Fermentation is occurring w/o Krausen formation

[eggs82]

Making my first brew... using an IPA Fresh Wort kit. The SG was 1.064.
I pitched Safales s-04, rehydrated it first (but the water may have been too hot).
It's now been 48 hours, there's been no airlock activity, and no Krausen (i opened up to check). However i did a gravity reading and it's come down from 1.064 -> 1.054.

It's in my garage, so the temp is quite cool - approx 14-16c. I've wrapped the vessel in a large sheet to try and keep it warm.

Is there anything else i should be doing, or just wait it out?

 

[Dan Pratt]

Hey,

typically a krausen will form, but it appears the gravity has dropped 10 points so its underway.

Also, at 14-16c you are at the low end of the temp range, so its likley tinkering away hence no foam formation.

 

[eggs82]

Thanks Dan, appreciate the reply.

I'll check gravity again later in the week.

 

[Garfield]

Even at low temp a healthy krausen forms when fermentation is underway and SO4 yeast is top fermenting.

Other possibilities:

Inaccurate hydrometer. Did you give it a spin to knock dissolved gas off the float? Did you take both readings at same temperature?

Chemical suds present. Do you thoroughly rinse off cleaning chemicals? What's your sanitizer?

Did you actually measure the OG or did you read it off the label? What's the kit?

 

[eggs82]

Thanks for the reply Garfield.

I did spin the hydrometer both times. Also it would have been taken at very similar temperatures. I did take the reading myself both times.

I was meticulous about cleaning, including rinsing. I used Idophor mixed as per the instructions.

It's a Casey's NEIPA fresh wort kit.

Cheers

 

[tgrrr]

I've had one brew work absolutely fine without the Krausen forming.

It's possible the lack of airlock activity is because there isn't a tight seal on the fermentation vessel, and air is escaping in other ways. You can replace the o-ring after this brew is done.

Since you've been meticulous, then I'd suggest waiting it out.

 

[eggs82]

Thanks for the reply tool.

The Airlock is going gangbusters now. Bubbles every 5 seconds. Only taken 5 days!
Guess I'll wait for it to calm down then take another gravity reading.

 

[Garfield]

Good stuff. Still no krausen though?

 

[eggs82]

Just checked and there is krausen visible on the side of the vessel. I didn't open it though.