fermentation without a single bubble

[400d]

ok, I know that bubbling is not the only sign of the process, but I have IPA with US-05 that I brewed from extract kit (muntons gold). I even added a kilo of table sugar to boost the ABV....

But, I have a nice (not the biggest though) krauzen on top of the beer, and its growing. I suppose this is the peak of the fermentation process - but not a single bubble!

I am fermenting quite cold @ 18C. where the hell is the CO2????

edit: the bucket is brand new, no leaks 100%

[Hogarth]

Take a hydrometer reading. It's the best guide to what's going on.

[400d]

Take a hydrometer reading. It's the best guide to what's going on.

I suppose I should wait with hydrometer until the krauzen settles on the bottom?

[gnorwebthgimi]

You could just poke the hydrometer through or take a sample, keep it sterile and it shouldn't cause you a problem but I would wait as you have suggested.

Let the yeast do it's thing!

I'm guessing there is a leak somewhere. You could always put vaseline around the seals and see if the airlock starts bubbling.

The only other suggestion I have is that temperature changes are compensating for CO2 produced and that is VERY left field.

Patience is the greatest virtue of a good homebrewer.

[Hoppkins]

I've often had fermenters where the lid has been warped and doesnt snap on firmly or the hole where the airlock bung goes in is a bit crappy.

My favorite kind of fermenter is this one

http://www.brewuk.co.uk/store/container ... litre.html

Since its a screw top it tightens on nicely and the rigid plastic cap always makes a flush connection with the bung for the airlock.

[Kev888]

I can't see that you'd get the krauzen without bubbles in the wort itself or CO2 being produced, so presumably this is bubbles in an airlock? If so, sounds like the beer is fermenting happily but the FV is just letting gas out elsewhere - seems likely, especially as you're new to this particular FV.

It doesn't mean that there's a problem (assuming the FV isn't turning into a sphere, anyway ); many bucket-type FVs do let gas out around the rim/seal; one of mine does and isn't designed to need an airlock. In fact with most of my FVs I just cover with a cloth during the more vigorous first week, so mostly I go on activity in the wort/beer itself - if there's activity I'm happy and rarely measure the gravity until after its slowed a lot (unless something odd seems to be happening, anyway).

Cheers
kev