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**dirtybasementbrew** · 02-09-2013, 12:47 PM

HOw long is typical time frame to see activity from my airlock?

**unionrdr** · 02-09-2013, 12:51 PM

Well,if it starts bubbling steadilly,it'll go on for as little as one day to as much as 5 days ime. some don't bubble at all,but ferment out nicely.

**beergolf** · 02-09-2013, 12:54 PM

There is no one answer to that question. Sometimes an airlock will never bubble. It is not a fermentation gauge. All bubbling means is that the pressure outside the fermenter is less than inside. Then the airlock will bubble if the fermenter is tightly sealed.

I have one bucket that the lid does not seal perfectly and that one rarely bubbles.

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**drainbamage** · 02-09-2013, 01:09 PM

Measuring fermentation by airlock activity is a very inexact science.

I've rarely had the steady once-or-twice-per-second bubbling within x hours that some people describe. However, you should start to see some krausen or other activity in the fermenter within 24-48 hours (probably sooner). Just try not to obsess over it too much...brewing is not an impatient man's hobby.

**dirtybasementbrew** · 02-09-2013, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drainbamage

Measuring fermentation by airlock activity is a very inexact science.

I've rarely had the steady once-or-twice-per-second bubbling within x hours that some people describe. However, you should start to see some krausen or other activity in the fermenter within 24-48 hours (probably sooner). Just try not to obsess over it too much...brewing is not an impatient man's hobby.

U got that right, not for the impatient! I think the trick is to do a brew every week to keep yourself occupied. Not to mention lots of beer is not a bad thing! Lol

**beergolf** · 02-09-2013, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtybasementbrew

U got that right, not for the impatient! I think the trick is to do a brew every week to keep yourself occupied. Not to mention lots of beer is not a bad thing! Lol

You are right. Patience is much easier with a good pipeline and a nice supplu of brews. When I started it was agony waiting for a brew to finish and then waiting agin for it to condition and carb up.

Now I just forget about them and let them go. Half the time I have to look in my brew log to remember what I have in the fermenters.

**dirtybasementbrew** · 02-09-2013, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beergolf

You are right. Patience is much easier with a good pipeline and a nice supplu of brews. When I started it was agony waiting for a brew to finish and then waiting agin for it to condition and carb up.

Now I just forget about them and let them go. Half the time I have to look in my brew log to remember what I have in the fermenters.

I'm new to the whole bre thing, but I love beer so I jumped right in. My second brew I tried my own recipe and dumped it out 3 times already. I'm trying to create a Creamcicle ale for my wife. I dove right into making mini mashes and experimenting with spices ( not a great idea). I'm gonna try again today. In the mean time I have done a bunch of simple brews all have turned put delicious! If you want to c my recipe and maybe help me out check out all my posts I posted it in recipe forum. Any help would b appreciated

**unionrdr** · 02-09-2013, 07:00 PM

For the creamcicle ale,you might try orange zest & lactose.

**dirtybasementbrew** · 02-09-2013, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unionrdr

For the creamcicle ale,you might try orange zest & lactose.

Does the lactose give that creamy vanilla flavor or do I still add vanilla bean to secondary to taste. And lactose goes where in the boil?

**unionrdr** · 02-09-2013, 08:29 PM

Add the lactose at the end of the boil to dissolve. It'll give a cream ale like flavor,but you'd have to add some vanilla to get that part of the flavor.