cereal wash

[Benoit]

I'd just let this one run its course & use more yeast next time if that's what you want to do. Once the first lot have established they will have used up the oxygen, you could make a starter & pour that in if you want but but generally I think it's best to leave em alone once they're going

[Corps012588]

Thank you Benoit. I'm currently getting a blip
Through the airlock every 20 or so seconds.
Not sure if thats a good sign as I'm used to
Quite vigorous ferments

[Benoit]

What temperature is it at mate?

[Corps012588]

The thermometer strip is showing 22/24c buddy

[Icefever]

These sticky on thermos are not that correct....I use a long beer thermo....also one main point that has not come up...PH level???
Do you know or have a way of finding out?? I had a wash only last month where the ferm slowed down..when I checked the PH it was 3.5 corrected that problem and it went off like a train and finished out in a week.

[Corps012588]

Thanks Icefever but I don't have any way to check the ph I'm afraid

[Corps012588]

Hmmmmm just stuck a beer thermometer in and after 30 seconds only 19c. Methinks that ain't helping.

[Icefever]

That's a wee bit on the cool side matey...it needs warming a little up to around 23c that will kick start the little buggers.

You can buy PH strip which will give you a ballpark figure....then your in with a chance.

[Benoit]

Ice was fastest finger there, pH was the next question! When I've done cereal stuff before I find all the floating cake at the top slows the gas & could be playing your airlock up, I don't bother with them much any more I just stick my ear in & if it sounds like rice crispies then you're all good.
A good bit of advice that was given to me: stick your nose in there & breathe in hard. If it feels like someone just jabbed two pencils up your nose then it's still going!

[Mash]

A good bit of advice that was given to me: stick your nose in there & breathe in hard. If it feels like someone just jabbed two pencils up your nose then it's still going!

LMAO.

It might also need some air to get going. Whisk it and raise the temp. Works 9.9 / 10.

[Corps012588]

Contemplating a 150w aquarium heater for just under
£8 any thoughts or advice guys?

[Benoit]

The only thing with cheap heaters is calibration, quite often they don't hit the temperature they state. There is another thread going which gives some good info on getting the most from them though, they certainly can be useful. If you're in no rush then it will finish eventually, I have an airing cupboard that holds a steady 20°c & I'm happy to hang on the extra 5 or so days to completion. There are theories on how temperatures affect flavour, phenol production from the yeast....perhaps something to test out, might add another level of flavour to your hooch

[Corps012588]

Would a brew belt or 2 be a better idea?
I'm in no rush at all, I just worry that it may turn sour before it fully ferments.
Just like my plain sugar wash that's been supposedly clearing for 3 days and is no clearer than
Day 1

[Benoit]

I wouldn't worry about souring too much, I don't even sterilise stuff any more. Just hot water & some fairy liquid before it gets put away or used again & I've never had a problem. Look into how rum is made & what's behind a dunder pit, it soon changes your mind
As for the non clearing wash, try sticking it out the backdoor overnight or have you used any finings yet?

[Easydrinker]

Sorry not to get back to you earlier Corps012588, you do seem to be having troubles >:(
Regarding washes not clearing, rack it off again and put it somewhere cool.

Regarding stuck washes, And please feel free to disregard the following;

From what you say, it is probably too early for Ph to be a problem this time.
For next time get some cheap litmus strips.

Throw away your airlock and just use a loose fitting lid.

Try using at least twice that much yeast, for a brew that size,I would use four times.If you want to save on cost,grow it up yourself,the information is available here,try the search button.

Get it warmed to 25 - 30°C.



Personally, so early into a ferment with so little activity, I would beat the hell out it to get some air in (actually I use an aquarium bubbler),ensure the heat was close and add yeast,lots of yeast.
My brews and mashes are finished in under 7 days,often much quicker,clearing may add a few days,but patience is not my forte.

Hoping some of that may help.

Robert.