Something of a Problem. . .

[Sokrateez]

Okay, so I posted about my first brew a couple days ago, but I'm a bit concerned about where it's at right now. I used White Labs British Ale Yeast, and it looks like the airlock has stopped bubbling after 1 day. It started bubbling around 60 hours, when I got home from work (though it smelled like fermentation started around 36 hours), but stopped when I got home the next day. I had read British Ale Yeast sometimes needs to be roused from the bottom of the fermenter, should I do this now?

I know what everyone is going to say: take a hydro reading!!!! And I would, buuuut. . . I broke my hydrometer on brew day after everything was done. So now I'm waiting on another in the mail. I should have got it today, but I slept right through the Fedex delivery (sigh). So should I leave it and take a reading after the weekend on Monday, or should I attempt to rouse the yeast?

 

[grace1760]

I would leave it be; check hydro in a another week or so to see where it's at. Assuming accurate pitch rate, viable yeast, and okay fermentation temps, I'm sure it's fine and the yeast is doing it's thing...even if you can't "tell" from the airlock.

 

[jd3]

Airlock means nothing. I wouldn't even touch it for at least a week.

 

[Bernie Brewer]

Go to Wal-mart and get a hydrometer from the fish department. There are no other scales on it other than specific gravity, but it will work in a pinch.

 

[danorocks17]

I wouldn't worry, air locks don't tell the whole story

 

[Qhrumphf]

I've had brews bubble for 2 days, then nothing for a week meanwhile the SG is still dropping. Airlocks are pretty and fun to watch (and occasionally sniff ) but not the best indicator. Wait for your hydrometer and you'll know for sure what's happening.