Thick Sediment on top during fermentation

[hopsonpop]

So I finally started brewing! I got a IPA kit and everything went amazing. However it came with hop pellets and no mesh bag for the pellets so naturally they were added straight to the wort during the 60 min boil. Had to top off almost another gallon of water to make an even five for fermentation. Now it's a day later and there is a layer about 3 inches deep of sediment on top on the carboy. Is this normal? There is tons of activity in the airlock but could that layer prevent it from fermenting correctly is my question.
Thanks!
-Jordan

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Home Brew mobile app

 

[RM-MN]

That layer is called krausen and yes it is normal and no it won't keep your beer from fermenting properly. In a few days the krausen will settle (most times anyway) and your beer will slowly continue to silently ferment for another week or more. Take a hydrometer reading at the end of week 2 and again about 3 days later. If the readings match, you can bottle or you can let it set in the fermenter longer and let the yeast settle out more and the beer to start to mature. Don't let it set to long though. I wouldn't recommend more than say.....oh, maybe 6 months.

 

[GibbyGibson]

So I finally started brewing! I got a IPA kit and everything went amazing. However it came with hop pellets and no mesh bag for the pellets so naturally they were added straight to the wort during the 60 min boil. Had to top off almost another gallon of water to make an even five for fermentation. Now it's a day later and there is a layer about 3 inches deep of sediment on top on the carboy. Is this normal? There is tons of activity in the airlock but could that layer prevent it from fermenting correctly is my question.
Thanks!
-Jordan

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Home Brew mobile app

It sounds like krausen. Does it look like a mix of beer foam and spent hops? If so it is normal. It should peak then fall over the next couple days. Leave it in the carboy for the next 2-3 weeks. The krausen will fall and the beer will clarify.

 

[hopsonpop]

Well that's a relief. Thanks for the information. I had a feeling I was worrying for no reason.
Thanks again!

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Home Brew mobile app

 

[GibbyGibson]

Just remember. RDWHAHB. Live these words.

 

[hopsonpop]

That's exactly what it looks like! I'm so glad that this is normal.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Home Brew mobile app

 

[GibbyGibson]

There is a lot of worry in that first batch I just brewed my second this morning and my first is bottle conditioning and still has a week left. Enjoy the beautiful krausen while it lasts and don't get to anxious to taste the beer. Give it time and all will be good.

 

[Due51]

Just remember. RDWHAHB. Live these words.

Whadda who?

 

[cbrewcrew]

RDWHAHB
Relax, Don't Worry, Have A Home Brew