when to rack to secondary???

[thenatibrewer]

when is it a good time to rack to secondary...airlock bubbling <1 per min. or no krausen or both????

 

[troybinso]

Here's what I do. After about a week, I check the SG. If it seems close to being at its final gravity, and all of the foam has subsided, I'll transfer.

 

[homebrewer_99]

Right. Rack at or before 75% of OG.

Example: OG 1.044/4=11 so rack when the gravity is about 11-13 neighborhood.

 

[thenatibrewer]

thanks that is what i will do. i tried to check for foam by removing the airlock (using 6.5 gallon bucket) some of sanitizing solutions in the airlock leak into primary??? not sure the effect that will have, cannot be good. i will proceed as normal and never use sanitizing solution again!!! anyone know of the effect. not much leak in....at least i hope not.

 

[Ol' Grog]

some of us leave in the primary for two weeks and then rack to keg.

 

[thenatibrewer]

i am very new to the hobby (obviously based on my question) and i still bottle.

 

[homebrewer_99]

If your sanitizing solution is at the proper ratio it will not harm anything.

Here's a little tip...when you are preparing to remove the lid from the fermenter hold the airlock in one hand and slowly push the lid down in the middle (this pushes air out) then pull the airlock out at the same time and the suction action is countered. Same process if you are just removing the airlock.

 

[thenatibrewer]

that makes great sense . i wish i know that a few hours ago. anyway i racked today, the airlock was producing less than 1 bubble per min. my brew partner has my hydrometer so that could not be checked. on another note (for those interested) i have a nut brown ale in bottles now for approx 2 wks. 1st wk it was a little young, but today a noted difference was found (for the better).:rockin: it could be the beginings of a great relationship.