National Homebrew Club Ireland

Brewing Discussions => Equipment & Chemicals => Topic started by: RobShamrock on March 02, 2015, 12:26:58 PM

Title: Airlock Needed?
Post by: RobShamrock on March 02, 2015, 12:26:58 PM
Hey Gang, newbie here, my starter kit that I got from HWB was missing the airlock, just brewed my first bath and followed advice I'd read online and just covered the bung with some foil.

Bottled first brew on sunday, and started 2nd and again I've commenced without and airlock as despite me attempting to get said airlock posted to me its not arrived, so I'm hoping I'll be OK as is.

In the meantime, when placing further orders, I'll start to build up some spares of these types of things, but I need some reassurance I'll be good to go

thanks in advance

Title: Re: Airlock Needed?
Post by: shweeney on March 02, 2015, 12:58:02 PM
I don't use an airlock...
Title: Re: Airlock Needed?
Post by: RobShamrock on March 02, 2015, 01:58:10 PM
so I'm good to continue as I am ?   good news !
Title: Re: Airlock Needed?
Post by: Qs on March 02, 2015, 02:01:49 PM
You are probably ok for the first few days while fermentation pushes Co2 out of the FV. Hopefully your airlock will arrive soon.
Title: Re: Airlock Needed?
Post by: Garry on March 02, 2015, 02:07:41 PM
You're fine. Air locks are just a visual indicator of fermentation. A lot of people don't bother with them. I prefer foil or a loose lid myself.
Title: Re: Airlock Needed?
Post by: shweeney on March 02, 2015, 04:05:11 PM
Quote from: RobShamrock on March 02, 2015, 01:58:10 PM
so I'm good to continue as I am ?   good news !

CO2 is heavier than air so it'll sit over the top of the beer like a blanket provided you don't disturb it too much.
Title: Re: Airlock Needed?
Post by: wallacebiy on March 02, 2015, 11:13:04 PM
I also can't be arsed with bubbler . Up int the 70's most commercial breweries had open fermentation vats and urquell allegedly still does !! I leave the lid on open a craic



In summer though there is a risk of vinegar flies getting in