Oxygen ingress into FV and other issues.

[Chickpeanut]

Hi guys.

Been reading the forum now for around a month, so still very much a beginner; only on my second kit so far. I have a couple of general questions that hopefully someone experienced will be able to help with...

1. I have a 25l (ish) sized fv with a snap on lid and a hole for the airlock as per most of you guys. If I have to open this to take samples or especially to stir the wort with a paddle, am I not displacing any carbon dioxide sitting on top of the wort and letting in a lot of oxygen? Surely this is not good?

2. After bottling my first batch, I kept the bottles in my kitchen (reasonably warm during the day, reasonably cold at night) for 2 weeks. Is this too long?.. from the point of view of could I have beer with too much carbonation? Am I at risk of exploding bottles? (Bottles are now in a cold cellar to condition)

3. SWMBO has threatened to leave me if I take up any more room in the house with "any more of this brewing malarkey"... so I'm thinking of a Pilsner or a Stout... any preferences?

Tom

 

[mattrickl06]

Hello there:

1. Why do you want to stir the wort, unless you have got a stuck fermentation then you shouldnt really be stirring it at all after the yeast is initially added.

2. Two weeks is just right for carbonation, so long as you dont overprime with too much sugar then you could leave them in the warm for 6 months if you wanted to without exploding. There is only as much CO2 as the sugar and yeast can make - it can't continue to ferment after all the priming sugar has been eaten up by the yeasties.

3. Pilsner and a Stout and a Bitter and some Cider - then trade the SWMBO in for a younger model who has an enthusiasm for homebrewing!!

 

[BrotherMalice]

1, There are always risks opening the FV but if you are careful they can be minimised (why are you stirring the wort?) I believe that oxygen is lighter so should sit on top of the CO2?

2, No idea sorry but thats how I keep my beer

3, Stout

 

[Zedilly]

Only on your second brew and she's fed up with it already.....................Oh dear.

 

[PD]

Put your mix into the fermenter, take its OG, put lid on and LEAVE for 2 weeks or thereabouts, making sure temperature is correct ( around (19C ) Dont remove the lid or air lock for any reason during this time,
When fermentation is about or has finished remove one edge of the lid and take a sample for you FG reading. do this over 3 or 4 days until the readings are the same.
When readings are the same, either prime and bottle or move to another fermenter for a few extra days ( beneficial ) and then prime and bottle. ( or keg of course )
Condition your bottles for 2 weeks at the same temp you used for fermentation, try and keep the temps stable. Then 1 week further somewhere cooler, then drink.

Next brew is your own preference.

 

[Chickpeanut]

Thanks guys...

1. I was kinda paranoid about taking samples for hydrometer readings.

2. I get it now, it shouldn't be a problem.

3. She's not too bad... really!


Thanks again guys. I've had some great, friendly advice over the past few weeks.

Tom

 

[winelight]

And yes CO2 is heavier so will sit in a layer on top of the beer but obviously too much disturbance will waft it out.