How long to force carbonate?

[traftas]

I have an amber ale currently in my Spike CF 5 fermenter. I have cold crashed to 37 f and have 10 psi through the carb stone. How long do I need to maintain this to properly carbonate my beer?

[kramerog]

Assuming the carb stone worked properly, the beer should be fully carbonated but it takes 2-3 days for the carbonation to produce fine bubbles.

[traftas]

I was always of the impression that the fine bubbles were evidence that it was fully carbonated. In the past I only left it hooked up to carbstone for up to 12 hours then kegged. It ending up tasting a little flat and did not develop a head. I would leave under pressure in the keg then within a few days would have better head and bubbles.

[denny]

@traftas

I was always of the impression that the fine bubbles were evidence that it was fully carbonated. In the past I only left it hooked up to carbstone for up to 12 hours then kegged. It ending up tasting a little flat and did not develop a head. I would leave under pressure in the keg then within a few days would have better head and bubbles.

That’s because the CO2 had time to go into solution.

[kramerog]

@traftas

I was always of the impression that the fine bubbles were evidence that it was fully carbonated. In the past I only left it hooked up to carbstone for up to 12 hours then kegged. It ending up tasting a little flat and did not develop a head. I would leave under pressure in the keg then within a few days would have better head and bubbles.

Ok so the carb stone doesn’t get the job done immediately. Your experience is the best guide for your setup … so it will take a few days for full carbonation to be achieved.  This is also enough time for the fine bubbles to develop too.