

Dave,

I have had no trouble with leaving my heater on the bottom of the FV assuming yours is on the bottom stop worrying and check it tomorrow I am sure it will be fine mate.

J

[barl_fire]

Im having completely the opposite problem!

I put the heater in the FV at about lunch time set to 20(ish). Theres one of those adhesive thermometers stuck to the outside of the FV as far away from the heater as possible. Its still reading 15-16 degrees!?! I think the problem lies with the fact that its such a large volume of still liquid its very hard to bring it back up to 18+. The heater seems to be warming the fluid immediately around it and then shutting down which is no good! Should I have it stuck to the side of the FV or just have it loose in there? perhaps 50w isn't powerful enough?

50W for a 25litre FV will be just fine, I've got a Electrim75 (75W) currently working now and my beer is happily fermenting at 21degrees in a garage that has an ambient temp of 3 degrees and it's just stuck to the inside halfway down the FV with a clip and sucker housing from one of my aquarium heaters I sometimes use. Once the fermentation kicks in the heater won't have to work too hard as the fermentation will generate some heat too. Personally I don't trust those adhesive thermometers when it's this cold as they are separated from your wort by a layer of plastic but exposed to the outside air I'd be more trusting of a glass thermometer that you dip directly into the fermenting wort (after sterilizing of course). I bet your beer is actually ticking away around 20 degrees anyway

[bigdave]

The heater is submerged just below the surface of the water. Should i take it off the rubber suckers and let it drop to the bottom?

I tried putting 2 pillows on the radiator for an hour then wrapping them round the FV. They were very warm but the FV seemed to cool them right down within an hour!?! This has happened twice.

Ive moved the FV into the bathroom (the warmest room in the house) to try and lift the core temp. I dont want to leave it there because the only floor space is next to the radiator and im guessing that isnt good.

[barl_fire]

The heater is submerged just below the surface of the water. Should i take it off the rubber suckers and let it drop to the bottom?

Depends if it's fully immersible, I've got mine fixed halfway down the liquid, but there is absolutely no harm in having it with the cord hanging over the side and the thing dangling in the liquid like Ditch mentioned, although I'd make sure the heater tube isn't in direct contact with the FV

[bigdave]

I checked the FV while i was on the loo and its risen to 18. I know I shouldnt but i popped the lid n theres the start of some fermentation happening!! Its suddenly very exciting!

[Swiller]

Told you now stop worrying!!! lol

J

[bigdave]

I know. I'm actually starting to think about my next brew already!

[Swiller]

Relax it's a great hobby wecome to the world of home brewing!

J

[bigdave]

Thanks again for the help and advice.

[Ditch]

I tried putting 2 pillows on the radiator for an hour then wrapping them round the FV. They were very warm but the FV seemed to cool them right down within an hour!?! This has happened twice.

F**k me, Dave! Ye'll be hanging a f**king 'Pedigree' round it next! Bless!

Just practice the art of leaving it alone to take its course, mate. It'll make itself into beer, despite ye best efforts. It won't get cancer and die. You'll see

[bigdave]

It seems to like bathroom life. as sugested, Im leaving it alone so havent opened the lid but theres definite action happening.


*EDIT*

So I know I should leave it alone but the thermometer is touching on 22 so the FV has gone back into the babies bedroom. Its looking good:

[bigdave]

Im really pleased with this as a first brew! 2 days ago the SG was reading at 1039 @ 19-20 degrees. I checked it again this morning and its dropped to 1019 @ 20 degrees! Im going awa for 2 days now so fingers crossed it may be close to keging when I get back?!

[Lillywhite]

I'm going awa for 2 days now so fingers crossed it may be close to keging when I get back?!

You may need to leave it for a further 7 days to see if you can get it down to around 1.012.

[At. Ailbhe's Brewery]

Dave, what ever ye do, don't go threading that flex through any lids, mate! Been there. Done that. Soon discovered I'm not the masochistic type

Just dump it in, hanging by its wire and leave the lid alone at that point ~ That won't bother ye beer either.

I got a big tub, filled it with water, and sat my FV in it. Then I put the heater in the tub to heat the water that was surrounding the FV, and put a blanket on top of the FV to keep the heat from escaping out the top. If you're familiar with culinary terms, what was created was a "bain marie". Worked a treat, no holes, no messing with flexes, and the heater is sparkling clean and ready to roll again with no problem. It also acts as a nice little overspill tray should things go all Coopers on ya.

I got the idea off this board but I can't find where, tip o' the hat to whomsoever's idea it was...

P.S. - that brew up there looks good to this untrained eye, I think you have lift-off!