How long in the FV?

[benner]

I have my first 2 brews in my FVs - two wherry kits.
The first one I added an extra 4 litres of water and I was so p****d off with myself I went straight out and bought another FV and kit. I am not so keen on weak beer!

Anyway, both have been in a week. One is at 1008 (started at 1031) and the other at 1010 from 1039, I will test again tomorrow to see if they have stopped. My question is do I have anything to gain from leaving them longer in the FV if they have stopped fermenting? I have read that people recommend giving them time to clear in the FV, but I am worried about them being in contact with the air for two long. Wouldn't they be better clearing in the keg?

I am pretty excited, I drunk out the hydrometer jar and it tasted good!

Thanks
Ben

 

[warra48]

Your beer will not be in contact with air inside the FV.

Fermentation produces CO2, which is heavier than air, so it blankets your brew, shielding it from air.

Leaving your beer another week or so will allow the yeast to continue its work and clean up some fermentation side products, leaving you with clearer and cleaner beer.

I brewed an APA on 2 Jan, and it's still in the fermenter. It sat at 18º for 2 weeks, and it's been at 3ºC for the last week. I'll bottle it today or tomorrow.

There's absolutely no concern about leaving your beer for 2 to 3 weeks in the FV.