I have batch #2 in the primary right now, it is an Ale Pale, I have an additional Ale Pale type bucket with a tap on the bottom that was used for bottling in the first batch.
The first batch was in the primary for 12 days, then siphoned to the second bucket, bottled and drank after 14 days. A secondary was not used, the hydrometer was used to measure the gravity only once, when bottling. We followed the directions from a book, using a kit purchased on the internet. It turned out fine, however, there was noticeable residue at the bottom of each bottle. we siphoned from the primary tank to the bottling tank and there was still residue left over in the bottom of the bottling tank. Will using a secondary fermenting tank eliminate most of the residue?
After finding this site a few hours ago and reading the wiki and this thread, I am thoroughly confused. Batch #2 was put in the primary fermentation tank last night at 8:30pm, bubbles were already starting to appear in the airlock at 2:30pm today. Is it advised to open the tank after 7-10 days, check the gravity, seal it, then open, check gravity and seal the next day if it isn't ready? I have read that you should not open the tank until it is ready in order to prevent bacteria from entering. Should we use the plastic carboy or the other bucket with the tap as a secondary fermenting tank? Also, will siphoning from the primary to the secondary remove most of the residue that is left behind? Do you then siphon into another tank for bottling?