Lager long primary

[Magnew]

I am in a quandry. I am doing my first lager usind wyeast czech pilsner (#2278). I have been intentionally keeping toward the low end of the temp. range around 48-52. I expected a somewhat slower fermentation. It's been in primary now for 2 1/2 weeks. There is still a solid covering of foam and I have airlock bubbles about every 8-9 seconds. With an ale, I would normally transfer when it appears that fermentation has stopped (ie. no more foam on top, no or slow bubbles in the airlock.) My impulse is to leave this pilsner in primary awhile longer...but I also think that I should get it off the trub. Any suggestions? Any thoughts?

[Stodbrew]

Let it finish fermenting. Leaving it on the trub for a lager for a little extra time isn't a big deal. It'll be fine.

[chris1kanobi]

With lagers you want to make a big fat starter (1000+ml). It will take longer to ferment out, and often the yeast will not drop (it just hangs around the top) but when the airlock stops, it will be done. It can sit on the trub for a while, it won't hurt anything. I often do a 6 week secondary on my lagers, just to get them clear and smooth. So be patient, and you will be rewarded. :)

[Magnew]

Thanks everyone. My feelings have been justified. It's starting to slow now, there are breaks in the kreusen. I'll be patient. It's hard though. I am hoping to get another lager in before the cold winter weather goes away. Can't start it though until my carboy is freed up.

[fretlessman71]

So, lagers have to sit in 2ndary a little lager? :D

Just a little stupid humor... remember, lagers take longer, porters are shorter!

[Magnew]

After 4 weeks in primary it finally slowed down to the point that I felt I could transfer it to secondary. Wow! That was a long time (at least it seemed like it to me). Already brewed that other lager I wanted to get in before the winter cold fades...a sapporo black clone.

[paul84043]

I think my lagers sit in primary for 3 weeks or so, the real killer is secondary.. it can sit in there for 2 months.
Lagers are okay, but I am too damn impatient!!!
Luckily I have a fridge setup in the garage so I put one in there and pretty much forget about it.

[Magnew]

I assume you judge when it is finished in secondary by taking hydrometer readings? Cause mine's just sittin' there now, with a bag of hops floating in it.