Just got a new Mini-brew conical fermenter. Had to brew a batch and test it out! Just a few questions though:
1. Fermenter is an 8 gallon plastic. I brewed a 5 gallon extract with grains. LOTS of room at the top. Is this bad?
2. Do not have the rubber gasket thing; Has been about 18 hours and no bubbles in the airlock on top. Can see about an inch wide foam/crud strip around the top above the liquid level of fermenter. Does this mean that fermentation has indeed begun?? Could gas be escaping from around lid because no rubber gasket thing?? Too much room left in fermenter??
3. Temp of liquid in the fermenter reads between 76 and 78 degrees. Too warm??
4. SHOULD I BEGIN TO WORRY???? OR FORGET ABOUT IT AND HAVE A RED ALE I BOTTLED ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO????
These may be stupid questions, but I would greatly appreciate input. Also, Should I worry about draining trub out bottom valve before I drain the rest into bottling bucket?
Thanks, Tim
1. Fermenter is an 8 gallon plastic. I brewed a 5 gallon extract with grains. LOTS of room at the top. Is this bad?
2. Do not have the rubber gasket thing; Has been about 18 hours and no bubbles in the airlock on top. Can see about an inch wide foam/crud strip around the top above the liquid level of fermenter. Does this mean that fermentation has indeed begun?? Could gas be escaping from around lid because no rubber gasket thing?? Too much room left in fermenter??
3. Temp of liquid in the fermenter reads between 76 and 78 degrees. Too warm??
4. SHOULD I BEGIN TO WORRY???? OR FORGET ABOUT IT AND HAVE A RED ALE I BOTTLED ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO????
These may be stupid questions, but I would greatly appreciate input. Also, Should I worry about draining trub out bottom valve before I drain the rest into bottling bucket?
Thanks, Tim