Is it dead.

[Joes1806]

Put on a ginger beer coopers kit last sat. All was well I put it away in the cuboard to ferment , checked it this morn to notice its at 18 c , the heater wasn't switched on so I'm guessing it's been a this temp all week maybe bit colder as the night has drawn in. I did a hydro test and it's still the same reading as when I first ade the brew.

Is this brew now dead or if I put the heater on will it kick into life and work out

 

[craigite]

even at 18degC yeast should work, although slowly.
It sounds to me the yeasty is no good.
Every time you take the lid off you risk infection, if the yeast was working it would win the battle but as you have no yeast sign you need to take care.
I would add a new pack of yeast.
If you do not have yeast then go buy a pak. I would be tempted to reheat to sterilise the wort but remember to chill to 20 before pitching yeast.

 

[Joes1806]

I have yeast here in another beer kit I have. Will it not be overpowering with two packs of yeast in there

 

[jonnymorris]

In short, no. Over-pitching has its drawbacks but less so than under-pitching. Rehydrate your new yeast and bung it in. Good luck.

p.s. if you've not already done so, it might be worth raising the temp to 20 and giving your brew a firm but gentle stir to see if you can rouse the first lot of yeast into action. If it really was duff, i.e. no action after 24hrs then go for the second pack.