Does this look right?

[Dimitrio]

I just brewed my first batch with a kit that i ordered. I think that i did everything right but now I'm on day 2 of the primary fermentation and the beer is getting more opaque.
Does this look right to you guys who have more experience and will this clear up as the fermentation slows down?
Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

 

[V-Fib]

Looks good, wort gets like that during fermentation. I'd guess from the yeast multiplying and things getting stirred up from all the fun things they do.

 

[user 125772]

Looks like mud now, but it’ll be beer soon
RDWhAHB

 

[Dimitrio]

Looks good, wort gets like that during fermentation. I'd guess from the yeast multiplying and things getting stirred up from all the fun things they do.

Thanks I just do not really know what to expect. I wanted someone with experience to put my mind at ease.

 

[Brimania42]

Thanks I just do not really know what to expect. I wanted someone with experience to put my mind at ease.

I'm right there with you. Playing around all morning trying to keep my fermenter from exploding.

 

[ncbrewer]

Agree, it looks fine. But I don't see any type of temperature control. Unless it's in a room with the right temperature, temperature control would be a good idea. What is the temp?

 

[Dimitrio]

Agree, it looks fine. But I don't see any type of temperature control. Unless it's in a room with the right temperature, temperature control would be a good idea. What is the temp?

It is in my pantry and the thermometer sticker that is on the carboy reads between 72 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

[ncbrewer]

For most ale yeast, mid to upper 60s is best during active fermentation. A water bath with ice bottles as needed can help.

 

[BigJoeBrew]

ncbrewer is right. Better temperature control can make a difference, but since it is your first brew, let it ride and see what you get. Then look into a swamp cooler or other ways of temperature control

 

[Dimitrio]

For most ale yeast, mid to upper 60s is best during active fermentation. A water bath with ice bottles as needed can help.

Thanks for the advice I'll look in to a way to keep the temperature down.

 

[ncbrewer]

ncbrewer is right. Better temperature control can make a difference, but since it is your first brew, let it ride and see what you get. Then look into a swamp cooler or other ways of temperature control

Good point. First brew, and much of the off flavor will already be present by the time it can be cooled down. Maybe save temperature control for the next batch. I think this beer should still be pretty good. Remember, it's a little tricky because fermentation produces heat. Controlling temperature with ice bottles takes a little getting used to.

 

[histo320]

I agree with all the above posts. I used the Swamp cooler method to keep fermentation temps down. It’s and easy and cheap method. My beers were much improved once I started using this method.

 

[stieg000]

Cheap temp control is a tub of water like someone else suggested. But in addition you can wrap a towel around the bucket and keep it wet during fermentation; this will take it down roughly 5deg. A few more if you have a ceiling fan. The tub of water will also combat fluctuations in temperature.

 

[AJinJacksonville]

Agreed with all the suggestions above. Also, the wrap and/or swamp cooler will keep it dark so the yeast will not be bothered. Keep that area dark as well during fermentation.

And a bit of advice, move towards temperature controlled fermentation as soon as you can. One of the best upgrades/conversions I've made yet to help with the beer quality at the end.

 

[Lefou]

I'm right there with you. Playing around all morning trying to keep my fermenter from exploding.

Sounds like you need a blow off tube hooked up.
If you're using one of the three piece cylindrical air locks, remove the top cap and float valve. Attach a 1/2" or 3/8" diameter vinyl hose to the top stem of the airlock into a container of liquid. I'm assuming you're using a bucket?

If you're using an S-type airlock or carboy as in Dimitrio's picture, get one of those orange rubber stopper covers with white caps and put the line on one of the external exhaust tubes, then right into the liquid container.

 

[balrog]

@Dimitrio, that's what you want. Yeast is propagating, cloudying things up, then when they are finished, they will drop out to the bottom in varying amount depending on the yeast type. Some types of brew recipes specifically say wait till clear to rack.

 

[DublinOhioBrewer]

Here's what mine looks like after about 24 hours. I used a whirlfloc tablet with 15 mins left in my boil so i expected a muddy mess during early fermentation lol

Heres my swamp cooler setup. The bucket was like 8 bucks at Lowe's. I filled water about two-thirds of the way up but not above the beer line in the fermenter. Then I put a t-shirt over the fermenter and let it hang into the water. This will chill and keep your beer at a consistent temperature. Now I'm pretty new myself so I'd wait for some of the experts to chime in but that's how I was taught to do it.