When will the yeast sediment/kraeusen residue settle

[RainMaker]

Hey, Im new to home brewing and my first batch, a pale ale, has been in primary for 7 days. I'm pretty sure fermentation has stopped, theres no more activity and I have take consistent hydrometer readings at 1.012 for the last 3 days which is the expected FG of this beer. I know its not ready to bottle yet but there is quite a bit of yeast sediment and kraeusen residue still floating on top. I am just wondering when I can expect to see it starting to settle to the bottom. Any input is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance and happy brewing

 

[chumpsteak]

Depends on a lot of factors....yeast, temp, gravity. The short answer is don't worry about it. Let it sit in primary for at least 2 weeks and if the Krausen hasn't dropped let it sit longer.

 

[RainMaker]

OK thanks. I let it sit another week and see how its doing. I cant remember the exact yeast strain but it was a Wyeast Ale and I'm fermenting at 68 degrees. Also in proper first batch fashion I forgot to take an OG reading before I pitched and aerated the yeast but took a meaningless reading just after at 1.036, the expected OG was 1.053. Thanks again for the help.

 

[unionrdr]

There have been folks on here where the krausen never drops. Mine always does,for whatever reason. Just let your hydrometer & senses tell you when it's ready to prime & bottle.

 

[asterix404]

Wait 2 week, if the krausen hasn't dropped yet wait another week. There is still fermentation occurring and if your ambient temp is a bit on the cool side, fermentation takes longer.

I have been brewing for 4 years with about 2 times a month, sometimes 3... I have had 1 beer which the krausen didn't fall and it was a terrible pilsner that I completely under-pitched and after 6 weeks at 45 nothing fell.

 

[bomberman]

There have been folks on here where the krausen never drops. Mine always does,for whatever reason. Just let your hydrometer & senses tell you when it's ready to prime & bottle.

Like me! My most recent batch, the krausen never died down even after 2 weeks and a stable SG. I don't know the reason for it but it was very interesting looking. I ended up just moving on to bottling despite it.

I guess every fermentation really is different.

 

[unionrdr]

Yeah,it's amazing how different they can be. Even when brewing the same recipe again. I had one where a tiny bit of krausen held on to the last. But most dissipate when initial fermentation is done. Then a little bit around the edges of the surface.

 

[akimbo78]

the krausen on my wheat beer never fell i just racked below it.

 

[RainMaker]

Thanks for the advice... I'll give it another week at least before I bottle. we'll see how it goes

 

[BOBrob]

rainmaker wait 2 more weeks, way rush a good thing, let the yeast do the whole job and clean up after themselves.If you bottle it just ends up on the bottom anyway,and it will make you s..t alot and fart. Let it settle, 3 week is a good start. Welcome aboard.Cheers

 

[RainMaker]

Hahaha ok thanks BOBrob. Definitely dont want that. I'm in no rush. I just want some quality home brew. I'll wait as long as I have to. Thanks again for all the advice.