White film over beer???

[Sihitch2010]

Hi, I have a Wilkos Pilsner on the go in my garage. Have a homebrew heater in it and the fermenting bucket is wrapped in a duvet. I have placed the lid on the fermenter with the heater lead coming out, leaving a small gap.
It didn't seem to get fermenting like my previous beers, no thick foam, and now (6-8 days later) there's a white film over the top. I take it it's no good now?

[BarnsleyBrewer]

I had that years ago during my kit brewing days, it fermented but not as it should've but tasted ok? I would take a cheeky taste sample with enough to get an hydrometer reading to see if it's dropped from the OG. If all appears ok I'd bottle or keg as normal.

If I was you and if possible I'd ferment inside under airlock in a 5 gallon wine fermenter under the stairs or downstairs lobby.

BB

[WalesAles]

S,
I`ve done this kit a few times and never had a violent ferment.
Turned out OK in the end. First Kit was Bland, Bland, Bland. After a bit of tweaking they are BLM!
Send a pic of the `White Film`. It will be easier for us to put you out of your misery!

WA

Sent from my Huge Sofa whilst supping a Chocolate Coopers Stout, Very BLM!

BB,
What can He do if He lives in a Flat and there is no under the stairs or Downstairs Lobby?

S,
Send a few more posts and you will be able to send pics, 5 posts I think, therefore I am.

[BarnsleyBrewer]

BB,
What can He do if He lives in a Flat and there is no under the stairs or Downstairs Lobby?

Get friends with the janitor

[IPA]

He's brewing lager no need to go above 12°
What temperature do you have the heater set at?

[Sihitch2010]

Thanks for the replies!
Can't brew inside because of space, BB.
It's an old boot homebrew heater and is not adjustable, IPA. I think it's set at 24 ish.

[IPA]

Thanks for the replies!
Can't brew inside because of space, BB.
It's an old boot homebrew heater and is not adjustable, IPA. I think it's set at 24 ish.

Too warm for lager and most beers

[MarkF_2703]

Thanks for the replies!
Can't brew inside because of space, BB.
It's an old boot homebrew heater and is not adjustable, IPA. I think it's set at 24 ish.

Too warm for lager and most beers

I think its an ale yeast in that kit.

[Sihitch2010]

What temp should I be looking for. Seen a set up online where the fermenting bucket is stood in a tub of water just with a cheap aquarium heater in it. Seems like a good idea...

[WalesAles]

What temp should I be looking for. Seen a set up online where the fermenting bucket is stood in a tub of water just with a cheap aquarium heater in it. Seems like a good idea...

Shit,
It is a good idea.
Check the water temp in the bucket to set your heater, you may set it at 16deg, but it might show less on the thermometer.
I have to set mine at 26deg to get 22deg in the tub of water.
I don`t brew my lagers as lagers, I treat them as if they are Beers.
Lagering is too much Faff for my liking!

WA

[orlando]

Have a homebrew heater in it

Later in the thread you mention it is an old Boots heater. If you have dunked it in the brew it is likely the cause of the pellicle you are seeing, they are notoriously difficult to clean and sanitise, too many nooks and crannies. The pellicle is likely to be something like acetobacter or lactobacillus, which will produce a souring flavour to the beer. A better option would be to buy yourself a cheap builders trug that will accommodate the fermentor. Adjust the heat of the water in the trug until you get the temp in the beer you are looking for.