Secondary fermentation (beer brewing)

Question

I just siphoned beer from my primary fermenter to my secondary fermenter and was wondering how long that can sit in there.

I wasn't sure if it would develope a krausen that could drop and make the beer bitter.

thanks!

Answer 1

No, in the 2ndary you can usually leave it in there for a long time.  I have left mine in there for 4 weeks once, and it didn't affect the flavor at all.  The krausen only occurs in the primary fermentation....the 2ndary, unless you added sugars to it in the 2ndary, won't develop a krausen.   Good rule of thumb:  1-2-3.  1 week in the primary, 2 weeks in the 2ndary, and 3 weeks in the bottle before drinking (although I find at least a month is best).  Good luck!  :)