Safale S04

opentoideas · Post by **opentoideas** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 12:55 pm

I am using this yeast for the first time and I am surprised by the patern of the fermentation.

could anyone confirm if this is normal for this yeast?

on rehydrating the yeast was frothing vigorously (28C)

pitched at 25C

within 8 hours it was bubbling furiously (judged from airlock)

By 20 hours after pitching all bubbling stopped completely

in the first 24 hours the gravity dropped from 1.040 to 1.030

I have not seen a single buble through the airlock in the last 3 days but the gravity has dropped by 4 points each day.

there is a submersed heater in the FB so the temperature is a constant 21C

as long as it continues to fall I am not doing anything other than monitoring it but as I am new to this yeast could anyone please confirm if this is normal or have I done something wrong?

mysterio · Post by **mysterio** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 1:11 pm

If the gravity is dropping then there is CO2 being released - you have a leak somewhere (improper seal).

SO4 is a fast worker, not unusual for it to be mostly finished within 2-3 days.

opentoideas · Post by **opentoideas** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 1:29 pm

mysterio wrote:If the gravity is dropping then there is CO2 being released - you have a leak somewhere (improper seal).

SO4 is a fast worker, not unusual for it to be mostly finished within 2-3 days.

thats what I thought from what I read but not mine

it has a good seal even the slightest press on the side of the FB moves the water in the trap. by checking the gravity each night I could be giving it more breathing room?

it started of with such a vigorous ferment that I thought something might be wrong but as this is my first time using this yeast was not sure

Burner · Post by **Burner** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 3:57 pm

leak only needs to be little to stop the bubbles. Make sure all is tight.

opentoideas · Post by **opentoideas** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 4:14 pm

Burner wrote:leak only needs to be little to stop the bubbles. Make sure all is tight.

I have tried. the likely problem is where the bung fits into the lid as its only a hole cut through thin plastic and it is cutting into the bung. I have smeared it in vaseline to get a good seal. I must have a dig in the garrage as I think I may gave a grommet to fit which would be better.

sparky Paul · Post by **sparky Paul** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 4:49 pm

The problem with airlocks on these fermenting vessels is that the lid seals aren't good enough as has been said earlier. Also, they are flexible enough to swell a little when pressure is building, then release it in one go.

What I would do is forget the bubbles and concentrate on hydrometer readings. When the reading remains static for three days, its finished.

opentoideas · Post by **opentoideas** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 5:03 pm

Thanks,

I am not really woried as long as its still progressing I was just more curious about the dramatic change in pace of the ferment. from furious on the first day to plodding away since.

with kit yeasts they have just plodded along at a steady rate until done.

as its the first time using this yeast I was more concerned that there may be a problem behind the slowdown.

I was only using the airlock as an easily understood measure, also the 1"-2" froth has now disapeared, so the fermentation has deffinately slowed dramaticly since the first day even though the gravity is still a long way from where it needs to get to.

but if no one else is worried by this then I will happily continue to wait for it to get there

from the tastes I have had, although sweet, its looking good so far

tonight its down to 1.018 so its a steady 4 points per day

BarnsleyBrewer · Post by **BarnsleyBrewer** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 1:42 am

Hi
For my last 3 brews I have used safale S-04, it ferments like that for me too, I would not worry to much.
I've been kegging and bottling after 6 days with good results.
I used Muntons gold before, I think Safale is better!
John

opentoideas · Post by **opentoideas** » Thu Apr 24, 2008 9:13 am

BarnsleyBrewer wrote:Hi
For my last 3 brews I have used safale S-04, it ferments like that for me too, I would not worry to much.
I've been kegging and bottling after 6 days with good results.
I used Muntons gold before, I think Safale is better!
John

Thanks, thats good to know. all that I have read suggested that this would be a fast ferment so I was concerned that something might be wrong.

it is reasuring to know that its not just me

sparky Paul · Post by **sparky Paul** » Fri Apr 25, 2008 8:33 am

I prefer Safale too. For comparison, I've done identical brews with both Safale and Munton's Gold, and I preferred the flavour of the one brewed with Safale.

BarnsleyBrewer · Post by **BarnsleyBrewer** » Fri Apr 25, 2008 11:49 pm

Over the years I've tried loads of yeast, Edme, Muntons, Gervin, but for me the best by far is Safale S-04.

John

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Safale S04

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