First kit: When might I see bubbles?

[StuAlban]

I've just made my very first kit this morning and was wondering when I might start to see some bubbles going through the airlock so I can be confident fermentation has started?
I can see that impatience is going to be a real problem with this new hobby!
Cheers,
Stu.

 

[carl_saint]

Should be well underway by tomorrow morning if kept at a good temp around 18-21c. Don't worry if not though, not all airlocks bubble as some fermentation vessels are not fully airtight. What have you got brewing?

 

[StuAlban]

Thanks. I knew it would take several hours but wasn't sure how long.
My fermentation bucket does seem mostly airtight - I saw a video on youtube showing you how to test the seal. It was by a guy called 'CraigTube', he has lots of videos on there which seem quite useful for a beginner - not sure if any forum members have a view on the quality of his advice?

 

[carl_saint]

Yeah I've seen some of his stuff. Good advise for beginners, I think a few on here have mentioned him before.

 

[Mr BR]

Hi , the first brew is always the most anxious but patience patience and more patience is what is required it all depends on the yeast , temps and the brew i have waited up to 36 hrs before for any activity and even then not all brews bubble away so dont rely on the air lock to tell you the only sure way to check fermentation is or has taken place is to use the hydrometer readings the OG original gravity reading just before you pitch your yeast into the 20c wort and then when it gets down to its FG final gravity when fermentation has stopped just before you prime up, which differs from kit to kit but it will be on the instructions somewhere but dont stick to rigidly to it if you get 2 readings the same a couple of days apart after 7-10 days then its probably dropped as low as its going to get, hope this helps if you need more pointers just post away and somebody will point you in the right direction good luck :thumb:

 

[cheers]

I did my first brew 3 weeks its been barrel 2 weeks now tasted yesturday bit disappointed clouly and tastes yeasty.I know its to early I could not wait so patience patience and more patience good luck

 

[LeffeFan]

Hi Stu. Fellow newbie here. Only done two kits so far and both were well underway by the next morning. The Coopers Mex I started last night is going strong this morning. I don't use airlocks but had a quick peek (must stop doing that) :nono: and it was clearly off to a good start.

PS if you are impatient now, wait till it is bottled!!

 

[StuAlban]

Thanks for all the supportive comments. What do you think I should do to ensure I maintain a good fermenting temperature. I haven't got a suitable airing cupboard or anything like that where I could keep the fermenting bucket. The weather today is nice and warm but what about overnight and if it turns cold?

 

[thejesmonddingo]

What do you do when you get cold at night Stu? Do the same with the beer,wrap it in a blanket and leave it alone.
Ian

 

[StuAlban]

Thanks Ian, I'll make sure it is wrapped up snugly!
I'm now starting to think about the equipment I'm going to need for bottling.
I was thinking about using plastic bottles (because they can expand a bit if they are over carbonated?) instead of glass. Not sure whether to go for 500ml or 1litre ones.
Was also thinking about using the 'Little Bottler' from Balliihoo but I'm not sure whether it will fix onto my existing tap or if I should have used its own tap throughout the brew, or if I should syphon into a bottling bucket first.

 

[dermy]

Hi Stu,

If you're really worried about temperature you should do what I do....I wrap my FV in an electric blanket with the "All night" setting on....keeps the temperature at a constant 22-24 celcius when the house cools down at night.
Good luck and enjoy.


As for bottles - I use both. Plastic to test for carbonation and glass because - well -beer should come in a glass bottle!

 

[aneray]

If you're really worried about temperature you should do what I do....I wrap my FV in an electric blanket with the "All night" setting on....keeps the temperature at a constant 22-24 celcius when the house cools down at night.

Spot on advice there mate. I've been using a single electric blanket for a few years now. I think I got it from Tesco or Argos for twelve quid when it was reduced price. It unclips so you can stick the main blanket in the washer. They keep a much more stable tempererature than brewbelts that cost a lot more money.

 

[jonnymorris]

I've been using a single electric blanket for a few years now...

Problem with an electric blanket is you've no way of controlling the temperature. Fermentation is exothermic meaning it may well warm up too much - or at least the temp won't be constant. As for cost... you can buy an aquarium heater, thermostat included, for £8 on e-bay which willl keep your brew at exactly the right temp. As for now, you'll be fine wrapping it in a blanket but for the future I'd definately consider the above.

Re: bottles. Either glass or plastic work. Go for 500ml otherwise you're drinking 2 pints every time you open one.

Re: Little bottler... I wouldn't try bottling without one. It can be done but it's so much less hassle with one of these.

Cheers,

Jon

 

[Andyhull]

you can buy an aquarium heater, thermostat included, for £8 on e-bay which willl keep your brew at exactly the right temp

Do you sterilise the heater and actually put it in the FV?

 

[lovelldr]

you can buy an aquarium heater, thermostat included, for £8 on e-bay which willl keep your brew at exactly the right temp

Do you sterilise the heater and actually put it in the FV?

Some people do do that, but I personally put it in a water bucket to keep the water at a constant temp, and put the FV in the water... This way, doesn't fear burning the wort

 

[jonnymorris]

Do you sterilise the heater and actually put it in the FV?

In short, yes. I've drilled a small hole in the lid of my FV and dangle it in the brew. It doesn't get very hot so no fear of burning the wort... it's designed for tropical fish after all.

 

[Andyhull]

Do you sterilise the heater and actually put it in the FV?

In short, yes. I've drilled a small hole in the lid of my FV and dangle it in the brew. It doesn't get very hot so no fear of burning the wort... it's designed for tropical fish after all.

Thanks for that
Now that i know thats the case i can put my FV anywhere in the house which will keep OH happy.

I have been allocated a kitchen cupboard for the FV to go in and i have allready run a fused 4 way extention socket in there so i shall be purchasing myself an aquarium heater and will have no more temprature worries as it's cool in there in the summer and cool in the winter with the heating on.

Andy

 

[StuAlban]

Hello all,
Just a quick update on my first kit (Muntons Connisseurs IPA Bitter) that I started on Saturday (3 days ago).
I'm not getting any bubbles through the airlock but carl_saint said not to worry about that.
There isn't much of a yeast layer on top - I was expecting more but I'm not going to take the lid off to look.
I've bought one of those stick-on thermometers today and it shows 22 so that should be ok I think?
When should I start thinking about taking a hydrometer reading to check that fermentation is going along ok? The kit instructions said 18-21C for 4-6 days to ferment.
Cheers,
Stu.

 

[pittsy]

at least 7 days mate , no sooner most leave well alone till around 12 days but make sure everything is sterilized including your hands :thumb:

 

[kentmark]

Thanks for all the supportive comments. What do you think I should do to ensure I maintain a good fermenting temperature. I haven't got a suitable airing cupboard or anything like that where I could keep the fermenting bucket. The weather today is nice and warm but what about overnight and if it turns cold?

I guess the skies the limit on what you can do with thermostatically controlled options, but for mine I have got a big blanket that my FV gets wrapped in, lives down the side of our bed out of the way. Morning and evening I took a thermometer reading inside the blanket. Not very scientific I know, but it seemed to be a fairly stable temperature and I was happy with the brew.

HTH