The fermentation is on
 

I made mt first batch of brew yesterday (german alt). I pitched the yeast at about 7:30 pm. I noticed some positive pressure in the airlock this morning like 9am and now it appears to be going strong. I think I am going to have to get the blow out tube ready though.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1116186267.jpg

It looks like you are going to need a blow off tube in that thing. The "S" type airlocks are best for secondary fermentation.

Best peice of advice: Move to corny kegs sooner rather than later. @nd best advice: Keep the temp of the fermenter between 70-75 F. Cooler and it looses flavor. Higher and it will generate other, unwanted esters.

I put a blow-off tube in tonight it was about to bubble out when I did it. The temp has been constant at 72. I also just got 2 quarter barrels from my uncle. I'm not really sure if I could use them or how to. I have been searching on line but I haven't found much yet.

Corny kegs are the easiest, and they are 5 gallons, so they match with the standard recipes. Try to find a 6 gallon carboy for primary fermentation.

Brewing beer, it's a "Sickness", not unlike owning the Porsche...

I remember the nervous feeling when waking up the next morning thinking that somehow the fermentation, that I'd killed the yeast, or bad yeast etc, that it wouldn't start and I'd be left with a big vat of stinky brown sludge....

I used to love homebrewing, clean, clean, and more clean, that's the key! I used to order supplies from www.alternativebeverage.com

Have fun.
Adam

my favorite quote: You know you're a homebrewer when...you've mopped the ceiling...

Altbiers are an old style German beer, an Ale which can take a relatively warm primary fermentation. Rack the primary to another carboy when initial fermentation stops a, do a secondary at a cooler temp , lets the wort clarify etc..

That picture is making me thirsty

I make Lagers a few time a year, I have a root cellar that doesnt warm much above 70 deg, so lager yeasts can do there thing..