Hello from Los Angeles!

[Sethwick]

What's up, all - been reading the forums for a while now, decided to register... Just got my first batch fermenting (an Irish Red Ale)... on day 3, and of course I'm wondering why the fermentation has stopped (or so it seems)... maybe should've aerated it better when putting it into primary.... One question i had - how will I know if I messed up and contaminated my batch? Will it be exceedingly obvious? warning signs?

Thanks, looking forward to a long brewing career!

 

[Gristulin]

First off, Welcome Sethwick! Your batch could have fermented in 3 days. Why do you think it has stopped? If ur worried about ur air lock not bubbling, don't. Just cause you don't see bubbles doesn't mean nothing is happening. Let ur hydrometer do the talking for the brew. If you don't have 1, get 1 and a test tube/jar.
I have never lost a batch to infection, but from the pics i have seen from people who have, I think you will know. Do a search of this site or google, and you will see what I mean.
Zac

 

[Sethwick]

Hey Zac,
Thanks for the reply, I DO have a hydrometer, but being my first batch, I figured I'd just fly blind and use it next time... Probably a bad decision at this point..... Anyway, I figure I'll let it go for a week before transferring and just keep my fingers crossed. I'll let u know how it goes.

 

[Gristulin]

Cool. Slainte!
Zac

 

[DragonTail]

Welcome