Should I secondary ferment?

[MichaelScime]

Ok so I think primary is almost done, not sure but I might pull it when it stops bubbling so what I need to know is
1-do I need to secondary ferment/ how long and how do I know when to pull it out of primary
2- do I need to prime before bottling because I used 2 coopers kits to each batch

 

[duboman]

No need to secondary
Take a gravity reading at about 10 days and then another a few days later, if they are the same and in the acceptable range then add a week to clear and then package. No need to add yeast again


Sent from the Commune

 

[MichaelScime]

So could I just give it a week after it's been bubbling 1-2 times a min and how long until I can drink after I bottle

 

[MichaelScime]

Oh and I meant like add more sugar I don't think I will with double batch tho, it's going to be gross I think :/

 

[flars]

At 10 days take a hydrometer reading. Three days later take another hydrometer reading. If the SG readings are the same fermentation is complete. Give your beer 3 to 7 more days for the yeast to clean up natural off flavors of the fermentation and time for the sediment to drop out and give you a clear beer.
A secondary vessel is unnecessary unless you have an addition like oak chips. No fermentation should be expected in a secondary vessel. Racking off the yeast before fermentation is complete can stall the fermentation.

 

[MichaelScime]

Ok thanks

 

[pvault98]

Oh and I meant like add more sugar I don't think I will with double batch tho, it's going to be gross I think :/

You need to add sugar at bottling time, otherwise the beer will not carbonate in the bottle.

Based on some of your questions I would recommend checking out: http://www.howtobrew.com/

That book is an excellent resource to getting you going and understanding a lot of the best practices and reasons for doing things.

 

[Happywanderer]

No real need to secondary unless you are adding additions to the fermenter or bulk aging for long periods of time (months).

I keep most of my beers in the primary for 3 weeks and then bottle.

It works. Beer is yummy.

Now my poor 5-gallon glass Big Mouth fermenter gets lonely and is basically used as a rinse bucket when bottling.