Newby question about how long to ferment

anteup02 · Dec 8, 2009

Hi everyone, relatively new to the whole homebrewing thing, so sorry if this is a dumb question!

I have my beer in my primary fermenter and have read all about taking hydrometer readings to know when to bottle. However, I have also read that if you are not using a secondary fermenter you should leave your beer in the primary even after the fermentation has occurred so the beer can clean itself up. I am wondering how long I should leave it in the primary after the hydrometer readings are consistent in order for best results before bottling?

Also, I have read you should not leave your beer in a plastic container very long. I have a plastic bucket (sealed with airlock). All of this information seems to contradict, and I am really just wondering how long after fermentation is done should I leave the beer in the primary before bottling?

Thanks for any information and/or clarification on the above!

Hammy71 · Dec 8, 2009

As a general rule, if your gonna skip the primary, let the beer sit for about 3 weeks before you bottle. This will ensure it's done fermenting and give the yeast time to settle out. The last couple of days take hydrometer readings and make sure they are the same each day. The plastic bucket is fine. Many brewers only use buckets (food-grade of course.) Follow these simple rules and your fear of 'bottle bombs' will be a thing of the past.

gtpro · Dec 8, 2009

You will hear people who swear by primary times anywhere from 2-4 weeks, its a personal choice, experiment and see if longer makes a difference for you.

ekranzusch · Dec 8, 2009

You have to wait a pretty long time before the plastic container is a problem... the only problems I am aware of are:
1) Beer sitting in it for longer than 5 weeks can be subject to oxidation.
2) Plastic fermenter sitting in puddle of water can let in nasties.
3) Scrates in plastic fermenter can be tough to clean and can be a place for nasties to live.

Other than that, ya should be good.

Talloak · Dec 8, 2009

I have been leaving my beer in plastic primary for up to 8 or 10 weeks with no issues. I even left a Strong Scotch Ale in a plastic primary for 14 weeks, and it is excellent, though still conditioning after 8 weeks in bottle, as is the nature of Strong Scotch Ale.

It seems to me, that the weak links in plastic pails as primarys are the seal where the lid meets the bucket and the seal where the rubber grommet is in the lid. The lid seal needs to be double checked to ensure a proper fit, buy new lids if necessary. Where the rubber grommet is in the lid has a tendency to weaken over time. You can avoid this by putting airlocks into the lid before putting the lid on the bucket, as opposed to after the lid is secured on the bucket. Use your hands doused in sanitizer to apply back pressure to the lid where the grommet is to avoid weakening the lid and avoid losing the grommet into the drink.

If I had the money, I would go to all glass to avoid problems like this. However, my pipeline would be insufficient now due to the cost of glass.