Fermentation Periods

[Innes]

I have noticed that most recipes I have read and used state to transfer from primary to secondary after 5 or 7 days. They then state that the secondary fermentation period is either 7 or 14 days depending on the recipe.

This is fine when following an established recipe, but what I would like to know is if I create my own recipe, what factors or indicators are used to determine when to transfer from the primary to the secondary fermenter?

I know the beer should stay in the secondary fermenter until it reaches the target gravity, but I just want to know when to make the initial transfer.

Thanks

 

[.DJ.]

I dont use secondary at all..

I dont think it is overly necassery unless you are lagering for an exteneded period. Just ferment for 14-21 in your normal FV.

 

[Pennywise]

Your best bet is to read up on the different methods of racking and what results others have had with them. Then decide if those results are the same ones you are trying to get.