Brewbelt Help!

[scottmoss]

Hello,

I started off my Coopers Mexican yesterday and as the weather is droping I thought I would treat myself to a heatbelt. The temperture in my kitchen ranges between 16-20 as noted within the heatbelt instructions it tells me to place the heatbelt about 4" around my fermentor from the bottom.

My lhbs told me when I was purchasing the brewbelt to put it higher if I see condensation within the fermentor. I did see condensation last night so I moved it higher but the condensation is still there, any suggestions?

The current temperture is 19 but it was 16 when I woke up this morning.

[Swiller]

I have always used aquarium heaters as they are controllable with their built in thermostat they are not expensive have a look on e-bay. Imo belts are a bit hit and miss.

[Danmet]

If the yeast is still doing its stuff then I wouldn't worry too much - is there any activity in the airlock?

[scottmoss]

Hi

yes it's bubbling and got the foamy head. I think I might just put the belt on through the night and when at work because the heating is off

[sargie]

You would have condensation on the lid even without a heat belt as the fermentation process produces it's own heat. I have my belt 4 inches off the bottom for 7 days as the temperature in the room i ferment is similar to your kitchen now and i do not have a problem all brews turn out great.

[scottmoss]

You would have condensation on the lid even without a heat belt as the fermentation process produces it's own heat. I have my belt 4 inches off the bottom for 7 days as the temperature in the room i ferment is similar to your kitchen now and i do not have a problem all brews turn out great.

Ahh right that makes sense with the yeast producing heat. Will go and switch my belt back on then!

I'm fermenting my Coopers Mexican Cerveza with 1kg Muntons beer enhancer also, have you tried yours yet? Just wanted to know if it doe's actually come out similar to Corona and Sol? Or even if it's a decent pint.

Thanks for all the input.

[escapizm]

Ive always used a brew belt but with an ATC 800 thermostat, to use without means its on all the time!

I always get condensate on the lid and have never given it a 2nd thought, thus far brews have been ok, could be better but thats why i keep doing them to get better

I generally put about 3" from the base, the probe for my thermostat hangs in the wort about midway on a 23l brew.

I also have it well insulated with two camping mats so in reality it probably off much more than its on. there are some pics in my previous posts.

[sargie]

Ive always used a brew belt but with an ATC 800 thermostat, to use without means its on all the time!

I always get condensate on the lid and have never given it a 2nd thought, thus far brews have been ok, could be better but thats why i keep doing them to get better

I generally put about 3" from the base, the probe for my thermostat hangs in the wort about midway on a 23l brew.

I also have it well insulated with two camping mats so in reality it probably off much more than its on. there are some pics in my previous posts.

Do you have a link to the thermostat you use i may be interested in one if the price is right.

[garwatts]

Do you have a link to the thermostat you use i may be interested in one if the price is right.

The popular ones are TC-10 and the ATC-800. Personally I use the TC-10

http://stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/Forttex-S ... QQ_armrsZ1

[escapizm]

I got mine of ebay via http://www.monitors-direct.co.uk £24.99 but i think there cheaper now as model has been upgraded

wiring details can seen here:

http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2008Q1/ATC800.jpg

[sargie]

Thanks for the links guys for that price im am very temptedt o pick one up much cheaper than i thought. I mean i have no problems now but in the good old british summer a thermostat would be very handy when the emperature is up and down.