advice needed

[Cuff666]

i have just got back into home brewing after many years (i previously made the wilko canned kits ) and decided to try more advanced kit than i used to do and bought a northern brewer bloc party amber ale kit , ive followed all the instructions and it was bubbling in the airlock quite nicely for about 4 days and has now slowed considerably guide says there s there is at least 10 days primary fermentation left but it is barely bubbling in the airlock only a bubble every so often not as speedily as was but my question is should it of slowed so much after 4 days or has there something gone wrong , i have kept it at ambient temperature as much as possible but could the cold we have been having had a negative effect and is there anyway of saving it if it has gone wrong thanks chris

 

[Clint]

Hiya mate,sounds absolutely fine!! Leave it at least a fortnight then check the gravity. Don't be tempted to take the lid off or poke about with it.

 

[Cuff666]

thanks clint unfortunately i forgot to take initial gravity so would taking a reading of the gravity be pointless or is there a rough number it should be as such or is it pointless taking a gravity reading without first reading as completely new to gravity readings

 

[Clint]

Have you got a hydrometer? If so leave it the fortnight...it should be done....you need something to take a sample...this must be sterilised! I use a Wilko baster. Take a sample. Record the reading. Take samples over the next couple of days. If it's constant,it's done.

 

[HoppyTommy]

I wholly agree with the above. If in doubt leave at least 2 weeks without touching it.

My dad repeatedly takes the lid off and blows across the surface to "check for fermentation bubbles" and wonders why his brews end up infected.

 

[Mavroz]

All my brews stay untouched in the fermenter now for a minimum two weeks, maybe a little longer.
The only time I open is if dry hopping is required during the time in the FV.