Noobie brewer fermenting problems

[ni9e]

Hi all,

I'm a brewing noob who has just started with my first kit and I have a couple of questions about my brew.

I have erred on the side of caution and only bought a cheap kit for my trial run which is a Bargain Brew Dark Mild kit and followed the instructions to the letter but now 24 hrs later it is not fermenting and the froth has dissapeared from the top have I done anything wrong or is this normal?

If everything is ok with this brew can I expect to be enjoying my efforts on Xmas afternoon?

Thanks

[mysterio]

What temperature do you have the beer at? What temperature was the wort when you added the yeast? Did you do anything to the yeast prior to adding it?

[ni9e]

Hi the beer is at 17oC I added the yeast at 21oC and just added the yeast out of the packet as directed and gave it a good stir.

[ni9e]

I think my problem is temp related anyone got any ideas to get it up to and keep it at the right temp or will it matter it not being at the corect temp till tomorrow when I can get a brew belt or similar?

[Jim]

17C is a bit low. I would try and warm up the room (or move the fermenter to a warmer place) to about 20C.

[ni9e]

The room is warm I've got the bin about two foot away from the radiator and just put my warmest fleese around it to see if it helps.
If this brings the temp up will it matter if temp drops overnight till I can buy something to keep it at the right temp all the time?

[Jim]

The room is warm I've got the bin about two foot away from the radiator and just put my warmest fleese around it to see if it helps.
If this brings the temp up will it matter if temp drops overnight till I can buy something to keep it at the right temp all the time?

A steady temperature is desirable.

The thermal inertia of 5 gallons of liquid will keep it reasonably constant overnight, but a duvet wrapped round the fermenter would be a great help.