First ever brew

[nobby_n]

Hi everyone

I will soon be starting my first couple of brews, having done a bit of reasearch via this website and others.

I have a few questions some of you guys might be able to help me out with...

I have bought a wilko pilsner can and some brew sugar for my first go, and a wherry kit for number two. I have wilko fv with screw lid and handles, and bought two king kegs secondhand from ebay. The guy threw in a S30 cylinder that needs filling...
I have a new aquarium heater for bain marie style first fermentation control...

Questions:
King kegs need a bit of a clean... I intend to abrade sealing surfaces, make sure they hold pressure by using vaselene and priming with a bit of water in with the co2 (once i have had the co2 filled) to check for leaks. If they leak I will buy new o rings. They were quite cheap and look clean and serviceable. Any tips on cleaning/ checking? Some say not to scrub, I have ordered wilko steraliser, could I clean them first? Not visually dirty...

I have read that some sugar should be added to the brew as it is transferred into the keg for secondary fermentation, apparently there is a guide on coopers website for the quantities?

The kegs are top tap, i might adapt the floats as suggested elsewhere..

Any guidance very welcome...

 

[calumscott]

Hi Nobby,

There are tons of posts which will help you along, check out the "how to" section, in which you might just find my "OMG!" one (or you could just click the linky in my signature ).

As for cleaning give them a sponge out with washing up liquid for now to get any crud out and leave the rest to the steriliser. :thumb:

:

 

[nobby_n]

Thanks Callum, so my plan seems ok?

 

[Fil]

if by abraid u mean sand down or something, DONT, any scratches on a plastic surface can be a place for nasties to lurk..

otherwise full steam ahead..

 

[nobby_n]

Just read the newbie guidepost from Callum, learning lots every day! I was just going to check the sealing surfaces for smoothness and sand with 600 grit or similar if uneven from moulding sprues etc. However I take the point about scratches, thanks for the input. If they seal OK I will leave well alone!

 

[Fil]

use a razor blade to carefully trim off anything thats really bad, but if they are used, then they are probably ok.. a basic seal test is to fill right up with warm water and add some laundtry oxy and close quickly.. as it effervesses the pressure inside will build up and any leaks should hiss n bubble..

not a bad way to clean em either..

 

[nobby_n]

Love the oxi idea, will clean inside and try this. Many thanks!