First batch problems (yeast??)

GutWeizen · 06-26-2007, 01:28 AM

Pitched my first batch last night. Really simple, Cooper's syrup (wheat), amber DME.

"reconstituted" the yeast and pitched about 11pm last night. Nothing happens.

8am this morning had 1/2 inch of foam, no activity in the air-lock.

1:30pm today, 1 inch+ of foam, still no bubbling in the airlock.

Is the yeast bad, (didn't proof it)? Get more yeast? Let it develop?

I had always pictured the yeast activity to be much more active and seeing active bubbling in the air-lock. Am I having too high of expectations?

Any advice here would be helpful.

THX

**Yooper** · 06-26-2007, 01:38 AM

If you're seeing a big yeasty head (krausen), you've got fermentation going! Now, maybe you don't see airlock activity because the lid isn't sealed on super tight or you otherwise have a leak. Is the water in the airlock pushing up to one side? That will show you the pressure in there. If it's equal, I bet you have a leak. That's ok- that just means you won't see bubbling in the airlock.

**FlyingHorse** · 06-26-2007, 01:40 AM

If you've got 1" of krausen, it's fermenting. Sounds like the CO2 is escaping somewhere otherthan the airlock. Make sure your lid is on securely (if you're using a bucket), your stopper is in tight, and the airlock has enough liquid in it.

EDIT: Yoop types faster than I do...but we seem to think alike!

**Bobby_M** · 06-26-2007, 01:54 AM

Common noob brewer "you're supposed to put water in the airlock?" hehe.

**RichBrewer** · 06-26-2007, 01:57 AM

Yes! I bet you have CO2 escaping somewhere other than from the air lock.
RDWHAHB.

malkore · 06-26-2007, 02:22 AM

did you aerate the living crap outta the wort prior to pitching the yeast? could be lag time still.

GutWeizen · 06-27-2007, 01:25 AM

Well, There is about a 1/2 inch-1inch head in the fermenter, and no activity in the airlock..... until I filled it to the proper level. Once I had enough water in the thing it began to hop and bubble quite vigorously.

Thanks for the encouragement.

**phooka** · 06-27-2007, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GutWeizen

Well, There is about a 1/2 inch-1inch head in the fermenter, and no activity in the airlock..... until I filled it to the proper level. Once I had enough water in the thing it began to hop and bubble quite vigorously.

Thanks for the encouragement.

fwiw (I'm also n00b but have done a few batches) I prefer to use vodka in the airlock just to be sure all the nasties get killed. Don't bother changing at this point, but try it for the next batch.

dale