fermentation buckets. fermentation. contamination

So I dont have a tap on my FV. What are good options for sampling from an FV which is only half full? I have a lawnmower oil change kit which has a big syringe and clear tubing, my wine thief isnt long enough and actually was very poor at holding any liquid when I sampled post boil. I want to...

I started a Festivals Weiß Bier Kit yesterday. The temp was 25/26c, so a little warm. The fermentation vessel is a Ballihoo bucket but it is flimsy. This Moring the lid had been lifted off and was sitting on top of the foam. I have cleaned and resterilised the lid and place it back on...