jmh7117
alejunky
Is it essential to have an airlock on FV for ale/beer?
Airlock
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CreweBrewer
Landlord.
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Not at all.
jmh7117
alejunky
I have been reading up on various books about brewing techniques, also reading threads on the Home brew forum.
A lot of home brewers seem to use airlocks on their fermenting vessels, I have read some German commercial breweries use open vats to ferment their beer. Also C.J.J Berry recommends covering your FV with a tea towel!!
I have not used an airlock on the initial fermenting phase, but when I transfer the beer to rest I put it under an airlock so as to get an indication that the yeast has finished.
What is the benefit of putting your brew under an airlock?
A lot of home brewers seem to use airlocks on their fermenting vessels, I have read some German commercial breweries use open vats to ferment their beer. Also C.J.J Berry recommends covering your FV with a tea towel!!
I have not used an airlock on the initial fermenting phase, but when I transfer the beer to rest I put it under an airlock so as to get an indication that the yeast has finished.
What is the benefit of putting your brew under an airlock?
Toonahfish
Well-Known Member
I believe an airlock serves a number of purposes:
i) Allows the build up of carbon dioxide to escape, thus stopping the FV from exploding
ii) Stops oxygen from the air getting back in, which would a) oxidise the beer and b) allow the yeast to respire aerobically, which would mean they're turning the sugars into carbon dioxide and water, but no ethanol. We want the yeast to respire anaerobically (without oxygen) so that they produce ethanol and carbon dioxide.
iii) Stops microorganisms getting into the beer, preventing infection.
iv) Acts as a crude method of judging yeast activity and when the fermentation is complete.
Personally, I use an airlock. There is nothing to lose.
i) Allows the build up of carbon dioxide to escape, thus stopping the FV from exploding
ii) Stops oxygen from the air getting back in, which would a) oxidise the beer and b) allow the yeast to respire aerobically, which would mean they're turning the sugars into carbon dioxide and water, but no ethanol. We want the yeast to respire anaerobically (without oxygen) so that they produce ethanol and carbon dioxide.
iii) Stops microorganisms getting into the beer, preventing infection.
iv) Acts as a crude method of judging yeast activity and when the fermentation is complete.
Personally, I use an airlock. There is nothing to lose.
bigbeefy
Vanner
i wouldnt brew without an airlock myself
Racinsnake
Regular.
I've had mixed success with air locks, mostly not working/bubbling as they seem to need a very tight seal to perform. I think the idea of FVs exploding is optimistic as I have 3 with snap top lids and I've never had more than a slight bulge in them.
As with a lot of home brewing I think it's a case of what ever works for the individual. :
Rob.
As with a lot of home brewing I think it's a case of what ever works for the individual. :
Rob.
My air lock never bubbles , the lid concaves and the gas obviously escapes.. I think I might not bother with one next time and just put the bung in the grommet hole.. one less thing to worry about
CreweBrewer
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I'd rather use one than not. My first three brews it carried on bubbling right to the last and was a good indicator of when fermentation was pretty much done, though I still relied on hydro readings, and gave it three weeks in fv.
However for my last two brews it's stopped bubbling at about 1018, a week or so in. This was partly why I as convinced I had a stuck brew. As that wasn't the case I'm assuming the lid just isn't as airtight now as it was when it was new, so the reduced pressure stops it bubbling after a while, or if I've lifted the lid to take a reading and let all the co2 out.
Still prefer to have it tho. The bubbling is a reassuring thing and I love smelling what comes out (of the airlock that is)
However for my last two brews it's stopped bubbling at about 1018, a week or so in. This was partly why I as convinced I had a stuck brew. As that wasn't the case I'm assuming the lid just isn't as airtight now as it was when it was new, so the reduced pressure stops it bubbling after a while, or if I've lifted the lid to take a reading and let all the co2 out.
Still prefer to have it tho. The bubbling is a reassuring thing and I love smelling what comes out (of the airlock that is)
Convexes dear boy...
Touché :p Sounds better than bulges towards the centre
If you don't want your beer to get contaminated bij wild yeasts and turn sour you should always use an airlock. Unless you want to brew the Belgian geuze which is brewed in open copper vessels in during the cold season.
Toonahfish
Well-Known Member
MyQul
Chairman of the Bored
Never used an air lock myself. I just cover the top with clingfilm (then I can inspect my brew anytime I like without risk of infection) and just rest the lid on top
mirsultankhan
Landlord.
I do use an airlock, they work on one of my FV's but not on the other. Personally I just like to watch the bubbles, its hypnotic and very soothing. :P I would love one of those big 25 litre glass demijohns so i could watch the beer ferment.
bigbeefy
Vanner
apart from protection from nasties i like the airlock so i can keep an eye on how things are going
i know once it slows right down i need to start taking notice of the brew
i know once it slows right down i need to start taking notice of the brew
You could use cling film instead...
http://aussiehomebrewer.com/topic/44204-using-cling-wrap-instead-of-an-airlock/
I think airlocks are unnecessary myself. Just stick the lid on.
http://aussiehomebrewer.com/topic/44204-using-cling-wrap-instead-of-an-airlock/
I think airlocks are unnecessary myself. Just stick the lid on.
bigbeefy
Vanner
no way am i using cling film with 2 dogs in the house
including one alcoholic one that has to have a bit of every drink i have
including one alcoholic one that has to have a bit of every drink i have
I know what you mean. It would be like a lava lamp, might even get away with it in the living room, living art :razz:
