New to this stuff

In a couple of days, my first batch will have been fermenting for 2 weeks. How do I know when it is done?

I am fermenting in a 6gal pail, so I can not see the wort to see what it looks like

If anyone can help -- let me know

Hello, and welcome to the board...

The only way to know for sure if it is done is to take hydrometer readings for a few consecutive days. If they all read the same, fermentation has completed.

What to do at that point is up for friendly debate. Some say leave it in the primary to let the yeast continue to clean up, some say transfer to a secondary to clear, and some bottle. Depends a lot on how much you want to chance infecting or aerating the beer, and how bad you want to drink one will dicate your next move.

Welcome and congrats on your first batch....

Get a hydrometer...It's the only way to accurately know when ferm is complete...

I thought I'd give you some links to some threads that will help you with your beers. They will have a lot of info that will answer most all your questions and ease any worries you might have...Starting out.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=54362

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=43635

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=43014

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=7909

And if you haven't already, I suggest you read John Palmer's book How to Brew which can be read online for free! http://www.howtobrew.com/intro.html

Just go ahead and bottle it. It's probably done. (Reminds myself to clean up the broken glass and residue in the back bathroom after work today...)

8D

Homercidal said:

Just go ahead and bottle it. It's probably done. (Reminds myself to clean up the broken glass and residue in the back bathroom after work today...)

8D

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