Temperature way too low?

user 78027 · Feb 24, 2013

I made a small batch today, the goal was a 2.5 gallon batch. I'm trying to figure out the process, and want to make more batches so I get the hang of it faster.

The wort, after I chilled it came out to be about 1.25 gallons and I had to make up the rest with cold water. I figured this out early and shut off the wort chiller water so the last half would be higher and the 1.25 gallons would be hot enough for me to add the water without ending way too low Well, it didn't work out that way. The temp after I added the water was at 50 degrees.

I figure it has to be warmer before I pitch the yeast so I put plastic over the mouth of the fermentor and stuck it in a warm place waiting for the temp to get higher before I pitch. The instructions say to pitch at 65 to 70.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

BrewMasta · Feb 24, 2013

What your doing is the right way to go about it, just keep it covered, and when it gets to 65 degrees you can pitch. Hopefully the temp comes up quick, because the quicker the yeast starts the fermentation process the less likely you will be to get an infection. :tank:

BrewMasta · Feb 24, 2013

Also, be sure to vigorously aerate your beer prior to pitching, that will help your top off water get mixed in, and will provide ample oxygen for your yeasties to reproduce.

Cyclman · Feb 25, 2013

+1 you'll be fine.

user 78027 · Feb 25, 2013

OK, it has been 22 hours, how long do I wait before I do something?

The temperature has been stead at 70 degrees. The yeast, White Labs California Ale is optimal between 68 and 73.

BigFloyd · Feb 25, 2013

raymadigan said:
OK, it has been 22 hours, how long do I wait before I do something?

The temperature has been stead at 70 degrees. The yeast, White Labs California Ale is optimal between 68 and 73.

You've pitched already, right?

If not, you may want to get it in there now.

user 78027 · Feb 26, 2013

yep, i pitched when it was at 68. I shook it real well, it was all very foamy, all the way to the bottom. Pitched twice as much yeast as called for.

user 78027 · Feb 26, 2013

Well, I think I could use some help. The wort is sitting at 71 degrees and the compartment the fermentor is in is at 70 degrees. The airlock is up against the top of the plastic lid. I don't see it move up or down, just stays at the top. I pitched the yeast just 3 hours short of 48 hours ago. Any suggestions?

gibrigg · Feb 26, 2013

Any chance your fermenter is not air tight? Air leakage from the lid of the bucket, for example, can make it seem like nothing is happening.

user 78027 · Feb 26, 2013

I tried to twist the cork and it seems pretty lodged into the opening. It's a 3 gallon carboy. The liquid level is sufficient that it would have to bubble for it to escape the airlock.