2 1/2 Weeks in... Still foam?

[c0sm0nautt]

I just carried my primary up from the basement. I noticed there is still a light layer of foam on top of the beer. Is this normal? Was it caused by me going up the steps? I was planning on bottling today... Thanks!

 

[shroomzofdoom]

Did you take gravity readings? A bit of foam can happen if it's jostled, but gravity readings are a much better indicator of 'doneness'

 

[c0sm0nautt]

What should the gravity be around? It's a Belgian wit. I didn't take a OG reading.

 

[JorgeIsKing]

There really isn't a specific gravity reading that will tell you it's done and the OG really doesn't matter for this. It's when the gravity stops going down that tells you when it's done.

So,take a gravity reading today tomorrow and maybe the next day, and if it's all the same reading, you are ready to bottle.

However, If it continues to go down each day, it is still fermenting and you should wait until it's done before you bottle.

 

[c0sm0nautt]

I jumped the gun and filled my bottles. The FG was 1.01

 

[mojotele]

Well, putting the whole gravity reading thing aside, this sort of behavior is not uncommon with certain yeasts/beers. It seems to happen with wheat beers a lot in particular. I had a krausen last for 4 weeks on a Hefeweizen. My guess is it has to do with the extra proteins in the beer from the wheat. They make for a very sturdy head on a beer, so the krausen would also be incredibly sturdy.

 

[IrregularPulse]

Well, putting the whole gravity reading thing aside, this sort of behavior is not uncommon with certain yeasts/beers. It seems to happen with wheat beers a lot in particular. I had a krausen last for 4 weeks on a Hefeweizen. My guess is it has to do with the extra proteins in the beer from the wheat. They make for a very sturdy head on a beer, so the krausen would also be incredibly sturdy.

I notice this as well on the Wit that I do a lot. The kraussen is usually still there 3-4 weeks into fermentation. Just be patient and wait....well, in the future.

 

[c0sm0nautt]

Yea, I had a real thick scum line in the fermenter too.