Fermentation Question - Overflow!

[thejonpack]

Hey all, long time lurker here, finally decided to start practicing with a little 1 gallon setup. Quick question! I started a batch last night (Oak Stout), transferred to the carboy, and per my kits' instructions, ran the tube from the carboy to a half full glass of water, for runoff.

I checked on it about 15 hours later, and was greeted with the image I attached.

Good to know it's fermenting, but it's turned the water quite dark, and there's tons of foaming. Is this normal?

 

[jro238]

Hey all, long time lurker here, finally decided to start practicing with a little 1 gallon setup. Quick question! I started a batch last night (Oak Stout), transferred to the carboy, and per my kits' instructions, ran the tube from the carboy to a half full glass of water, for runoff.

I checked on it about 15 hours later, and was greeted with the image I attached.

Good to know it's fermenting, but it's turned the water quite dark, and there's tons of foaming. Is this normal?

It's fine. The water is dark because of beer that has been moved up through the tube. I use gallon jugs filled half full of water or sanitizer for my blow off tubes as opposed to a glass to reduce the overflow.

 

[thejonpack]

That makes sense! Great, thanks.

 

[RM-MN]

It happens. If you ferment cooler you can control the speed of the yeast action and usually avoid blowoffs. You could also ferment in a bigger container. I often do a 2 1/2 gallon batch in a 6 1/2 gallon fermenter.