First timer with Coopers micro brew kit question..

[cephei]

Hi guys!

I purchased a coopers micro brew kit and began the process yesterday although I am a little worried. I followed all the instructions to the letter but my brew does not seem to be causing the airlock to bubble at all? Its been about 24 hours since the yeast was added... My lid is screwed on as tight as possible and so is the tap so im not sure where the co2 could be escaping from other than the airlock? but no bubbles?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers

 

[corby_brewer]

:clap: ave you got a yeast head on top of the beer? if the answer is yes, ther is nothing to worry about.

 

[hippytyre]

I just did my very first brew using the same kit on Tuesday and I've yet to see any bubbles either. I was a little worried about it about it at first but I can see loads of foam and sediment at the bottom and my temperature sits at a steady 22c. I notice on my bubbler that the water levels are very uneven and I assume this is the pressure from the fermenter.

 

[cephei]

There is a foamy head at the top alright and the airlock is uneven but no bubbles.. If there are no bubbles how do you know when the beer is ready to be bottled? Should I just do a hydrometer test after 4-5 days?

 

[hippytyre]

I think you leave it for seven days and then check the hydrometer reading, if its the same over two days its done. I think it has to be within the orange band on the hydrometer.

Maybe some of the more experienced guys can answer better but I think your brew is fine.

 

[snail59]

Your going to be looking for an FG of around 1.012/1.006. As hippytyre said the hydrometer reading should stay constant for 2-3 days. Check it after 5 days but Leave it in the FV for 10-14 days to let the yeasties clean up a little and get rid of some of the rubbish in there.

 

[hippytyre]

I'm glad you said that Snail59 as i was intending to take it out after 7 days providing the hydrometer reading was ok and then bottle it. I'll take your advice and leave it in 14 days now.

 

[corby_brewer]

I tend to leave mine in the FV for around 10 - 14 days, then transfer to a secondry for another 5 days and then keg or bottle it.

 

[hippytyre]

I'll just leave it in for 14 days and then bottle it, then I'll see how long I can hold out before I crack one open :)
I'm going to do Coopers Mexican cerveza next, I already have the kit waiting!

 

[hippytyre]

Sorry to hijack this thread a little but we're both in the same situation. Can anyone recommend a good cheap, readily available sanitizer?

 

[snail59]

Sorry to hijack this thread a little but we're both in the same situation. Can anyone recommend a good cheap, readily available sanitizer?

Yes Tesco Thin Bleach. 10mls per gallon. Works for me.

 

[hippytyre]

Thanks Snail59,

let us know how you get on with your brew cephei, the waiting is excruciating isn't it!?

 

[cephei]

Ok so i'll check with the hydrometer after 5 but leave it in for 10-14 and then bottle it.. A stupid question here but.. How do you know if you got it right? Should it smell off or something if it doesnt work?