Fermentation ended early

[logjumper2]

I am brewing a belgian pale ale. Fermentation started within the first 4 hours, yet ended after only 24 hours. Question if this is normal or is there something wrong with my brew.

 

[SkewedBrewing]

What do you mean by "ended", have you checked your gravity readings or are you talking about airlock activity?

 

[llazy_llama]

IB4TR (In before the Revvy)

I'm just going to channel the force a bit here... Yes... Yes, I see....

You're assuming that fermentation has finished because your airlock has stopped bubbling. Hmm... This is a poor indication, although there is some chance that you are correct. If you plan on using a secondary (go ahead and search, see how many of us just leave the beer in primary for 4-6 weeks skipping secondary altogether, and how delicious our beer is) at least wait until your hydrometer tells you that fermentation is complete. If you get the same reading over a 3 day period of time, then fermentation likely has actually finished.

Your airlock will try and fool you. Do not be tricked! It can sense your fear. Especially (but not exclusively) if you're brewing in a bucket, you may never see bubbles at all, but you can be sure fermentation is taking place or has finished when your hydrometer says so.

 

[histo320]

IB4TR (In before the Revvy)

I'm just going to channel the force a bit here... Yes... Yes, I see....

You're assuming that fermentation has finished because your airlock has stopped bubbling. Hmm... This is a poor indication, although there is some chance that you are correct. If you plan on using a secondary (go ahead and search, see how many of us just leave the beer in primary for 4-6 weeks skipping secondary altogether, and how delicious our beer is) at least wait until your hydrometer tells you that fermentation is complete. If you get the same reading over a 3 day period of time, then fermentation likely has actually finished.

Your airlock will try and fool you. Do not be tricked! It can sense your fear. Especially (but not exclusively) if you're brewing in a bucket, you may never see bubbles at all, but you can be sure fermentation is taking place or has finished when your hydrometer says so.

+1 on all of your wise words.

 

[llazy_llama]

+1 on all of your wise words.

They are not my words, but the words of generation after generation of brewer who came before me. I serve only to channel them.

Okay, Star Wars nerd kick over. I'll be normal.
I blame the beer I've been drinking tonight.

 

[Revvy]

LOL...I love it IB4TR, EH?!?!?!

I was at the gym.


Logjumper, if you are equating the lack or airlock activity with fermentation stopping...Don't and airlock is a vent, not a gauge...

Read this...

http://blogs.homebrewtalk.com/Revvy/Think_evaluation_before_action/

 

[logjumper2]

Thanks for all of the help. I thought that the airlock was the main sign that the fermentation has ended. Boy was I wrong. Thanks

 

[Revvy]

It's the most common new brewer mistake there is, we have probably a dozen threads a day like this...and the answer is the same....

Here's more info on why airlocks shouldn't be used that way.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/1217925-post3.html