unsure of fermentation, what to look for?

[Scotty]

I am currently attemping my first ever home brews.

At 24hrs I was expecting a foam on the surface of the FV but so far have nothing of the sort. However, the brew is bubbling away steadily and doesn't smell 'off'. I suspect it may be due to not sufficiently stirring when adding the yeast??

I bought two stick-on thermometers and place them on the side of each FV and the current temperature is showing 21 degrees C ( with the heating on). I checked this morning at 4.30-5.00am (time to get up for work!) and it was hovering around the 19-20C mark (no heating). I feel the temperature is not an issue.

I don't have an airlock in place, instead a tea-towel covering the opening.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, should I be concerned or wait until Friday (6th day of fermentation) and check the SG and compare with the final?

Many thanks and sorry for being a pain!!
Cheers
Scotty

[monk]

If it's bubbling you should be fine. Can you smell the CO2? If you take a strong sniff it should make your eyes water a bit. That'd be a good indicator.

[Ditch]

Scotty; More out of idle curiosity than any hope of having much of an opinion, but; I see, by ye sinature, you're fermenting a Lager and a ..... Oh. It's gone now. Bitter or IPA, was it? Both of the same - unknown to me - brand.

Is it both the brews or just the Lager? Only I have a hunch this information may help broaden the response.

[Scotty]

thanks chaps, my eyes felt like they were going to fall out!

Ditch, one is a lager and the other a yorkshire bitter. Both are of the same brand and are the own brand from my local brew shop. My thoughts were if it wasn't very good, at least I've made a start