Other Brew Belt or Let'er Rip?

[bkisel]

Basement was again this morning at 63F degrees but must was up to 78F with the fermentation starting to roll. I unplugged the heater belt and covered the primary bucket with two towels. I think before going to bed tonight I'll take another temperature reading and if the temp is something like 70F or better I'll leave the belt unplugged for the night. Does this sound like a good plan?

Last night, ~7 PM, basement 63F and must @ 75F so decided to leave belt unplugged. This morning basement still 63F and ferm cooking at 76F. Bucket continues to be wrapped in two towels for some insulation.

 

[Simpsini]

I have a different approach. I keep my house at 63 during the winter months. I use a lamp. I place a lamp with no shade and a 100W bulb next to the primary & my glass carboys. I found this keeps the temp at around 76. You can adjust the heat by moving the lamp further or closer. It's not very high tech but it works great. I adhere a fermometer on my equipment and monitor the temp.

 

[sour_grapes]

As Wi_Wino said, you can buy them ready-to-go. Here is one that is even advertised as being for fermentation. (It can be used for cooling or heating.) It is $80.

http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=334

I built one (for sous vide cooking) similar to the one in the thread that WI_Wino posted, but, if I had it to do over again, I would just buy the premade version.

 

[SouthernChemist]

I have a different approach. I keep my house at 63 during the winter months. I use a lamp. I place a lamp with no shade and a 100W bulb next to the primary & my glass carboys. I found this keeps the temp at around 76. You can adjust the heat by moving the lamp further or closer. It's not very high tech but it works great. I adhere a fermometer on my equipment and monitor the temp.

Actually not a bad idea. Similar to what some people will use to keep baby chickens warm when its cold out.