Brewing Beer - How many bubbles should be present in airlock?!
Answers: This is the first time i've brewed beer. The airlock has some very small bubbles in the water stuck to the side. Is this normal, or am I supposed to be able to see the bubbles coming out of the airlock rapidly?
Dont worry about the small bubbles, those have nothing to do with the beer and they are totally normal. You'll know it when the beer itself is making bubbles: it will be rapid (at first) but could take a day or 2. Relax, have a homebrew.
You should be able to see bubbles coming out of the air lock eventually, but it may take some time (a few days) before the yeast really starts going.
You are waiting for mother to her thing..
the yeast must eat the sugar and starch to make the alcohol...
as it does She makes CO2
CO2 is heavier than air and pushes air out so on a warm day WOW you see her at work
read
http://www.thebeveragepeople.com
or
http://www.samualadams.com
Usually within 24 hours the yeast will kick in and the airlock will start bubbling. Once it starts you will certainly know it. Lots of bubbling and foam. If the bubbles are bothing you, tap the airlock a few times and knock them out...or just shake the fermenter a few times...it should force some air out and knock those bubbles right out. A little shaking might help that yeast kick off a little quicker too.
Waiting is the hardest part, especailly for the yeast to kick in. Some yeast starts faster than others. On my first batch I was so scared that I had messed something up...but I didn't and I doubt you have....but if for some reason it does not start in 48 hours, I would go get some more yeast and repitch it.