First Time Brewer Questions

[GuptRX]

hey all, first timer here, got a diy kit for chrissie so fingers crossed for the first batch.

i do have one quick question for now:

i went to take an SG sample this arvo and found that there was a lot of sediment IN the tap at the bottom of the fermenter. is this normal or do i need to do something so get rid of it?

cheers
GuptRX

 

[bradsbrew]

What do you mean by sediment and how long has it been going. Plenty of brewers here to help and answer your questions so ask away. There is some really good info in this link that will help with alot of questions you may have as well.
click me

Cheers Brad

 

[GuptRX]

its the same stuff that has settled at the bottom of the fermenter, a creamy white substance.

and i only just noticed it but there is a fair amount in there.

the beer still comes out of the tap not a problem, im just concerned that so would the sediment when it comes time to bottling.

 

[bradsbrew]

its the same stuff that has settled at the bottom of the fermenter, a creamy white substance.

and i only just noticed it but there is a fair amount in there.

the beer still comes out of the tap not a problem, im just concerned that so would the sediment when it comes time to bottling.

Ah that would more than likely be yeasty goodness. I wouldn't be too worried about that and yes some will go into the bottles when you bottle it. There are ways of reducing the amount that does go into the bottles but dont complicate your first brew too much.

Be more concerned with temp control and cleanliness at this stage.

Cheers

 

[GuptRX]

thanks for the advice and links brad.

regarding temperature, iv got a wet towel over the top and a fan on it during the day, keeps it around 24 ish... and was thinking of getting a plastic tub to fill with water and ice like people are saying, but will i break the stick on thermometer if it gets wet/submerged?

 

[Bubba]

hey all, first timer here, got a diy kit for chrissie so fingers crossed for the first batch.

i do have one quick question for now:

i went to take an SG sample this arvo and found that there was a lot of sediment IN the tap at the bottom of the fermenter. is this normal or do i need to do something so get rid of it?

cheers
GuptRX

When taking asample with your hydrometer, you will usually have to dump the first tube full as it will have a lot of sediment that has settled into your tap. This is normal, don't worry and just take another sample so you don't get the sediment as that will effect your gravity reading.

 

[beerandgarden]

I've experienced this issue too. I think it may have been responsible for my SG readings going up and down unexpectedly. Didn't try purging any as I'm loathe to waste the precious stuff. Will extra sediment in the SG sample throw off the readings by much?

 

[bradsbrew]

Will extra sediment in the SG sample throw off the readings by much?

As long as the hydrometer isn't in the sediment i can't see how it would effect your reading. happy to be corrected though.

 

[bradsbrew]

thanks for the advice and links brad.

regarding temperature, iv got a wet towel over the top and a fan on it during the day, keeps it around 24 ish... and was thinking of getting a plastic tub to fill with water and ice like people are saying, but will i break the stick on thermometer if it gets wet/submerged?

Those stick on thermometers are only a rough guide. Try to get yourself a cheap digital thermometer with a probe attatched to the fermenter.
Also IMO a box or small cupboard or dead fridge with a couple of frozen softdrink bottles is better than the water/ice option until you can get your hands on a temp controlled fridge.

Cheers

 

[beerandgarden]

As long as the hydrometer isn't in the sediment i can't see how it would effect your reading. happy to be corrected though.

Ah, I think you misunderstood, the OP (and myself) are taking SG samples from the tap at the bottom of the fermenter, hence our samples have a high concentration of sediment - will this throw off the readings by much?

 

[bradsbrew]

Ah, I think you misunderstood, the OP (and myself) are taking SG samples from the tap at the bottom of the fermenter, hence our samples have a high concentration of sediment - will this throw off the readings by much?

No misunderstanding here, I always take my readings from the tap and still believe that as long as the hydro is sitting or resting in the sediment it shouldnt effect the reading as it will be sitting in beer.

Cheers

 

[felten]

The sediment isn't in solution so it doesn't affect the density of the liquid, afaik anyway.

 

[Bubba]

No misunderstanding here, I always take my readings from the tap and still believe that as long as the hydro is sitting or resting in the sediment it shouldnt effect the reading as it will be sitting in beer.

Cheers

It won't effect the reading if you let it settle completely...think of it like river water.
The silt and sediment settles on the bottom, but if you disturb it (when you take your sample from the tap it will mix the sediment with the sample) an amount of the sediment will be still mixed in your sample unless you let it settle completely back to the bottom again. It doesnt take much to change the density of water, so even a little sediment that hasnt settled completely will effect your gravity reading.