FastFerment conical fermenter??????

[CA_Mouse]

Now I just have to get the cover off to put in the dry hops...and with as tight as this silicon ring is gripping the cover, that might be a fight.

Pull your airlock. I've noticed that sometimes mine creates a vacuum that won't even allow trub/yeast to drop in to the collection ball.

 

[jbb3]

Pull your airlock. I've noticed that sometimes mine creates a vacuum that won't even allow trub/yeast to drop in to the collection ball.

This makes no sense.

 

[pshankstar]

Not sure. The foam type ones are no longer available since they have switched to the silicon ones. I can't go any tighter....in fact I tried to get the top off (which I will have to in order to put the dry hops in) and it won't budge either. You would think the seal would be fine.

Not that concerned with it, I remember years ago making the canned kits, and all we ever did was just take a garbage bag over the top of the 5gal bucket, and secure it in place with packing tape over the bag, around the bucket.

They all turned out fine, not spoiled or oxidized. Would I do that now? No, but so long as it is well cleaned and sanitized before you put beer in it, you should be good. The CO2 that comes out around the top cover...not going to loose my mind over it.

I agree with you, but it just drives me nuts that when I remove the lid the gasket falls into the wort. Or sometimes it falls in when I am trying to seal up the fermenter after pitching the yeast. It still produces good beer, but just a PIA to me...

 

[Dade0]

I use both gaskets. The original foam holds my new silicon in place. I'm not sure why the silicone gasket is not the same size as the foam 1. They must have liked the foam fit, since they released it. Even though it's ability to seal is not great. I have only lost a silicone gasket into the fermenter once since.

 

[elreplica]

I use both gaskets. The original foam holds my new silicon in place. I'm not sure why the silicone gasket is not the same size as the foam 1. They must have liked the foam fit, since they released it. Even though it's ability to seal is not great. I have only lost a silicone gasket into the fermenter once since.

Yes, I do the same..although both my wall mounted FFS have been relegated to making the boss's wine...couldn't fit them in my lagering fridge...

 

[msbrewblog]

BTW, had the guy at our local shop tell me to use Vaseline on the lid gasket to "keep it fresh". I was thinking it is silicon...doesn't really need to be kept "fresh", but seeing now that maybe the Vaseline would help the seal, and make the lid easier to come off. However don't know if I would want that on the inside of the lid, nearest the wort.

Keg lube not vaseline. I tried keg lube on the silicone gasket after the first time my gasket fell in, hoping the keg lube would help the gasket "stick" to the lid and create a better seal. Worked as wished the next time I had to put the top on. Then the next time after that, boom...gasket fell in.

Then I ordered a new gasket. It has fallen in once also. So...3 times the gasket has fell in, in about 6 batches fermented.

 

[jbb3]

As others have stated, I use the original foam gasket to hold the new silicone gasket in the lid. It also doesn't stick to the lip of the opening like the silicone does so it makes it easier to uncrew the lid as well.

Back before the silicone gaskets were available, I made my own foam gasket out of craft foam from Wally World. I doubled up the original foam gasket and my homemade gasket in order to get it to seal. This may once again be useful to not only hold the silicone gasket in place but also make unscrewing the top easier since the craft foam won't be as sticky as the silicone. Just cut the craft foam gasket slightly oversize. It should wedge itself into the top with screw threads of the lid to help hold it in place. Just make sure to soak the craft foam gasket in starsan before attempting to use it just in case it falls in as well. May be worth a try??

 

[pshankstar]

Good to know about placing the silicone gasket between the lid and the foam one. I'll give that a shot when I brew my next batch.

 

[AkBrew907]

Well now on to my second time using it and am not being sold. Pitched a very healthy starter and still no activity in the airlock or any krausen. It's the same as my last batch, which all though never showed any activity did ferment and I hit my gravity spot on. I will take some gravity readings in a few days but it bothers me I can visibly see any activity. I cleaned the hell out of after the first use and made sure this time everything is wrapped very well with thread tape and also cleaned up the excess material on the lid.


Not sure what else to try

 

[redwing_al]

Well now on to my second time using it and am not being sold. Pitched a very healthy starter and still no activity in the airlock or any krausen. It's the same as my last batch, which all though never showed any activity did ferment and I hit my gravity spot on. I will take some gravity readings in a few days but it bothers me I can visibly see any activity. I cleaned the hell out of after the first use and made sure this time everything is wrapped very well with thread tape and also cleaned up the excess material on the lid.


Not sure what else to try

your FF Conical has more headspace than most fermenters and this is why you aren't seeing the activity. You also can't see through it, but I imagine you have krausen.. I can assure you though, if you brewed everything perfectly, you're going to have beer in the end! There is no reason for anything less. In fact, you could leave the lid off and still have activity, still have krausen and still have good beer!

I have multiple FF conical and I really like them. never had an issue, always have good beer. Cheers!

 

[DustyBrew]

I have brewed multiple times in mine. And must say only about 50 percent of the time I see activity. But 100% of the time fermentation was complete. Believe me you may not see it. I added extra silicone rings etc. But still no visible activity half the time. But ease of emptying is a deal breaker. Used thread tape on everything etc.etc. etc.

Brew on!

 

[AkBrew907]

your FF Conical has more headspace than most fermenters and this is why you aren't seeing the activity. You also can't see through it, but I imagine you have krausen.. I can assure you though, if you brewed everything perfectly, you're going to have beer in the end! There is no reason for anything less. In fact, you could leave the lid off and still have activity, still have krausen and still have good beer!

I have multiple FF conical and I really like them. never had an issue, always have good beer. Cheers!

I have brewed multiple times in mine. And must say only about 50 percent of the time I see activity. But 100% of the time fermentation was complete. Believe me you may not see it. I added extra silicone rings etc. But still no visible activity half the time. But ease of emptying is a deal breaker. Used thread tape on everything etc.etc. etc.

Brew on!

I am just surprised I see no activity in my airlock. Maybe I am just use to my Big Mouths that go crazy and half the time need a blow off tube.

Maybe I am just being to picky. I open the freezer door and it has that very familiar smell of fermenting beer. And like I mentioned my first batch did the same thing, no activity but it fermented out and I hit my numbers spot on and the beer taste great.


I guess different isn't bad, i do really enjoy using the collection ball.


Will take some readings tonight to see how it's doing.

 

[AkBrew907]

Oh and I wrapped the hell out of everything with thread tape, including the lid. I would be VERY surprised if there is any spot that is leaking...

 

[kaffeenjunkie]

Have two of them bought in September of 14. About 20 brews in that time. Put a second silicone gasket on each, purchased from Adventures in Home Brewing.
Never have a problem with sealing.
The airlock is bubbling just fine.
No problems with gaskets falling in.
Can be a little tough to get the lid off at times.

Added a sampling port with a step drill and a tap from my lhbs.
A nice feature.

Never any blow off from brews that would have definitely required them in a carboy.

I don't collect yeast from the ball, I just make a larger starter.

Very, very happy with these things for the price.

 

[MaryB]

That foam is pretty safe, it is a polyester closed cell foam. I use it to make gun cleaning mats and it is very chemical resistant. If anyone needs a precision cut gasket let me know, shouldn't cost much to run one on the laser cutter... I also have that foam in a 5mm thickness!

As others have stated, I use the original foam gasket to hold the new silicone gasket in the lid. It also doesn't stick to the lip of the opening like the silicone does so it makes it easier to uncrew the lid as well.

Back before the silicone gaskets were available, I made my own foam gasket out of craft foam from Wally World. I doubled up the original foam gasket and my homemade gasket in order to get it to seal. This may once again be useful to not only hold the silicone gasket in place but also make unscrewing the top easier since the craft foam won't be as sticky as the silicone. Just cut the craft foam gasket slightly oversize. It should wedge itself into the top with screw threads of the lid to help hold it in place. Just make sure to soak the craft foam gasket in starsan before attempting to use it just in case it falls in as well. May be worth a try??

View attachment 352755

 

[Swizzles]

Picked up one of the FF a week ago and put it together for a leak test. The union fitting leaks like crazy. I took the knob off and tightened the internal valve but that didn't help at all.

Has anyone run into this or know of a resolution? I searched the forum and didn't get anything new.

 

[pshankstar]

Picked up one of the FF a week ago and put it together for a leak test. The union fitting leaks like crazy. I took the knob off and tightened the internal valve but that didn't help at all.

Has anyone run into this or know of a resolution? I searched the forum and didn't get anything new.

Haven't seen or heard of this issue. Is it installed right side up? I've heard of some people installing it upside down before. Still not sure about why it's leaking but thought I would ask.

Also, their support is amazing!! I've been in touch with them for other concerns/issues and they are very willing to stand behind their products.

Good luck.

 

[Swizzles]

Haven't seen or heard of this issue. Is it installed right side up? I've heard of some people installing it upside down before. Still not sure about why it's leaking but thought I would ask.

Also, their support is amazing!! I've been in touch with them for other concerns/issues and they are very willing to stand behind their products.

Good luck.

It's installed correctly...

 

[mxstar21]

Where is it leaking? The union joint, where connects to the conical or to the collection ball? The conical connection or collection ball connection uses more Teflon tape than normal fittings. If it is where the union joins together the gasket might not be seated properly. It looks like you didn't, but Teflon tape doesn't go on the union joint either.

 

[MrKelly]

Picked up one of the FF a week ago and put it together for a leak test. The union fitting leaks like crazy. I took the knob off and tightened the internal valve but that didn't help at all.

Has anyone run into this or know of a resolution? I searched the forum and didn't get anything new.

Where exactly is it leaking from? Is it missing the black o-ring in the main body where the union part tightens up against?

 

[Swizzles]

Where exactly is it leaking from? Is it missing the black o-ring in the main body where the union part tightens up against?

The leak is between the union and the grey collection ball coupler. Where my finger points in the picture.

Everything else looks good. The o-ring is there and I re-seated it for safe measure.

 

[mxstar21]

If o-ring is fine and not torn then it is just not screwed on tight enough. The collection ball and where the union connects to the conical are the only places mine had leaked when I first got it. Just curious, but what is the rubber band for?

 

[Swizzles]

If o-ring is fine and not torn then it is just not screwed on tight enough. The collection ball and where the union connects to the conical are the only places mine had leaked when I first got it. Just curious, but what is the rubber band for?

The rubber band is an old school method to help keep a grip to tighten or loosen the collar. It won't tighten any more by hand and come off by hand. I've had trouble getting it apart already and it shouldn't be necessary to use tools to get the seal, others can comment on that to help out. Maybe I need to hit the gym 😔. Not to mention there are sharp pieces of plastic on the collar making it hard to manhandle.

I also don't want to over tighten the union to the conical. Making it hard to tighten even more.

Maybe I have a lemon here.

 

[mxstar21]

Weird. I have two of them, but have never had it leak from the union. Mine would leak from the conical to union. I would just add more Teflon to the conical and tighten it as far as it would. Wish I could help with your issue, but I have no advice on it as long as the o-ring is in good shape.

I will have to try the rubber band out.

 

[Swizzles]

Weird. I have two of them, but have never had it leak from the union. Mine would leak from the conical to union. I would just add more Teflon to the conical and tighten it as far as it would. Wish I could help with your issue, but I have no advice on it as long as the o-ring is in good shape.

I will have to try the rubber band out.

The other thing I noticed is closing the valve creates a crazy suction making it really hard to loosen the union fitting. When the valve is open, its much easier to loosen. So, I plan on leaving the valve open slightly to loosen the collar enough then shutting the valve entirely before removing the collection ball.

FWIW, thanks for the help... I am exchanging for another as there are other issues I don't want to deal with given its brand new. I noticed a small pin sized hole in the conical itself that leaks slowly and I have cracked union knob where it meets the valve. Hopefully the replacement resolves my issues since I really like the idea of the FF.

 

[MrKelly]

The leak is between the union and the grey collection ball coupler. Where my finger points in the picture.

Everything else looks good. The o-ring is there and I re-seated it for safe measure.

Kind of looks to me like there is an internal problem not letting you tighten the inner part the o-ring is in tight enough since the seal is clearly present. Or its missing one of the internal o-rings or white things. Exchanging is probably a good plan.

 

[Swizzles]

Inreceived my replacement and have no issues so far with the union fitting and didn't have to overly tighten it to get the seal.

 

[jbb3]

Inreceived my replacement and have no issues so far with the union fitting and didn't have to overly tighten it to get the seal.

I have (2) FF and (4) collection ball unions. There is one combination that is seems to have mismatching threads. It gets harder to screw on with each turn. I usually just swap it out for another when I come across it. One of these days I'll mark it...

Maybe you got one with mismatching threads as well.

 

[idiotsinc]

I have 2 FFs bought at different times and I can't switch out the unions with the collection ball between them. The unions seem to be 2 different sizes, or have different size threads. Haven't really investigated it because it makes to difference to me. They both work.

 

[Staticsouls]

Has anyone replaced the union valve assembly all together?