Fermentation length.

[Shermie]

I have a wheat beer that was very active in the initial fermentation. It has calmed down now (about 5 days in).

I would like opinions as to how long fermentation should be and what the reasoning behind the opinion is. In researching here and on other boards it seems like I got a lot of opinions but not the reason behind the opinion.

2 weeks?
3 weeks?
4 weeks?

Also....I have read that when a brewing experiment goes bad a long bottle conditioning might fix it. Does a long fermentation have a similar effect?

Thanks.

I found out that some fermentation lengths take longer than others.

[FedoraDave]

I have a wheat beer that was very active in the initial fermentation. It has calmed down now (about 5 days in).

I would like opinions as to how long fermentation should be and what the reasoning behind the opinion is. In researching here and on other boards it seems like I got a lot of opinions but not the reason behind the opinion.

2 weeks?
3 weeks?
4 weeks?

Also....I have read that when a brewing experiment goes bad a long bottle conditioning might fix it. Does a long fermentation have a similar effect?

Thanks.

I found out that some fermentation lengths take longer than others.

True. There's not a really hard and fast rule, although many of us go 3 weeks. There are many variables, though, and every batch is different. The best way to judge is to go by the Specific Gravity, and for that you need a hydrometer. Can't recommend the purchase of a hydrometer strongly enough. Less than ten bucks, and an invaluable homebrewing tool.