Appollo:

I don't see a problem as long as the heater doesn't come into contact with the plastic.

sure

Hey Mr. E.

I had an email with Rick awhile back over this same subject...
I am not going to upstage you opinion, but it states explicitly on the turbo 48 package NOT to exceed 86 degrees F on the package.
My discussion with Rick, was that IF you used an aquarium heater/submersible type, that the liquid that 'would' be in direct contact with the glass of the heater might possibly be hotter than 86 degrees...
therefore, is there 'any' experience out there, that is using a submersible heater, that can state for a fact, that it does 'not' kill the yeast during the fermenting stage???
I feel that the blanket/band heater type would be better, but the submersible aquarium heaters can be bought at Walmart for $8.00 for the 50W junior version, for up to 5 gallon volume.

I have not bought anything yet for my 'cold' basement environment due to simple procrastination. I just give my mash 2 weeks to ferment, and still end up with 18%abv even in a 60ish degree environment.

If the aquarium heater will not kill the yeast strain, then I will go buy a cheap heater this week if anyone can shed more knowledge on this.

NC:

Very good point. I was thinking in terms of melting the bucket not in terms of killing the yeast. I stand corrected. Thanks!

Buzzman, excellent idea. That would be a nice inexpensive alternative.

Cheers

I left out a piece of the information that my email with Rick included...

He thought that if you had a way to keep the sugar wash/mash circulated or stirred, then the submersible heater will work fine. This keeps any liquid, with its yeast, not in any lengthy contact with the glass and heat source.

Now, with that said, a pump and/or stirring system implemented into the system is far more complicated and expensive than a simple blanket wrap or pad system...
it makes even more sense to keep it simple. All yeast needs is time and a moderate temperature to do its job.

Another option is to build up a insulation board ,rigid foam board, blue or pink, available from any builders supply. Cut the board to dimensions large enough to cover your fermenting container with about 4 inches around all sides and top. Buy a simple wall thermostat like you would use with a heat/fan unit for your bathroom, or single stage heat system ,also available from a local builders supply for around $10, and put it inside the foam box and controlling the electricity to a simple light bulb ,60 or 75 Watt is plenty, and hang it from the roof of the foam box down one side of the fermenting container, but not touching the foam box wall or fermenting container wall.

Set the thermostat for around 82-84 degrees, and the bulb with foam box will hold the temp at that precise temperature until the fermentation is complete in around 2-4 days. But, most recommend to wait until the yeast is completely dead in about 6-7 days, then clear it, and syphon off and start distilling.

This foam box can be made out of 3/4' foam board, but I have found that the 1' is easier to glue up. Simply cut to adequate dimensions and using construction adhesive ,liquid nails works well, and glue up 4 side panels and a roof/top panel. Set the fermenting container up on wood blocks to keep it off of the concrete floor ,which stays around 60 degrees here in the mountains in NC, place the foam box over the container and ferment until your hearts content.

This foam box and thermostat idea will work using a heating pad wrapped around the fermenting container as well.... and you wont have to monitor the liquid temperature as you would with just sitting it on Low/Med/or High, and constantly wondering if it is too hot.

I will find the actual brand and model number of the thermostat I am speaking of if anyone is interested.


As Elricko says so well,
Cheers !! and good luck.

this is a cheap system that will work during the winter in the colder areas of the country, and is readily available, and dependable without moving the smell to your living space.