long time fermenting

[SimonHitchcock]

Hi all

I started a batch of bitter on the 28th Dec, its out in my garage in the fermenter with a heat belt. Now it is cold out there but the belt is set about 2" from the bottom of the bin but 9/10 days later and my hydrometer is still reading 1.016!

any ideas, can I salvage this?

[Titanium Tone]

Hi Simon
I to have to brew in the garage and have found the best way is to use the brew belt in conjuction with an ATC300 you just set the required temp and the ATC300 will switch the belt on and off as its required to maintain the set temp. I also built a poly cover which helps.

[Parva]

You didn't say what beer it was you were brewing as some are notorius for getting stuck at high'ish gravities. Also, regardless of where the heat belt is this doesn't necessarily indicate whether the beer is warm enough or even too warm, have you taken the temperature? I'd check that first and if it's any lower than about 17c then it may well stop fermenting.

[boingy]

Depends on the temperature it has been at. Even with a brewing belt it might have been struggling for heat in the cold spell we've been having.
Bring it in the house for one day. If the yeast has not gone dormant it will start bubbling your airlock.

[SimonHitchcock]

Thanks for the advice. A few questions, what is an ATC300? Also I have read that in temp controlled thermometer will help. I happen to have one from an old fish tank which I thought I might sterilise and use, has anyone tried this?

[Titanium Tone]

I tried an Electrim 75 fish tank heater but found it could not cope in the garage if you think of it you would not keep a tank of tropical fish in a frezzing garage. The ATC300 is an Automatic Tempreture Control have a look on ebay about £25.00. A probe fits inside the FV and turns the brew belt on and off to maintain the temp you have set this works for me and believe me its frezzing in my garage. Check the link below i have no regrets in buying one.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/show ... p?t=238617