6 days still bubbling.

[cking2004]

hi all, im new to all this homebrewing so please forgive me if this a stupid question.
my coopers lager has been fermenting for 6 days and its still bubbling, ive got all the scum around the top of the brew so happy with that. the instructions say it will finish in 4-6 days, still bubbling but bubbles are tiny almost like a dull fizz. has it finished? is it still fermenting? how do i know when its ready to keg? been fermenting at a temp of about 20-22C

 

[Moley]

Kit instructions are frequently optimistic, 7-10 days would be more reasonable.

Welcome to the forum :

 

[johnnyboy1965]

Trust your hydrometer.

 

[cking2004]

thanks looks like i'll have to leave it at least 10 ive just done a hydrometer test and it looks like its sitting at about 1.012 again the instuctions say its got to be 1.008-1.010, is 1.012 ok? i dont know, forgot to test it before pitching. still got alot to learn.

 

[RobWalker]

1.012 is pretty good, certainly bottleable, but just give it a few days anyway. i used to leave my beer until it was clear in the FV, less sediment in the bottles. co2 protects it, so don't fiddle too much and it'll be fine!

 

[cking2004]

oh thats great news thanks, can i use finings? if so when can i add? the packet says when fermenting stops but if its still bubbling then i dont to risk contamination.

 

[RobWalker]

it'll bubble a little for weeks, it's residual co2. once the proper bubbling has stopped, add them after a few days.

 

[cking2004]

Thanks for the advice, ill do that.

 

[Kinleycat]

The kit instructions are generic so the same whatever your brewing.
I would imagine all brew slightly differently and on top of that it is impossible for everyone's yeast, mix measurements, water temp and fermenting conditions to be the same.
Go with your gut and the advice you get off here, is my advice.
I'm sure it'll all turn out alright. :thumb:

 

[rpt]

Make sure the hydrometer reading is constant for 2 or 3 days and then you can bottle. If you bottle before it has finished fermenting you risk making bottle bombs.

 

[artyb]

i tend to put brews in the fermenter, put a lid and air lock on and ignore for 3 weeks,
then bottle or keg,

imho, ...theres really nothing to be gained by measuring and fiddling about,

 

[Green Ninja]

i tend to put brews in the fermenter, put a lid and air lock on and ignore for 3 weeks,
then bottle or keg,

imho, ...theres really nothing to be gained by measuring and fiddling about,

Yup, I do this too.

Makes for a clearer beer too.

 

[winelight]

i tend to put brews in the fermenter, put a lid and air lock on and ignore for 3 weeks,
then bottle or keg

Sounds good, not sure I'd have the patience for 3 weeks but leaving it for two I could do!

 

[Green Ninja]

Buy another couple of FVs then you can get another brew on.

It helps with the patience aspect.

 

[artyb]

i tend to put brews in the fermenter, put a lid and air lock on and ignore for 3 weeks,
then bottle or keg,

imho, ...theres really nothing to be gained by measuring and fiddling about,

Yup, I do this too.

Makes for a clearer beer too.

tbh... your beer looks green....