New brewer - advice request

[wibble5]

Hi, I'm new to home brewing, and I've got all the basic equipment including a cheapish 40-pint beer kit. One thing I'm unsure of, though, is how to cover the beer in the initial fermentation stage, as I've got a 40-pint bucket with a snap-on lid. I've been told I need to be able to let the gas out as the beer ferments, but if I leave the lid slightly open, the beer attracts mould. (Obviously, I think my first attempt is now doomed for this reason.) Someone else told me to cover the bucket with a damp, clean teacloth. Would this work?

Also, it's winter and the house is generally rather cold (about 15 degrees C - I'm trying to save on the heating bills) - is this too cold for the initial fermentation? Would you recommend I get a brew belt?

I'd be really grateful of any help you guys could offer, as I want to stuff the proliferation of trendy cafe bars with their expensive, chemical-laden lagers and start brewing my own, cheap, nice beer at home where there are no p*ssheads (except me)!

Sam

[Immy's Dad]

In my experience snapping the lid on won't cause any issues, it's not like the thing's going to explode!

15 Celcius is too cold but I would go for an immersion heater, picked one up for about £13 from an online aquarium shoppe. They are fully waterproof and you can adjust the temperature from 18 to 32 ish celcius. A 50watt one will be sufficient.

Just my 2 penneth........

[maxashton]

Put the lid on, but only losely.

Don't worry about infection in the early stages. it will produce so much CO2 that nothing will be able to get in there.

Once the head of foam starts to subside, you'll be able to snap the lid down a bit tighter for the last few days. You might have to release the pressure every so often if the lid starts bulging.

So long as you sterilize everything properly, you should be fine.


Max

[wibble5]

Thanks to all for the swift and excellent advice. I'll definitely look at getting an immersion heater.

Cheers!

[maxashton]

Happy brewing!

[shiny beast]

In my opinion, you'll probably get away with a room at 15degrees. The fermentation process produces heat. Even in small batches (5 gallons) you'll probably find 3 to 5 degrees increase above ambient temp.

[BarryNL]

In my experience snapping the lid on won't cause any issues, it's not like the thing's going to explode!

Better, you can get an airlock and grommet to fit into the lid for a couple of quid from a brew shop. You should simply need to drill a 13mm hole in the lid, fit the grommet in it, stuff the airlock into the hole and put a bit of water in it.

[Frothy]

I'm with Barry. Particuarly as this is your first brew it's very important that you can see if your beer is fermenting ok and when it has finished - an airlock will show you this clearly as when fermentation is happening carbon dioxide bubbles through it. It will also prevent any nasties from getting into your brew. For the sake of ~ £1. If you can't get a gromet you can drill a 1" hole in the lid & fit a regular rubber bung & airlock.

Frothy

[Frothy]

I agree a hydrometer is the definite solution. I know some commercial breweries ferment in open vats, but personally I wouldn't brew without an airlock.

Frothy