So, I'm a long time homebrewer, but changed countries and so have recently rebought all new brewing stuff.
i started homebrewing to save money and make good beer, continue to do it with an eye on the bottom line.
I have a basement fermentation space which unfortunately stays around 70F right now and a garage that ranges from 48-55 depending on the weather outside. Garage has a W34 bock going right now and so far tastes great (did 3days indoors diacetyl rest which went nuts at the 68F at that time)
-The big question
I want to stabilize the ferm temp just so it doesnt bounce around, and ideally lower it by a few degrees.
I would really prefer not to use the water bath + aquarium heater as 1. i don't think it would be stable especially in warmer months (disagree and i will listen) 2. i don't have the space permanently, so no "cheap" used fridge ($$ in electricity and not cheap where i am). 3. don't have a big enough plastic tub or bucket ($$$)
An idea I've had for quite a while is along the lines of an insulated box with removable lid and using 2 computer fans, one at the top of one wall of the box, the other at the bottom pushing in cooler air. Perhaps attaching this to a temp controller if possible?
Does anyone have any variation on this or recommendations? or alternate recommendations under 50 bucks?