Checking gravity

[dan_man]

So my first batch has been fermenting for 5 days and it has slowed down to about 1 bubble per min. When should I start checking my gravity reading?

 

[kh54s10]

My minimum would be 10 days. It should be done by then. When I rush a batch I go 14 days. My usual is about 21 days and when I get lazy I have left my beer in primary for almost 2 months.

 

[GHBWNY]

Usually at 2 weeks, fermentation is done, but it benefits the yeast cleaning up after itself by leaving it one more week. You can check FG at 2 weeks and then check it again in 3 days. If both readings are the same, it is done fermenting. Just remember, your airlock is not a "fermentation gauge"; while it somewhat indicates whether fermentation is lively or slow, it cannot tell you when it is done.

Cheers!

 

[dan_man]

Would it be ok to dry hop now?

 

[bacgabe]

Others may have different advice, but I would wait at least the 10 day mark to dry hop , otherwise the co2 produced by the fermentation process will strip the hop oils, reducing their potency.