A few problems and questions.

[Azzda]

Hi guys first post new member.

I have been reading alot of old questions and answers witch has helped me so far. Mainly stopped me from panicking, but i have a few small problems with one batch.

S0 it's day 4 on my third brew I am using a basic bucket with tap at the bottom air lock at the top.
So first I forgot to add the sugar until the last minute. So I just chucked it in and give it a good stir. Then then the air lock is not going. (So a small leak). Their was krausen running a little up the airlock and is now gone so fermentation has been happening. The temperature was 26c last night for at least a few hours. I have little control of temperature.

I was hoping to leave it in the bucket for a week or so longer than the last few time because I have read this can help. But is it a good Idea if the lid hasn't sealed properly? Also I have dried hops to add was wondering whether I should not risk opening the lid to put it in with the few problems I have had. The recipe (wilkos tin) says to add it after 4 day or should I wait till final gravity pop it in and leave it another week.

Any advice is much appreciated.

 

[strange-steve]

So first I forgot to add the sugar until the last minute. So I just chucked it in and give it a good stir.

Shouldn't be a problem. Vigorous stirring can cause oxidation but only after fermentation has started.

Then then the air lock is not going. (So a small leak).

Not a problem, most plastic FVs aren't airtight.

Their was krausen running a little up the airlock

Nothing to worry about there.

The temperature was 26c last night for at least a few hours.

That's not ideal, but if this happened after or towards the end of fermentation then it shouldn't be a problem. Temperature is most critical at the start of fermentation.

I was hoping to leave it in the bucket for a week or so longer than the last few time because I have read this can help

Two weeks minimum and probably three maximum is a good idea for kits.

Also I have dried hops to add was wondering whether I should not risk opening the lid to put it in with the few problems I have had.

Yep dump them in 3 days prior to bottling.

 

[Azzda]

Ok thanks! I was thinking (hoping) someone would say something positive. First time I have used hops so interested to give it a try.

 

[terrym]

Ok thanks! I was thinking (hoping) someone would say something positive. First time I have used hops so interested to give it a try.

If its the first time you have dry hopped a beer be aware that you need to minimise the amount of hops going forward at bottling time, especially as is likely you will be using hop pellets which break down into tiny hop bits. So you either use a nylon or muslin mesh bag with or without weights or crash cool or put a filter over the end of your racking cane. More here
https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/a-newbies-guide-to-dry-hopping-your-beer.61045/

 

[Azzda]

If its the first time you have dry hopped a beer be aware that you need to minimise the amount of hops going forward at bottling time, especially as is likely you will be using hop pellets which break down into tiny hop bits. So you either use a nylon or muslin mesh bag with or without weights or crash cool or put a filter over the end of your racking cane. More here
https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/a-newbies-guide-to-dry-hopping-your-beer.61045/

Ok that's the first I've hard of that, so thanks I'll give it a good read when I get home.

 

[Honk]

Regarding your temperature control you can always place your fermenter in a larger trug of water or cover with a damp towel and possibly aim a fan at it to stop things getting too out of control in warm weather.

 

[Azzda]

Regarding your temperature control you can always place your fermenter in a larger trug of water or cover with a damp towel and possibly aim a fan at it to stop things getting too out of control in warm weather.

Well the weather is due to be cooler for the next few days but I will give the damp towel ago if it gets to hot. I'm sure I have a fan around the house somewhere. Thanks

 

[Azzda]

Regarding your temperature control you can always place your fermenter in a larger trug of water or cover with a damp towel and possibly aim a fan at it to stop things getting too out of control in warm weather.

Just realized I actually have a trug. But is it a issue with the tap on the bucket?

 

[Honk]

Just realized I actually have a trug. But is it a issue with the tap on the bucket?

I would want to keep the tap sanitary so either immerse in sterilizing solution or fill to a level below the tap and use towels or similar to wick the solution up the sides where the tap isn't.