Rack at what gravity

[AlaskaBushBrewer]

Started with 1.052, gravity of the apple juice, added 4 cups table sugar, 4 cups of brown sugar got a reading of 1.074, fermented for 10 days bubbles slowed to every 12 seconds, took a reading of 1.054. Racked to secondary as well as adding campden tabs, was this to soon to rack, it is still bubbling every 7 seconds or so in the secondary. Used ladvin
wine yeast in the primary fermentation with no nutrient. Any helpful hints or advice would be appreciated.

 

[completelyuncorked]

If the use of campden was to stop the fermentation then that wont happen, it would only slow it down and temporarily at that. I have been told it is best to rack to the secondary between 1.020-1.030. There is alot of information in many of the other posts also.

 

[AlaskaBushBrewer]

I read that i should use the campden everytime i rack to kill the wild yeast strains and prevent vinegar/off flavors

 

[completelyuncorked]

I think that is overkill and if you have thoroughly cleaned your containers/carboys then there is no need for that, besides campden doesnt kill yeast. The use of the campden allows for your good strong yeast to take over if there had been any naturally occurring yeast in/on your fruit prior to starting your brew. That is why the campden is put in 24hrs before you use your yeast.

 

[Pickled_Pepper]

A lot of people here will have different opinions on when to rack. I don't think 10 days is too soon. You may have to rack again in a month or so, since it probably didn't finish up completely in the primary. It's not a big deal, you'll just have some extra lees in the bottom of the secondary.

 

[AlaskaBushBrewer]

thanks

 

[AlaskaBushBrewer]

is there anything I can do to boost the secondary fermentation?

 

[Pickled_Pepper]

I'm not sure I follow on boosting secondary fermentation. Do you mean make it more vigorous? If so, warming it up should accomplish this. I wouldn't get it too hot, but upper 60s might work.

 

[AlaskaBushBrewer]

not really an option right now, heating oil is at 4.39 a gallon in this area, I'm able to keep it at around 60 using the wood stove in the adjoining room, it's still -20 out in the mornings so the wood stove is already crankin

 

[Pickled_Pepper]

I heard Alaska was getting hit hard this year. (I assumed from your name) Another suggestion might be to submerge the carboy in a tub of water. Then just add warm water (heated on the wood stove) to the tub. If it gets a little warm, drop a handful of snow to balance it out. I'd just keep a thermometer in the water to make sure the temps don't swing too much.

I've also heard of people using heating pads.

 

[AlaskaBushBrewer]

yeah, I plan to get some heating pads, I have to go to Anchorage next week for work so i might pick some up there