How long in primary and secondary?

topic posted Tue, October 3, 2006 - 2:44 PM by  thepete
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Hi Guys and Gals,

I'm wondering what kind of time you all use for primary and secondary fermentation.

The few times that I've brewed I've left the wort in primary until I don't really see any active bubbling on my airlock (maybe less than one bubble every minute). Then I transfer to secondary and leave it a week or two, then get impatient and bottle. Does it sound like I'm in the right ballpark here, or am I making some boo boos?
posted by:
thepete
SF Bay Area
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  • Re: How long in primary and secondary?

    Thu, October 5, 2006 - 1:50 PM
    When I've brewed, I usually leave it in primary until all the bubbling stops, then I keg it and it's good to go. Secondary fermentation is often what people call the fermentation in the bottle (or keg, if you're not force carbonating) to produce CO2. I guess it can also refer to the much slower activity toward the end of fermentation. Some people recommend transfering beer to a new carboy when the bubbles slow, just to get the layer of yeast and sediment out of there. So, it sounds like you are on the right track.
  • Re: How long in primary and secondary?

    Sat, October 14, 2006 - 8:01 PM
    It really depends on the fermentation... my general rule of thumb is no more than 2 weeks in the primary, and let it clear in the secondary... or until i have time to keg/bottle. Some quickie brews, i'll just run it 10 days thru the primary, and then keg it up... but its truely dependent on your yeasties.

    I use the primary to let the yeasties get their groove on, and when they wanna chill, its off to the secondary until the brew is clear... normally a week or so.

    Sounds like you're doing fine man...

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