homebrewandbeer.com

Good day Guys,

I know from searching that this one has been done to death but....

Can you rack prior to initial fermentation completion or is it best to wait.

cheers
Tadge

yep. The fermentation will complete in secondary.

Cheers mate,

Better start racking and getting another brew on!

Tadge

I wouldn't rack too soon - if you move the beer of the yeastbed you might not have enough carryover to complete the ferment properly.

I normally rack at 6-7 days for an ale...most of the fermentation is complete and it drops a few points on the hydro in the secondary...I figure this also fills the headspace.

Thanks P_A
Looks like I'll have to invest in another fermenter, I'm getting a bit impatient to put one of 'Danzars' Hoegaarden recipes down!!

Tadge

what are the advantages of racking and what equipment will i need?

Melbourne Man,
Is that a hint of sarcasm? If not the search function will work for you.

Tadge

In short:
A) Better tasting beer
B) Clearer beer
C) Allows for better conditioning of the beer by getting it off the trub

Equipment required:
A piece of food grade hose
An additional fermenter
Gravity

Simply connect the hose to the fermenter with beer in it, then put the other end of the hose in top of the second fermenter, which will be placed below the first so as to allow gravity to do it's thing. Turn tap on, watch liquid empty out of the first and into the second, avoid splashing at all costs, and seal again as per normal. Leave for 2 weeks for a standard ale, then bottle as normal.

Has been covered in detail in other threads