First time! Brew guy

Question

Well i bought a kit and followed the instructions and it has bee 4 days now and i don't think i have seen my airlock move. i open the top of my bucket and there was a lot of foam (bubbles). Also look like brown skin s o i stir the brew and took a reading with my hydrometer.and my reading is 1.020 now is my brew fermenting properly

Not really a question, so I shouldn't have up-voted it. Too late to change the vote now. Is there a question in here somewhere?
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Jim Denmark · Accepted Answer · 2010-04-08 15:12:56Z

up vote 3 down vote accepted

Agreed. Sounds like its going great, the reason the airlock wasn't bubbling is probably just the seal on your bucket is letting the CO2 vent out around the lid instead of through the airlock. As long as the layer of CO2 (heavier than air) sits undisturbed on top of the fermenting wort you should be fine.

answered Apr 8 '10 at 15:12

Jim Denmark
85836

1

The seal between the fermentor and the airlock was the first thing I always think of too when folks don't see activity. But its a good thing for the OP to check with the hydrometer. – brewchez Apr 8 '10 at 15:31

Tobi · Answer 2 · 2010-04-08 12:31:25Z

I would think, a good way to tell, whether you have a good fermentation is the smell: If you put your nose carefully in the fermenter you should smell carbon dioxide. Of course CO2 does not have a smell as a pure gas, but the fermentation CO2 smells slightly (pleasently) sour. Be careful though to not put your head too far in, since the gas in the bucket has probably displaced the oxygen and the inhalation of CO2 will make you dizzy. ALso, you will risk contamination of the brew. It should not smell sweet or overly sour (i.e. like sour milk).

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First time! Brew guy

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