Heating source for deep freeze

[rvannools]

Hi all,

I bought a deep freeze and an ink bird temperature control unit for fermentation purposes. I'm keeping the freezer in the garage for now so it will get cool at night. My question is, what do people use for the heating source in the temperature controller? I heard a lamp but wouldn't this potentially skunk the beer? Has anyone tried using an aquarium heater or something like that?

Let me know what has worked in the past. Thanks

[MitchK]

Have you considered the carboy wrap heater things? That's what I was thinking of grabbing for my fermentation chamber. It's more for heating one fermenter than the whole chamber of course.

[Bizlair]

I was thinking of getting a carboy wrap too.

I know some people use reptile aquarium heaters from pet stores too.

[rvannools]

Yeah I was debating the wrap heater but I'll be fermenting two carboys in there so I'm not quite sure how to setup the temperature probe.. maybe one is the right temp but other is too hot for example. I think that reptile space heater thing might be the best option!!

[Buccaneer]

I use a reptile heat lamp. Works just great.

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[rvannools]

Cool, thanks

[evanisnor]

I use a 60w incandescent light bulb. No issues with skunking, IIRC these bulbs don't produce UV light.

[RubberToe]

Paint can heater. It's a 40w light bulb mounted in the lid with a pancake fixture.

[mindless2]

paint can heater works awesome!!

[rvannools]

Thanks for the recommendations, will let you know how it goes. Ended up getting an aquatic reptile heater that has suctions to the wall of the deep freeze.
http://www.amazon.com/Tetra-26445-Aquat ... B000IWXHMI" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
If this doesn't work I will try out the paint can heater

[Bizlair]

"NOTE: The heater should always be completely submerged in water when plugged in."

From the Amazon listing. Make sure you have the heater submerged in some water.

[rvannools]

haha missed that post and that warning, quickly learned that it will not work. Hopefully Petsmart will take it back--eeeeeeeee

will have to try something else

[evanisnor]

I tried using a strip heater once but it was way too hot. Seriously, use a lightbulb. Cheap, easy, and effective. You can even hook a muffin fan up to the lampholder for air circulation.

[saosborne]

I've got a similar setup in the unheated garage. I've got a space heater hooked into the duel controller. think i paid about $15 for it just be careful that the temp controller is rated for the wattage of the heater

[rvannools]

Ended up getting a ceramic heat lamp (no light at all) from the pet store. Think it should work OK, thanks for the replies!