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Hi,
I have just put my first ever brew on yesterday, Did everything as instructions said.
Its now 30 hours later and seems to be nothing happening.
After reading some of the views on this site, I went and tested with the hydrometer again. Its is now 1049 after starting yesterday at 1046. This doesnt seem right to me.
I looked at it and there is a small amount of condentation above the water in the airlock, and two small bubbles floating on top inside the fermenter.
Can anyone give me a suggestion of what to do now??
Thanks

What did the instructions tell you to do? There are many different instructions out there.

Edit: If you have condensation on the lid of the fermenter and if you look at the bottom and there is a white layer (yeast) then all is fine and the yeast is taking it's own time which it often does. Don't sweat it. As far as your gravity readings rising from 1046 to 1049, don't worry as it means that you probably didn't get a good mixture the first reading. ie: the sugars weren't completely mixed in with the water evenly. This will have no effect, long term.

Hi Robbo,
I started my first two brews last Monday. One with a lager yeast and one with the cooper's kit yeast. The one with the lager yeast is quiet as the proverbial churchmouse yet SG readings show that it has shifted substantially. The coopers one sat quietly for a day or so then went to town...still gurgling today..a week later.
As a lot of the posts say...it depends upon temperature etc. Today was pretty cold in Melbourne.
What yeast are you using and what's the temp on your fermenter been today?
Cheers

It sounds like you are doing a kit & kilo and prob. used the yeast supplied? What are your temps? If your in Sydney it is pretty hot so try and get the temps down to about 20. Use the tub and wet towel method, should get cool overnight. Dont read into the airlock, dosnt always work. You should get some action on top already. I would go buy a safale yeast from brewshop tomorrow and re pitch. If you are brewing a lager at low temps then just wait a bit longer. Never use kit yeast and make sure you brew around 20 degrees.

I used a yeast that the brew shops sold to me separate from the kit, temps are sitting at 22.
Thanks for all this.

Robbo,
Was it a lager kit or an ale kit?
Do you remember the type of or brand of yeast that you were sold?

svyturys wrote:Robbo,
Was it a lager kit or an ale kit?
Do you remember the type of or brand of yeast that you were sold?

It was an Ale. Nut Brown Ale, I also used the malt extract with it.
I took no notice of the yeast brand, Is there ones you should steer clear of?

What colour was the yeast packet?

drsmurto wrote:What colour was the yeast packet?

Blue and white. I got it from Grape and Grain in Yarraville.

this one? - Link

If so that as good a dry yeast as you can get for a nut brown ale (IMO) - 22 is ok, verging on slightly warm but i have used this strain at 22 and its fine. it will clear nicely too so just be patient. Condensation is good. Airlock activity isnt the be all and end all. Sounds like its started and will take off in the next day or so and you will wonder what all the fuss was about.

drsmurto wrote:this one? - Link

If so that as good a dry yeast as you can get for a nut brown ale (IMO) - 22 is ok, verging on slightly warm but i have used this strain at 22 and its fine. it will clear nicely too so just be patient. Condensation is good. Airlock activity isnt the be all and end all. Sounds like its started and will take off in the next day or so and you will wonder what all the fuss was about.

Yes this was the yeast. I will see how it goes over the next doy or so .
Thanks

Robbo
I am about into 10months of brewing and brewed my first lager (pilsener) in winter (ferm temp 16) the same thing happened to me, very slow however after 2 - 3 days was bubbling nicely. Unlike the ales I had done previously had to wait the full 2 weeks before bottling.

Couldn't wait for racking etc. Have had a couple already and a very nice beer although a touch young, will consume the most around Christmas I think.

Cods

p.s should have read the context first. However that is my story. I tend to stick to ales in summer and lagers in winter, easier on the temprature control scenario.

Cods

Where are you that you're winter fermenting temp is 16?

Earle

I am in the south of sydney and brew in my well insulated garage. Summer 25 winter 16 (thats in the previous 9 months thou). Great brewing temperatures I believe.

Maybe still a little high for some lager yeasts but sounds like it would have fairly stable temperatures which is important. Sounds good.

Robbo
The main thing is you found this forum. Welcome.
I started brewing a few months ago and the guys here have been so much help. If it were not for their help and advice I would be brewing k&K.
I have found so much enjoyment out of HB and I hope you find the same.
Have fun
Rob

Thanks Pom.
After a shakey start my first brew is going well. i think as most people proberly do when they start out i paniced.
But after all the help and reading through the forums, im well under way.
Should be bottling by the weekend.
Thanks again to everyone so far.