"s" <s@m.com> wrote in message
news:4152e1c4$0$24390$5a62ac22@per-qv1-newsreader-01.iinet.net.au...[color=blue]
>
> ok i've got a normal - plastic home brew kit and am using store bought
> worts...22.5L
>
> have had some success with the killkenny mix (ie using conversion kits and
> hops bags) and red back kit also ....my temps fluctuates a bit as am
> putting
> it in front of the heater at the moment (in wa) but stays well within
> limits
> ie 18-30c ...my questions are[/color]

30c???? That's way too warm, try keeping your ales around 21c and your
lagers around 10c, you likely end up with a much better beer.
[color=blue]
>
> is it ok the stir (not opening lid) or shake the fermenter during ferment
> ?
> (i have found this helps to speed the fermentation)
>
> is it better to not shake the finished brew before bottling or does it not
> matter ? (i presume as the brew will settle in the bottle anyway and the
> tap
> is at the bottom) ..i'm not filtering the finished brew before bottling
>
>
> TIA
>
>
>
>[/color]