Other First time making a kit, couple questions...

[JDesCotes]

I didn't lose anything when I transferred. I used the siphon and didn't spill a drop...

 

[derunner]

It seemed like you must have had a lot of evaporation based on the pictures and the level dropping each time you checked the primary. I've never seen that much evaporation. If you had it locked down with seals on the bucket lid and a grommet for the air lock, I would not think it would evaporate that much. Did you ever get a good seal where you saw lots of bubbling? Some people do not seal the primary so it is not a big deal, but a good seal might cut back on evaporation in dry winter air.

 

[JDesCotes]

Never could get a good seal... Checked every hardware store for a rubber/wire grommet and none have one big enough for the bubbler. They only seem to go upto 1/2 an inch...

 

[sour_grapes]

Do you know for sure that your carboy is (at least nominally) 6 gal, not 6.5 gal? The reason I ask is that your carboy has smooth sides; my understanding is that 6.5 gal carboys often have smooth sides. (I also have been told that this is not definitive by any means.)

As Jim said, you can rack down or top up with some commercial wine.

 

[knockabout]

We bought our carboys used and one is 5 gals. the other vary a bit some a little more some a little less than 6 gallons -no big deal we just top off with our first wine kit or will use a commercial wine to top off with. Shouldn't be a problem.

 

[JDesCotes]

Ok. Sounds like I need to make a trip to the lcbo thanks everybody!

 

[cmason1957]

I went back and looked at your original pictures of everything in the primary fermenter. I might be wrong, but it looks like you might be a bit shy of where the 6 gallon mark is normally considered to be. Generally the 6 gallon mark touches or just covers the lip that I see in all the pictures.

Now as to the carboy, I believe that is similar to some that I have. They are smooth-sided 6 gallon ones made in Mexico. They hold about a bottle less than the Italian ones that I have.

 

[JDesCotes]

Just went out and bought 2 bottles. No clue where it's supposed to be filled to... This still seems too low to me.



Should I go get another bottle or two?

 

[Snafflebit]

Yeah you need to fill that up to the neck. I would say you needed about 5 bottles, not 2

 

[Boatboy24]

I agree with snafflekid. With that much headspace, I'd rack down to 5 gallons if you have the carboy. Otherwise, fill 'er up.

 

[JDesCotes]

Thanks!

It has been topped up:

 

[kmarvel]

Just for future sake, if using chlorox for sanitizing my tub after having mould in it was a bad idea, what should I have used to make sure it was clean? Would the white powder solution do an adequate job in killing the mould?

I was specifically instructed by my local wine maker to use it and to be sure to rinse the tub out VERY well afterwards.

Truthfully, I would have gone and purchased a new primary bucket. But, you can also sanitize with "Oxi Clean". Cheaper that than the sterilizing powder you get from suppliers.

Sounds like your on your way to a great wine!!! Good luck!

Kathie

 

[kmarvel]

Thanks!

It has been topped up:

View attachment 13260

Looks great!!!!

 

[GaDawg]

Truthfully, I would have gone and purchased a new primary bucket. But, you can also sanitize with "Oxi Clean".
Kathie

I clean with unscented Oxiclean, but then I use Star San to sanitize. Are you saying I don't need to use Star San?

 

[cmason1957]

I don't believe that Oxyclean is considered a sanitizer. It is for cleaning. Use that StarSan (or your favorite sanitizer)

 

[JDesCotes]

I just picked up a bottle of starsan the other day. I'm excited to make some up and store it in a fresh spray bottle it sounds a lot easier to use than the white powder that my local wine shop sold me to sanitize with (which smells so bad it sends me into coughing fits)


Sent from my iPhone using Wine Making

 

[kmarvel]

I clean with unscented Oxiclean, but then I use Star San to sanitize. Are you saying I don't need to use Star San?

I believe that the OxiClean is for cleaning and I personally always sanitize with K-Meta.

Sorry if I confused anyone.


Kathie