Recent content by Texas65

I don't use the specific gravity readings to determine if fermentation is completed, but to determine my ABV %.:ban: I believe if you see little or no action from the airlock is the best way to determine fermentation.

I usually take a sample to get an OG. I then put this sample in a sanitized bottle, plug it with a paper towel and let it ferment along side my primary. Even if this "satellite" fermenter becomes infected, you should still get a good finishing gravity and won't have to open your primary...

My kit came with a bottling bucket and a wand. The wand I have attaches to the spiget on the bucket and has a valve (check valve) at the bottom. This allows me to slide the bottles over the wand and depress the valve with the bottle. Makes things really easy and you don't have to worry about...

Great advice. I'm new at brewing and before I started I read Palmer's book (in paperback) front to back. I still refer back to it time to time, especially when things don't look right. :mug: And of course, let's not forget about the excellent advice I've gotten here on this forum. :ban...

I'm new at brewing too. I've only brewed two batches. I have used a plastic secondary for both. It's amazing how much trub settles out in the secondary. I never thought about scratching the surface with the brush. Something I'll be sure to look for. Primary: Sanitizer Secondary: Air...

Awesome label. I'm new at brewing, but judging by the labels I've seen, I have a lot of work ahead of me.:mug:

I bottled my first batch 7 days ago, and well, I couldn't wait. Opened one up and WOW!!! The carbination was perfect, the color spectacular, and the taste was beyond description. Some much for commercial beers, I'm hooked. Now it's time for the second batch. :ban: Primary: none...

One of each is my long term goal. I've decided on a Blonde Ale.

Thanks for all the support. Now the only question left is what to brew next? So many to choose from.

I brewed with a malt extract so I really don't know the amount of fermentables. My OG was 1.050. I took a reading before racking to the secondary and it read 1.008. Any additional advise would be greatly appreciated.

I brewed my first ever batch this past Tuesday. I saw a lot of action in the airlock within 12 hours and this went on for about 2 days then stopped. Today I transferred it to a secondary fermentor. Was this to soon?

I here Iodophorm is great to use, but you have to be careful with any iodine based solution. A lot of people are allergic to iodine and could have a serious reaction if they ingest any, so I would be sure to rinse well after using it.