Second Fermentation help

[mbibby1986]

Hi all,

I am currently in the process of brewing my beer for the first time. I managed to buy a DIY beer kit from my local store, just to try it out.

Now in the intructions it mentions, after mixing all the right ingrdient together to check the fermentation after 10 days if still sweet leave another 2 days or so untill right. Now when this is complete, it states to raise the temperature to 26-30 degrees C.

Any ideas on what devices i can use to control this please?

My brew is currently in a 25ltr plastic drum.

Any help would be great.

Kind Regards

Mark

 

[unionrdr]

It's better to use an hydrometer to check the OG (Original Gravity) before pitching yeast. then wait two-three weeks,& take an FG sample. Wait till the third day,test it again. If the numbers are the same,it's done. Then give it another 3-7 days to clean up by products of fermentation & settle out clear or slightly misty.

 

[NTXBrauer]

If you live in a cooler climate, and must raise the temperature of your fermenter, you could use an electric blanket. Loosely wrap the fermenter, and put something in between the blanket and vessel to make sure not to overshoot your ideal temp.

 

[mbibby1986]

Ok thanks for your comments

 

[C-Rider]

Kit directions usually suck. Ferment for 3 weeks at controlled temp dictated by your yeast. Usually around mid 60's
Condition in bottles for another 3 weeks.
Forget secondary unless adding somthing like fruit.
If in warm climate search swamp cooler as the cheapest way to control temp. If you have room and money get a freezer to ferment w/an external temp controler.

 

[mbibby1986]

Ok.... Its just it states after the 10-14days period... Place into bottles and warm upto 26-30C. For another week. I dont know how crucial this is. Or can i just get away with leaving it for longer at the ambient temp?
If its a case of doing as it says. Im just going to shove the lot into a keg. And put these heat bands on what my friend gave us.....

 

[unionrdr]

I just leave the beer in primary till it gets down to a stable FG. Then give it another 3-7 days to clean up any by products of fermentation & settle out clear or slightly misty. Then rack to bottling bucket & prime.

 

[mbibby1986]

Ok thanks.

 

[Math0]

Even for those kits I used to use a secondary (if you have a glass carboy). It looks nicer without the mud at the bottom from the fermentation. Not everybody uses a secondary.

I did a couple of DIY beers mostly coopers. They always say the beer will be ready before it truly is. Don't follow the instructions. They want to sell the fact that this beer could be drank within 3 weeks. Which is not true. I don't know the type of beer you have.

If I can give you one advice: the longer you will keep it in secondary AND in bottles, the better it will be. Open a bottle after 2 weeks, then 3 and then 5. You will taste the difference! Good luck