New Boy Questions

[Kelvin B]

Very pleased to receive my brewing kit from my 2 sons (19 & 20) for Fathers Day recently.

I'm following the instructions but have a couple of queries please;

1. I cannot seem to get the temperature above 18. It has blankets and even a sleeping bag around it but no change (after 7 days).

Do I need to do something at this stage or will it be ok?

2. On day 7 I rechecked the gravity but the plunger just dropped straight to the bottom and didn't float at all - is this normal - do I need to do anything?

3. Finally the video mentions if cloudy may need to 'de-gas' - what is this and how cloudy is cloudy?

 

Many thanks to anyone that help a new boy out.

[Pickles Jones]

54 minutes ago, Kelvin B said:

Very pleased to receive my brewing kit from my 2 sons (19 & 20) for Fathers Day recently.

I'm following the instructions but have a couple of queries please;

1. I cannot seem to get the temperature above 18. It has blankets and even a sleeping bag around it but no change (after 7 days).

Do I need to do something at this stage or will it be ok?

2. On day 7 I rechecked the gravity but the plunger just dropped straight to the bottom and didn't float at all - is this normal - do I need to do anything?

3. Finally the video mentions if cloudy may need to 'de-gas' - what is this and how cloudy is cloudy?

 

Many thanks to anyone that help a new boy out.

 1. To raise the Fermenters temperature above 18C you will need to move it to a warmer place or purchase a heat belt around $20. Have a look on EBAY,

2. Have you got enough liquid in the "Tube", bottoming usually occurs when there is not enough.

3. De gassing is require when the sample you are taking has plenty of CO2 in it. Bubbles stick to the "Plunger" and causes it to rise and give a false reading. You can wait for the sample to degas or bounce the plunger up and down to rid the sample of CO2.

4. How much something is cloudy is subjective, most samples you take will be cloudy to some degree. In this situation you will see the sample having lots small bubbles in it.

[Lab Cat]

2 hours ago, Kelvin B said:

1. I cannot seem to get the temperature above 18. It has blankets and even a sleeping bag around it but no change (after 7 days).

If you struggle to get the temp up, it will probably still ferment, but just take longer. if it sticks around 18c it should be fine.

[Kelvin B]

Thanks -

OK I can wait - is it easy to know when the fermentation has taken place then? Will this likely be a few more days?

Edited September 17, 2020 by Kelvin B

[Shamus O'Sean]

2 hours ago, Kelvin B said:

is it easy to know when the fermentation has taken place then

The gravity will stop changing.  Leave it for another day or two then bottle.  You will develop your processes as you gain experience, but keep things simple to start with. 

[Kelvin B]

Thanks Shamus