A few things...
I found that having a fermenter sitting directly on my cool lower level floor vs sitting on boards impacted the temp of the beer a couple degrees. So I would often play with that depending on what temp I needed.
While I do agree with the "60-64F ambient is a good temp during active fermentation" advice, I find that I get faster and more consistent fermentations if I keep the wort temp warmer as fermentation slows. A condition where the wort heats to 68F, then falls down to the ambient of 62F can lead to extended or incomplete fermentations.
I have been happy with this seed mat + controller combo I picked up from Amazon (there are other brands and combos that are similar). I have used this to keep Kveiks and Belgians in the 80F to 85F range. A mat and a blanket should be a cheap solution to keep your beer temp above the ambient temp as needed.
Ventilation could definitely be a culprit, but my initial focus is on the temp. 22 degrees is pretty low, by getting the temp up around 26 you'll really speed up the growth (from months to weeks) and can avoid problems like wet rot (can be common when spawn time takes longer than 4-5 weeks because of the excessive moisture in UB bags).
I normally incubate mine in a box with a small heating pad and a temperature gauge/thermometer. The box should be just big enough to fit your UB bags and the heating pad without the heating pad touching the bags. You just want the pad to be heating the air in the box, as the pad normally gets too hot for the UB bags. This is what I use because it has a thermometer and turns off the heating pad once the air in the box reaches the desired temp. I normally set it to 78F/26C.
Good luck!
Yes, this is correct, 75-80 is perfect for fast growth but not too hot as to inhibit growth. At 64 it might take months to get a colonized bag, and at that rate you
I normally incubate mine in a box with a small heating pad and a temperature gauge/thermometer. The box should be just big enough to fit your UB bags and the heating pad without the heating pad touching the bags. You just want the pad to be heating the air in the box, as the pad normally gets too hot for the UB bags. This is what I use because it has a thermometer and turns off the heating pad once the air in the box reaches the desired temp. I normally set it to 78F.
So cheap to get mat with thermostat now, don't bother with DIY version. Been using for a while for levain building & proofing at 78ºƒ. Works great & very consistent results. I use a plastic tote container with a couple of old bath towels for insulation.
I kept reading a lot of places that it wouldn’t work, but I had a heat mat so I tried anyway.
I have 2 AeroGardens one in my house and one in my much colder garage. They were planted both at the same time. The ones in the house germinated at about 7 days. The garage had almost no activity, not even a root hook. So I threw the heat mat under it with the thermostat probe dangled in the water reservoir through the little hole they have in the top that you’d normally place the extra water tank tube through. I set it to 85 degrees and after about a day you could see condensation in the domes. I measured the temp of the sponges and they were at around 82-84. All have sprouted and have almost overtaken the ones in my house in size. So yes long story short it works great!
VIVOSUN 10"x20.75" Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set MET Standard https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_qSq3FbEP4P9GP
Looks like it's on the right track! As for temp, you can get a seedling heating mat for relatively cheap. Im sure they have something like this on Amazon's UK site. Make sure to get the temp controller too.
I use a seed mat heater lightly placed around the vessel. I bought one with a regulator on amazon. This one works well for my 2 gallon vessel. VIVOSUN 10"x20" Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_HEelybCXF3F8D
I'm using a Vivosun heat pad that goes well below 85F, it's for seedlings and plants. No timer, just a thermostat and a probe on a cable, but you could turn it off when you turn off your lights and see how that cycling works. I also use one in a cooler for keeping grain spawn at 80F 24/7 and it works great for that. We'll see how it works under the Mella (I put some cardboard underneath to get the mat closer to the metal bottom).
I'm not going to put a current-resistance heater anywhere near alcohol, when I'm not there to monitor it. Especially one I've built myself, like a lot of links are suggesting.
I've heard of reptile mats scorching countertops.
Get a seedling grow mat; they use infrared heating so they're completely safe to leave unattended.
These are listed as "flexible" and I have them wrapped around the inside of my covers. They work just fine. 1 in my mini8k and 2 in my mighty8k, secured by magnets glued to the mats and just held by more magnets via the mag-force through the cover.
I use a seedling heating mat from Vivosun that I picked up off Amazon with a heat controller for around $35. I have been pretty happy with how it works. I can either wrap it around the fermenter or just set it inside my chamber. (Amazon Link)
A quick search for "Reptile Heating Cord" turned up several thin heating cables that look like they are either attached to the side of the tank/cage or maybe placed under some gravel. If you are actually wrapping it around your fermenter I would just make sure it does not get too warm.
I picked this one up, I think 90 second recommended it. I might try it in fridge like you have, it isn’t holding temp without insulation ie in a large tote box in a cool area.
VIVOSUN 10"x20.75" Seedling Heat... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I insulated a tub i had with some cheap duct insulation and threw this seed germination mat in there. Is holding temp nicely even though my apartment stays pretty cold.
I Just got This germination mat, since i dont like having space heaters running when im not around. Its working really well even though my apartment stays around 67 degrees in colder months
Heating mats work great, just make sure to get the ones with temperature controls like https://www.amazon.com/VIVOSUN-Seedling-Digital-Thermostat-Standard/dp/B016MKY7C8/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=G59KOZVDSBR8&keywords=seedling+heat+mat&qid=1644952071&sprefix=seedling%2Caps%2C103&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVk...
A heating mat can help with the temp. I keep my apt chilly so this is essential for me. I just lined a cardboard box with foil to help with keeping the heat in and put the mat vertically with the rice an inch or two away. Good luck!
VIVOSUN 10"x20.75" Seedling Heat... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Or one of these inside a cooler or styrofoam box. Anything between room temp and 37C is fine. You could even let them sit on the bench if you want, it'll just take longer to grow.
VIVOSUN 10"x20.75" Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set MET Standard https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_D9EF6H7C8TXPX91AZ7TH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 This is my first year growing peppers from seeds so as a distraction from real life I read up on how to care for pepper plants. One of the things I found out was that a heating mat makes the largest difference in how quickly pepper seeds germinate. I bought the adjustable because I want to use it for other seeds and have no clue (yet) what temperature they best germinate at
I couldn't stomach the cost so I bought this and put it into an insulated cooler bag that I have with a cooling rack on top. Seemed like the cheapest option.
Nice!
Here's a thing made for this purpose. I used to have just the control unit, which I actually used for heat control when I used to raise baby parrots, years ago.
VIVOSUN 10"x20.75" Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set MET Standard https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_9XAEGPY7YJF017ZKGP28
VIVOSUN 10"x20.75" Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set MET Standard https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_5YZ2XE1K6YVT3XHA0CAD?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This is the one I use, put it inside your container, put the bags and probe on the otherside, set the temp to 77 and your good to go.
yes, I set mine to 78 and put the temperature sensor on top of the mat but under the tub :-)
18 watts. An electric space heater might be 500 - 1,500 watts!
Ya, so that first tent is the exact one I have. Has been doing awesome. The link for that heating mat is here. Ya the mat in that video did look pretty sketch, but it’s the same type as the one I bought. I think it’s just how they brand and design the mats to look, the one I bought was Amazon recommended. The one I bought also comes with a thermometer plug combo, that’s what I would plug the strip into, because it would automatically shut both mats off at the same time and you don’t have to worry about it. If I had two mats I would place them on the third or fourth shelf depending on how many bags I was doing. Currently my 4th shelf is removed so I could put some mush related storage there.
I’m not a owner of Triops but there are many cheap heating mats online you can buy. I bought a temp control one for my insects and arachnids. You can control the water very well and even see what temp it is. Complete control on temp. Hopefully someone would reply to mine to better put you in right direction.
I have a windowsill thermal pad which is regulated with a digital thermal controller. I set it pretty low at 60F and they seem fine. I mainly got it to keep the plants alive when I'm away in the winter and I turn my furnace basically off.
This is their slightly upscale version that has the thermostat.The model I first linked to is only a straight mat, with no thermostat.
It says "maximum amps 8.3" and "maximum wattage 1000".
In a lab, they test it by cranking up the electricity, and for this particular model, once you ask it to carry more than 1000 watts, it bursts into flame. And it pulls 8.3 amps maximum, so if you're counting how many amps your wiring can carry, you can know the total burden on your electrical supply.
By comparison, a vacuum cleaner pulls about 9 amps. A microwave oven pulls about 1000 watts.
So, one way to test it would be to plug in a vacuum cleaner or a microwave on the same circuit and run it for a few minutes, and see if you trip the circuit breakers.
VIVOSUN 10"x20.75" Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set MET Standard https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Z64SXBH4TFXWQSCJZWP9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This is what I use. Works perfectly never had a single issue.
I purchased this seedling mat and controller combo a few months ago and I have been happy with it. I have used it to keep Saisons at 78F and Kveiks at 85F. In my case I used PET carboys sitting inside a chest freezer, but a glass carboy wrapped in a blanket should work.
I have a small space heater that I got for around $10 from Walmart. I like the idea that it has a fan that blows when it is heating. I question how safe it is in the damp/wet conditions of a chamber. I also find that if I try to heat the chamber by more than a few degrees F at a time, the air gets hot enough to trip an overheat sensor on the heater. I have to unplug the heater for a minute to reset this. The overhead sensor would also trip when I tried to keep a Kveik at 85F. So while I am still using this heater, I would not recommend it.
For a heat-only chamber I picked up this set from Amazon (VIVOSUN seed mat and controller), and I have been very happy with the performance (keeping a Saison at 78F and a Kveik at 85F). They sell just the heat wrap without the controller. The wrap is probably best if just fermenting one beer at a time.
The ceramic reptile bulbs would be my second recommendation after a seed mat. The bulb would probably work better if you are heating an area with multiple fermenters.
I like the idea of a heating mat. Would this one be a suitable option?
Would this last me through the entire fruiting process as well and remove the need for me to get a grow light?
I use this one: https://www.amazon.com/VIVOSUN-Seedling-Digital-Thermostat-Standard/dp/B016MKY7C8/
It comes with both a temperature regulator and heating mat. I use it for an "automatic" fruiting chamber and the sensor in the bucket reads the air temp as 75-77 which is what I have it set at.
You may want to look into making a box with one of these heating pads for your bags to innoculate inside of. Tape that pad to the side of the box, put your bags on the other side, keep it at a nice 75 - 80 degrees and you'll be golden. It really helps a lot from my experience. I am also in a dry/cold climate
This is the one I ordered as seen a lot on this sub.
I got this one -
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016MKY7C8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's 18W. I believe 14W would be plenty. I think you could get a smaller size pad in retrospect as well. I stuck the thermometer to the side of the machine and set it to 80F so it keeps at ideal temperature. It takes a long time to warm up but so far it's been fine even starting it at 40F.
My set up is similar. I got a small space heater and the heating pads below. Put a hygrometer/temp reader in the bins themselves and that combo keeps them from 76-79 pretty damn consistently. I saw myc in 5 days with those temps. I put a small rolled up towel under each end of the tub so the tubs aren’t sitting directly on the heating pad. Just did a break and shake and they are coming back nicely in just a couple days after as well. Also put black towels over my tubs
I use this $35 seed germination mat+temp control. Set it up under the fermenter, then wrapped it up in a blanket and tucked the probe in the blanket near the middle.
Buy a heat pad and then buy a temp switch to control to your desire or buy a bundle, use bag pots to increase efficiency and not have potential problems of heating up plastic pots.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabt1_Je2SFb8RPPPDA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I got one off amazon with a temperature controller, was a bit more expensive than just the pad, but since I needed to be sure the seeds germinated I didnt mind. https://www.amazon.ca/VIVOSUN-x20-75-Seedling-Digital-Thermostat/dp/B016MKY7C8/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=heat+mat+thermostat&qid=1568954250&sprefix=heat+mat&sr=8-6
Got this one off Amazon. Search around for the same or similar design in different sizes. Mine is wrapped around a 2.7 gallon jug.
VIVOSUN 10"x20.75" Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set MET Standard https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Otw6Db5A763GR
Yup. You can do a search on amazon for heat mat or seeding mat. Some come with the thermostat and some are just the mat. Thermostat has a sensor cable that you can tape to the side of the fermentation container or put in a glass of water in the cooler if you have room or set on top of your cloth lid and just do ambient temps.
Here’s one to get your search started. It should get you in the right area so you can travel down the rabbit hole of similar products.
VIVOSUN 10"x20.75" Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set MET Standard https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PUwBEb4PGXRBY
i got this pad VIVOSUN 10"x20.75" Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set MET Standard it's water proof and has temp settings that some heating pads don't have.
VIVOSUN 10"x20.75" Seedling Heat... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I use this one. It’s only $30 and includes a thermostat so u don’t have to turn it on and off and constantly monitor.
This is what I started using and its great so far.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_p2-PFbA46JB7A
I use a seedling mat from amazon. I put the thermostat sensor between the bag and the mat, set for about 78 degrees.
Well you already have a great recommendation for Heat/Humidity for your tubs, but I Wanted to mention those cheap 40-50 Qt Coolers Plus a seedling heat mat inside to one side are Excellent for incubation chambers for jars/bags of rice.
Cooler Example: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Igloo-48-qt-Laguna-Ice-Chest-Cooler-Blue/841095077
Seedling heat mat example: https://www.amazon.com/VIVOSUN-Seedling-Digital-Thermostat-Standard/dp/B016MKY7C8
​
I then use a couple 3 liter Distilled water jugs to hold the seedling heat-mat against one side and the rest of the interior of the cooler can be filled with Jars of growing Mycelium. I also used the warm distilled water for misting my tubs but their primary purpose is holding heat in the cooler so the mat can cycle less.
VIVOSUN 10"x20.75" Seedling Heat... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I have this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_XNZF795WT0J4WZQ8GEWP and I use it as part of an incubation chamber. Make sure that the jars/bags are raised above the mat/pad as it will dry out the grains.
It is definitely fun. The time you should start seedlings/plant outside depends on where you're living. For Denver, the last frost tends to be the end of April or the beginning of May, but we've had hail storms that just destroys everything in June. One of the important steps for transplanting seedlings is to harden them off before transplanting them. Hardening basically means leaving them out during the day and then taking them inside when it gets too cold. I don't want to assume anything, but that could be why they keep dying.
If you can do it, I would have a compost pile outside and vermiculture (worm bin) inside if you can do it. These are both great things for the garden. If you have clay soil like vermiculite, coco fiber, perlite, vermiculite, compost, and/or worm castings. These things would help water retention, break up the soil, and add nutrients. Not the cheapest things sometimes, but well worth it to help amend the soil. And now I will be checking out the fungus thingy now. Also, growing some peas/other legumes in one area will help fix nitrogen in the soil. Companion planting is also good. It's a bit of a rabbit hole.
These are what I'm using right now:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016MKY7C8/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_title\_o06\_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L41H13T/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_title\_o08\_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B095HJ8Z5R/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_title\_o08\_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I basically did two of those containers with 12 different tomatoes (2 cells each) because I had a ton of 10+-year-old seeds that I wanted to use up. I used some seed starting mix (coco fiber, vermiculite, perlite, maybe something else) that I added water to and mixed up, so it was really wet. Then I planted the rest of my old seeds (some had 20+ seeds in the cell) and some newer ones. I was quite surprised when my old seeds pretty much all sprouted. Now I need to thin them quite a bit.
VIVOSUN 10"x20.75" Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set MET Standard https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_BQZMTQV5HS43NN17G597?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
That's the one I bought, it's worked wonderfully so far
Yes, I keep my mats on when I'm away and at night. I have them on a thermostat so they only heat up to a certain temperate. When they are sprouting I keep it in the high 70s. Once they all got a set of true leaves, I lowered it to low-mid 70s.
I run light when I'm away. I use CFL bulbs and some cheep lamps I found on amazon to mount them. Just make sure they have enough air circulation around them so they don't get too hot. There are other things in your house that are much likelier to cause a fire than a regulated heat map and a few light bulbs.
This is the mat I use. Comes with a thermostat already. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B016MKY7C8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I bought this mat.. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
And these trays.. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KP3NH57?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I hope these are good enough!
After a month of thinking and looking around, I think I finally found a solution that may work.
Going off the size of my first batch there’s a slim chance the shroomies will fit with a lid-on single tub and if that’s true then I can get 6 tubs to fit. If I decide that I need to do a dubtub I can fit three perfectly.
I need to see about insulating the tubs next to the heat mat, but this is my attempt to counteract the fact that I keep my bedroom (and to a lesser extent the rest of the apt) like a meat locker. I used the mat inside a cooler when growing my agar and it kept it nice and stable around 78-80F.
Foot Locker - https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-Footlocker-Black/16415912 Sterlite 7Q Tub - https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-7-Quart-Stadium-Blue-Latch-Box/46001913 Heat Mat - https://www.amazon.com/VIVOSUN-Seedling-Digital-Thermostat-Standard/dp/B016MKY7C8
I use a VIVOSUN seedling mat in my incubator (an old cooler), it has a temp controller and a separate probe and works great!
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
VIVOSUN 10"x20.75" Seedling Heat Mat and Digital… | $29.98 | $29.98 | 4.5/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
VIVOSUN 10"x20.75" Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set MET Standard https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_PFQZ1BMKKD71YMWJBK95?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Apologies for the delayed response. As always, I only get a little free time to myself each morning before I head off to work for the day.
That Challenge 2kW Convector Heateractually looks perfect, especially for the bigger tents. When I first looked at it, I never noticed it was thermostatically controlled, but now that I do, that changes absolutely everything.
The bathroom heater is nice and compact but it only has 1 heat setting. After reading some reviews, there's a good few complaints about the product being was misrepresented within the product description stating that it was 'thermostatically' controlled when it actually is not.
What's interesting is I got talking to a fellow grower after he posted up a Video of his grow tent. It's the exact same grow tent you recommended in this link HERE. After talking about my heating dilemma, I asked what he does to keep the climate under control. He's suggested placing all your UB Rice Bags or Containers in the 2 top racks, and then simply buy 2x Heating Mats and place them directly underneath on the 3rd rack and have them plugged into a thermometer plug combo. According to him, both matts are sufficient to keep everything nice, warm and humid. Pretty interesting right? Honestly, I never once thought for a second that those mats would be warm enough for a small grow tent, but it looks like that's the case. What do you reckon? Would you lean more towards the Mats or the Challenge Convector Heater?
Either way, it sounds like we're getting some where. My plan now is to keep researching until I'm 100% confident I know what I'm doing. After that, I'll buy everything and stock up so I've got absolutely everything and I'm good to go and I'll get started.
I'm honestly undecided whether to grow in the attic yet though. You make a good point that the attic will need to be spotless if I choose to setup shop there. If not, I may need to convince the missus to let take advantage of the spare bedroom since we don't have anyone staying over (covid and all that) anymore anyway! haha.
Out of interest, do you tend to make your own agar plates? Do you buy the powder mix and plates and do it yourself or do you just buy them all ready made? I'm undecided. Personally, I think it would be great to learn, but at the same time, are you really making that much of a saving?
Okay cool, what about something like this? VIVOSUN 10"x20.75" Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set MET Standard https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_X31QCEKVPM1N91RT3NVH
What about something like this VIVOSUN 10"x20.75" Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set MET Standard https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_X31QCEKVPM1N91RT3NVH
VIVOSUN 10"x20.75" Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set MET Standard https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_WS8AG9AFCP13W5VE3XTC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I have been very happy with this seedling mat and controller combo for $26. It has worked for me holding beers in the 80F to 85F range.
I use a Seedling heat mat with digital thermostat. Specifically, I bought this one: https://www.amazon.com/VIVOSUN-Seedling-Digital-Thermostat-Standard/dp/B016MKY7C8/ Just make sure to keep the Jars elevated above the heat mat. I use an Incubation chamber though, so I'm trying to keep the air in the chamber around 80F.
https://www.amazon.com/VIVOSUN-Seedling-Digital-Thermostat-Standard/dp/B016MKY7C8
​
I didn't buy THAT item, but I have that brand mat and that brand thermostat, and thats a good deal for the combo. Worked really well for me. I set the thermostat at 80, but the mat never got the tub above 75, which was perfect.
I live in a 120 year old house thats rather drafty and doesn't heat well.
I used a 60qt rubber maid bin, and put a seedling heat mat on one side. I also purchased a digital thermostat to control it. Here is a combo deal on amazon - https://www.amazon.com/VIVOSUN-Seedling-Digital-Thermostat-Standard/dp/B016MKY7C8
I put the temperature sensor on the opposite side of the bin, and kept the lid on it. This is how I grew my mycelium in the uncle ben's bags.
Once I spawned them to bulk in shoe boxes, I have an aluminum clamp on light with a reflector and use a 60 watt incandescent bulb. My house is in the mid 60s and this is keeping them in the mid 70s according to a little digital thermometer I put with them (out of direct light, so its getting a true reading).
Another option you could try would be putting the shoe boxes in a larger box, putting the seedling heat mat in the larger box, and then on the bottom of the lid of the larger box you could install some white LED strips https://www.amazon.com/Govee-Upgraded-Dimmable-Daylight-Adhesive/dp/B07XHLGSXN to have light on for 12 hours a day to get them to grow straight.
The only times you need to truly be "clean" is when you inoculate your grain. Once the grain is inoculated and you have pore tape over the fresh air holes, its fine. Then once the grain is completely spawned and full of mycelium, you don't need to worry too much as the mycelium has totally taken over and it will be hard for something else to take foot. I would still be "clean" and you need to pasteurize your CVG, but its not as big of a worry at that point.
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
VIVOSUN 10"x20.75" Seedling Heat Mat and Digital… | $25.98 | $25.98 | 4.5/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
VIVOSUN 10"x20.75" Seedling Heat Mat and Digital… | $25.98 | $25.98 | 4.5/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
VIVOSUN 10"x20.75" Seedling Heat Mat and Digital… | $25.98 | $25.98 | 4.5/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
VIVOSUN 10"x20.75" Seedling Heat Mat and Digital… | $25.98 | $25.98 | 4.5/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
VIVOSUN 10"x20.75" Seedling Heat Mat and Digital… | $25.98 | $25.98 | 4.5/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
Would something like this be good?
https://www.amazon.com/VIVOSUN-Seedling-Digital-Thermostat-Standard/dp/B016MKY7C8/
I've had good luck with these in a clone chamber and a "Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set". I stick the temp probe into an extra rockwool cube and set it for 76 F.
You will get green algae growth on the top of your cubes. You need a solution like a Rockwool Cover
here ya go :)
this one works for me, I like the temperature sensor it has
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016MKY7C8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Limited-time deal: VIVOSUN 10"x20.75" Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set MET Standard https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_dl_E0DW1BHYWX7FN1ZXH0X5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Ahhh...I skipped over the part where you said you were brewing mead. I am not sure of the temps for mead, wine, etc.
This is the set I got a couple months ago that I am pretty happy with so far:
I've been using VIVOSUN. I also bought another couple sets this year, but from a different brand (BN-LINK) due to needing more sets and these being slightly cheaper. Time will tell how they hold up. Liking them so far.
​
Depending on whether I'm waiting for a last few seeds to germinate or if the room temp is on the cooler side, I may leave the heat mats going at a lower temp (~75F or so). Otherwise, I remove them. I try to keep the soil temp no lower than 70.
​
Sounds like you've got a decent setup. Use what you've got, especially if you've had success with it. 👍
This is the mat I got if you're interested, it's been working great since October~ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IL2-FbR94486K?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
You can get the mat and thermostat combo.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_WmK2Fb8JVV5S7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Something like that might work wrapped around the mars enclosure, either inside or outside of it.
I'm using this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8
​
...underneath both jars side-by-side. No need to wrap around the jars. I attach the temp probe to the outside of the jar with its suction cup. You have to spend a day to two adjusting to find the best setting. Of course, your temp will be depend on ambient temp of the room. I set mine at 80 and the jars stay around 76.
I’m in Maine, so it’s been cold for a couple of months now. I got this: VIVOSUN 10"x20.75" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_qkmXFbB58NRYC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 - not sure if it’s available via Canadian Amazon, but I can’t see why it wouldn’t be..
I set the temp on the controller to 75F, and wrapped it around my 1 gallon jar (it covers, no problem). I put a wide elastic band around it all to hold it in place, and then to protect against drafts, I put a thin towel around it, with a clothes pin holding that on.
After that worked out really well for the first part of the ferment, I got this thinner one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073PTZCJ4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_9rmXFbK1XHZH8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 that I put in a cooler with the bottles for a couple of days when I bottle. I’ll move them around once a day to make sure they’re all getting some of the good heat, etc. If you have a warm place to put your bottles, you may not need an extra warming pad, but my house won’t be a constant 70F until probably May/June.
You can also get a seedling heat pad with temp control and thermometer for 38 bucks on amazon. Its twice the price, but you can easily control/track tempature with it https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016MKY7C8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A2PQGFJXAT8J9K&psc=1
I ended up getting this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_zwIDFb62CHAAM
I'd guess not much, especially at 90 degrees in an insulated box, in the middle of summer. It's probably in the specs on the manufacturers site. https://www.amazon.com/VIVOSUN-Seedling-Digital-Thermostat-Standard/dp/B016MKY7C8/
You could try a plant seedling heat mat. Something like this.
Yeah tossed it all. I have more scobys. This is my heater VIVOSUN 10"x20" Seedling Heat Mat and Digital Thermostat Combo Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MKY7C8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_x5sBybQ3ENB74