Bubbling hasn't started

What went wrong? Was this supposed to happen? Should I throw it out? What do I do now?

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BrentD
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed Jan 03, 2001 2:20 pm

Bubbling hasn't started

Post by BrentD »

My wort has been in the primary fermentor for 36 hours and I haven't noticed any activity or bubbling in the cock. It is my first brew and I am sort of anxious. I used an Ironmaster kit with the yeast that came with the kit. It is a bit cool here. How active will the bubbling become and should I, at any point in time, pitch another pack of yeast???
maltvault
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Fermentation 101

Post by maltvault »

The activity could be stumped due to a dead yeast packet. Did you use the included yeast? If so pitch some fresh stuff. If not you might have a slow starter. Do you recall the temp? 80 degrees will kill half a packet of cells. Try going to the brew store and getting some yeast food. Keep the carboy between 68-76 degrees. Things should be fine. Don't fret using to much yeast, it will be left behind when you rack into the secondary. Good luck.
Malt Vault
BrentD
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed Jan 03, 2001 2:20 pm

Slow Fermentation

Post by BrentD »

It was the yeast that came with the kit. So, I should pitch another pack of yeast???
maltvault
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Yeast

Post by maltvault »

Yes, normally those packets are OEM and they sit on a hot shelf until sold. The brew guy at the store should have warned you. I use Coopers, or Safeale. I found the liquid yeasts are expensive, and do no better than a .75 package of fresh Coopers.
BrentD
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed Jan 03, 2001 2:20 pm

More yeast

Post by BrentD »

I will pitch another pack of yeast tomorrow. Should I pull out a sample of the wort and start the yeast in the wort or use just worm water????
maltvault
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Toss it

Post by maltvault »

Just throw it in, you'll run a serious risk of infection if you leave the airlock off very long. It'll look like clumps at first, but it'll fix it's self.
maltvault
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did it

Post by maltvault »

Did pitching a new yeat packet work ok for you?
BrentD
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed Jan 03, 2001 2:20 pm

It did

Post by BrentD »

It took about 24 hours but it started and didn't stop for a week. I did another batch and used Edme yeast and it started 2 hours after it was pitched and stoppen a little more than a day later. Thought it was going to blow the air lock off. I don't know if that is good or bad.
maltvault
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That's ok

Post by maltvault »

Blowing off the airlock is fine, you sould have a blow off tube because when unfermented malt gets into the air lock it becomes a bacteria spa. So be sure to clean it good if it got wort in it. I am glad it's coming together. It took me about 2 years into the hobby, and 2-3 hundred dollars in equipment before my brewery became the very workable place it is today. Stick with it, it's a rewarding practice. Also join a brewing club if there's one in your area, mine meets once a month, has contests, picnics etc. Have fun with it though, and do NOT take it to seriously.
Malt Vault
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