Help needed - not fermenting?

[WelshPaul]

Hi all,
I decided to use up the mix of malts I had yesterday to make up a small batch (10 litres) which I put into 2 5l demijohns to ferment (they were the only containers I had left). The problem is that they don't seem to be doing anything. It's been 24 hours and there is no head of yeast and the wort doesn't smell very yeasty either (see below).
Can anyone offer any advice on this? The OG was 1.050 but I think it's too early to test it again.

Thanks.

 

[orange]

I'd wait another 24 hours.

 

[dennisking]

What yeast are you using.

 

[luckyeddie]

Probably just lag time. Depending on the type of yeast and the amount used, you could end up waiting up to 72 hours.

 

[robsan77]

I like my beers to start up in a few hours and definitely before 24. 48hrs start up can be ok but the window for infections is open too long for my liking.

If no yeast head has started you can try transferring the whole lot into another container. The added oxygen and turbulence is great for kicking the yeast up the ****. I would always try this before adding more yeast but what yeast did you add? what condition and quantity was it? temp?

It'll prob be fine and may start up soon but even so, transferring and adding more o2 will help no matter what.

 

[WelshPaul]

Without checking receipts I can't remember which yeast was used (it was definitely an English one as opposed to the German ones I've use prior). I did notice that one of the DJs has just started a bit of fermentation so hopefully normal service will be restored soon.
I tell you, this must be like new parents feel... :lol:

 

[WelshPaul]

48 hours and still nothing. :|
The yeast is Muntons Gold; is there anything I can do now to get it going?

 

[Muddy Funker]

Drop in a packet of S04 and give it a slosh.

 

[WelshPaul]

I was thinking of adding another packet of yeast. The only problem is that I only have one pack each of Munich and of Muntons: will the wort keep for long enough for me to order more?

 

[Muddy Funker]

I was thinking of adding another packet of yeast. The only problem is that I only have one pack each of Munich and of Muntons: will the wort keep for long enough for me to order more?

It's not ideal but I've heard of brewers storing wort for weeks in a cube type container before aerating and pitching yeast.

If it's sealed up I can't see a couple of days hurting, or bang in the Muntons as maybe the first packet was duff?

 

[Runwell-Steve]

Looking closely there is evidence of some cruddy stuff aorund the neck of the bottle, suggesting you have aleeady had a Krausen formed and it has now dropped.

Is there any sediment in the bottom?

I think it's possible you actually had a really quick ferment and you missed it.

 

[WelshPaul]

That must have been a quick ferment in that case! I'll take a fresh SG reading tonight and see what it has to say as there is quite a bit of sediment at the bottom.