Carboy too warm, help

[tikithed]

My primary fermentaion would like to stay at about 74-76 degrees F. Is this correct or should it be lower at 68-72 degrees F?

[santanas95]

74 to 76 might be a little in the high side for fermentation. Remember that fermentation is an exothermic activity, so while you may be pitching yeast into wort that is 68-70 F, the fermenting wil increase the temperature up to 8 degrees.

You don't mention whether you are fermenting in a plastic or glass primary. You should be able to lower the temperature of either by placing the fermenter in a bucket of cool-ish water (a 25 gallon rubbermaid tote will work). Then wrap a towel or t-shirt around your fermenter so that the bottom of the cloth is in contact with the cold water. The water should wick up the t-shirt/towel and cool your fermentation down to more acceptable ranges.

Cheers
Jeremy