Fermentation Question

[upheaval]

Hello all! I recently just came off of my first batch that was a huge success. And have already brewed a second batch.

The first time I brewed I didn't take any readings because I felt intimidated, but this second batch I actually took a reading.

Now my question is... I've noticed I have had too much activity in the fermenter and I'm wondering if its because my reading was off. My goal was to hit between 1.058-1.062 and I ended up with a reading of 1.080. Is being off by that much bad? What does it even mean?

Thanks in advance!

 

[EPS]

Was this All Grain or Extract?

 

[upheaval]

I'm gonna sound like a mono but I believe extract. It was in a beer kit.

 

[GilSwillBasementBrews]

What was the recipe? Either way its not bad. If you're higher than you expected to be it generally just means you got better efficiency than the person who wrote the original recipe and or calculator program. It will only result in your beer being higher in ABV than you anticipated. Or you could dilute your wort with water till you reach a gravity reading closer to what you wanted. I wouldn't recommend diluting though as it could result in your beer being more watery and thin in body. I would just enjoy a slightly stronger ABV beer and keep notes so if you brew again use slightly less malt to adjust for your efficiency level

 

[upheaval]

I really appreciate the speedy responses!

The ingredients list:
6.6 lb. Wheat LME
1 lb. Pale Malt
1 lb. Flaked Wheat
1 oz. Cluster Bittering
1 oz. Liberty Aroma
1 Yeast Packet

What would be causing my lack of "bubbling" its been over 72 hours.

 

[EPS]

If it was extract its pretty hard to mess up OG. Unless you added stuff you weren't suppose to according to the recipe. You probably just took a sample of wort that wasn't mixed well with the water you topped off with.

 

[EPS]

Bubbling in the airlock means nothing just because your airlock isn't bubbling doesn't mean fermentation isn't happening. Are you using a bucket as a primary or a carboy?

 

[Want2Brew]

Do you know what yeast you used?

 

[GilSwillBasementBrews]

Depends on What you're fermenting in really. It could be as simple as not having a good seal between the lid and bucket. A poor seal between stopper and carboy neck. Or a weak seal between the airlock and grommet it sits in. Bubbling in the airlock. While nice to stare at. Really isn't a gauge of fermentation just a pressure release valve.

Airlocks will bubble or not for many reasons changes in pressure, temp, disturbance, the dog walked by and bumped the fermenter with his tail knocking bubbles out of solution.

 

[upheaval]

OK, then I'm sure I'm fine. Like I said this is only my second batch and I'm paying more attention to certain details so I'm worrying a tad more.

I wish I remember what yeast I used but I don't. All I know is that it was dry.

Thanks again. I'm looking forward to hanging out with this community.

 

[upheaval]

Oh and right now I'm in a bucket and am planning on transferring to a carboy after a week or so.

 

[EPS]

Just wait 3 weeks take a hydro reading. Then wait 2 days take another reading. If its the same bottle. Unless your dry hopping or adding fruits etc....

 

[EPS]

Unless your dry hopping or adding something to the secondary. You can just leave in in the primary for 3-4 weeks. Take a hydro reading if it good then bottle. Really no need for secondary unless your adding stuff.