Well I bought a kit and followed the instructions. It has bee 4 days now and I don't think I have seen my airlock move. I opened the top of my bucket and there was a lot of foam (bubbles). It also looked like brown skin so I stirred the brew and took a reading with my hydrometer and my reading is 1.020 now. Is my brew fermenting properly?
4
-
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?– Dean BrundageCommented Apr 8, 2010 at 14:05
-
You can remove your vote by reclicking it I thought.– brewchezCommented Apr 8, 2010 at 15:29
-
There's a time limit on taking back your vote, unless the question/answer voted on has been edited since you voted.– Room3Commented Apr 9, 2010 at 12:11
-
I could use my editing power for evil, but I won't.– Dean BrundageCommented Apr 9, 2010 at 23:49
Add a comment
|
2 Answers
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.
-
2The 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.– brewchezCommented Apr 8, 2010 at 15:31
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).
