Done Fermenting?

[rockinar]

When do I know the batch in the primary is done? When the airlock quits bubbling? It's been 4 days and it still bubbles.

 

[Tony]

For me, its usually been after 6 or 7 days, and the airlock stops bubbling frequently, and drops down to maybe 1 or 2 bubbles a minute. Carefully pop the top of the primary and see if the krausen has subsided, which is probably has. Dont be in a rush though, allow it to finish out if it still has a good amount of activity. Usually after a week to 10 days its done. Also, check your gravity as well, if its close to the gravity you are shooting for, its ready to rack to the secondary.

 

[Dude]

When do I know the batch in the primary is done? When the airlock quits bubbling? It's been 4 days and it still bubbles.

If you are using a secondary you can rack it over pretty much anytime after 5-7 days.
If not, a good general rule is 3 days with no change on your hydrometer.

 

[Walker]

everybody has their own time to do it. you'll find your own, too.

i wait for one bubble every 90 seconds. then I wait one more day. then i rack.


no matter what you do, you'll probably be ok.

 

[rockinar]

thought I was not supposed to pop the top? how do you check SG without doing so? The instruction sheet said I should probably be able to rack after 3 or 4 days. It's a wheat beer it that makes any difference.

 

[Dude]

thought I was not supposed to pop the top? how do you check SG without doing so? The instruction sheet said I should probably be able to rack after 3 or 4 days. It's a wheat beer it that makes any difference.

Its best NOT to open it up for fear of contamination. That's why I recommend a secondary fermentation. You can just rack it over to that after 7 days and let it go for another week, two weeks, then bottle/keg.