Racking instructions vs. what is posted here...

[mikeljcarr]

the instructions with the kit I bought specify to rack the beer to a secondary fermentor "as soon as bubbling slows", but most of what i've seen here indicates leaving it in the primary for at least a week. Fermenting slowed, pretty much to a stop, after about 48 hours. I may have done something wrong along the way or I have a crappy hydrometer, cause none of my readings are what the instructions say they should be. I don't recall the actuall numbers now, but it was way low initially (told that this might be because the wort hadn't mixed well), and was a bit high post fermentation.

Thoughts?

 

[Gunrunner]

I would leave it in primary for 4 to 6 weeks and not move it unless you are dry hoping. Most everyone is going to a longer primary and no seconday and getting better results.

 

[petey_c]

For your average ale (not heavy beers) I think about three weeks in the primary is good. Secondary is for fruity beers (mostly). Then about three weeks in the bottle. Since I don't keg I can't help you there. Bubbling (not a good indication of fermentation's progress) will normally stop less than a week into the process. Fermentation is not aware of this and continues...

 

[Token]

Bubbling (not a good indication of fermentation's progress) will normally stop less than a week into the process. Fermentation is not aware of this and continues...

I LIKE that. Well, said.

 

[Dkmount721]

Yeah don't worry about racking to a secondary. For average beer I leave it alone in primary for about 2 weeks then check gravity. Only time I would mess with taking a gravity reading before 2 weeks is up would be if you "think" your fermentation didn't start. Honestly after the 2 week gravity check I would leave it in the primary for another 2-3 weeks to let my little buddies clean up real good after themselves.

So far as the OG being off it could have been stratification. Did you adjust for temperature when you took the reading? Also check your hydrometer in plan ol water and see if it reads 1.000. For the sake of fun brewing I wouldn't worry about it too much. Just record your numbers so you know what you ended up with in the long run. I am sure your beer will be great.