Thanx for the help u didn't know u gave!

[DrnkNPublic]

So thanx to everyone who has posted in the past about delayed beginning fermentation. This past Sunday I brewed my second batch of beer, an oatmeal stout. My first batch started bubbling in the air lock by the next morning. This batch didn't, nor that evening, not even the next day. Needless to say, as a noobie to brewing, I started to worry so of course I took the the interwebz and found this form. After some searching and alot of reading my worries where put to rest after reader MANY posts about fermentation taking up to 72 hours to really get rolling. I woke up this morning (3 days after pitching) and right on que my air lock was rock'n rolling! So thanx for the friendly advice u gave me even if you originally wrote it to someone else. I will definitely be back for more!

 

[wixziu]

I'm glad to hear that your fermentation kicked off! I started brewing this year and I can tell you a few things that I've learned to get that fermentation going quickly.

1 - Oxygenate your wort well. I found that O2 from hardware store and a diffusion stone made a world of difference. I usually open valve until i just barely have some bubble rising to surface and then leave in about 60 seconds for 5 gallon batch (or 90 seconds for higher gravity).

2 - Use an appropriate amount of yeast nutrient (~ 1 tsp. per gallon). I add mine w/ 10 min left in the boil.

3 - Rehydrate your dry yeast according to package. I think 230 mL of about 90 degree water, stir and let rest for about 15-20 min is what I do for S-05.

4 - Pitch your rehydrated yeast when temp is within +/- 5 degrees of wort. Although I admit I'm usually lazy at this point and just pitch it regardless of the temp.

5 - Try making starters when you are comfortable. I've seen activity within an hour of pitching a good starter. I couldn't believe it compared to the dry yeast.

Edit: Of course this all depends on yeast viability and the particular strain. But has worked well for me so far with a variety of different types.

 

[DrnkNPublic]

Great advice! With my first batch I poured the wort back and forth between the brew pot and fermenter a few times. Of course this time I forgot! As far as the yeast, i used a smack pack 1099.... something or another (I have it written down in my book) so I didn't use any nutrient or make a starter. Just gave it a good wack when I started the mini-mash. I have heard of guys using straight O2 but don't really know where to get some, in small quantities that is. I live in california and don't know if there is some stupid regulations since it's flammable. For now I think I'll stick with the "pour" method until I get my rhythm down.

 

[Chrisbrewbeers]

You just get the regulator and stone somewhere then lowes or Home Depot sells the bernzomatic oxygen tank in welding section. Co2 and oxygen can't be shipped.

 

[IslandLizard]

You just get the regulator and stone somewhere then lowes or Home Depot sells the bernzomatic oxygen tank in welding section. Co2 and oxygen can't be shipped.

Make sure to remove the regulator from the tank after each use or the little tank will be empty next time. They all leak slowly if left attached.

When you're using an O2 tank, get a .5 micron stainless stone (not to 2 micron one) or buy one of those kits that have one.

Open the valve just enough to see only a few little bubbles appear on the surface. Any more is wasted.