[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]

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]

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.