Racking, dry hopping and fining
As the end of fermentation approaches, there are several optional steps brewers can take, including transferring the beer to another fermenter to finish and adding hops. Once fermentation is finished, finings can be added to help settle out the yeast and clear the beer.
Fermentation temperature & diacetyl rest
Homebrewers often overlook the importance of correct fermentation temperature. There's no point investing time, money and effort making sure all other aspects of your brew are perfect if you then ferment it too cool or, in particular, too warm.
Airlock or not?
Fermenters come with a lid and a small hole to fit an airlock, which is filled with water and allows CO2 created by the yeast during fermentation to escape, but does not let air into the fermenter.
Measuring specific gravity & calculating alchol content
Most homebrewers want to know the alcohol content of their beer, and taking specific gravity (SG) readings is the key to being able to calculate it.