Cover a carboy?

I have a 6.5 gal carboy I'm using as a primary fermenter now. I like to see what's going on

I have it in a corner of a room with the lights normally off. There is never any direct sunlight on it.

My question is, is there enough diffuse light to cause any problems, or do I need to cover it with a blanket or something?

Thanks.

You should be fine. Direct sunlight and prolonged exposure to neon lights are where you have to be careful. Most household lightbulbs have an insignificant effect on beer as long as it is not directed at it in any way.

Then again, you could be like me and just cover it. I toss a t-shirt over all my fermenters. Plus if you have to cool it for any reason, just dump a cold bowl of icewater over the shirt.

You should be fine. I always kept my primary in a dark closet....maybe you have one? If not, using the t-shirt method is always good, make sure its a really bad arse t-shirt though.

EamusCatuli said:

You should be fine. I always kept my primary in a dark closet....maybe you have one? If not, using the t-shirt method is always good, make sure its a really bad arse t-shirt though.

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Yeah, like this one.

men's size medium t-shirt works well.

i use clean old towels. I've had a couple of surprise fermentations that oozed up and out of the airlock. the towels made cleanup insanely simple

Use the box your carboy came in. Cut a hole for the airlock.

dstar26t said:

Use the box your carboy came in. Cut a hole for the airlock.

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Oooo. That is so utterly sneaky-simple, it never, ever occurred to me.

You get a cookie!

{filing away for future reference}

Bob

in your case, a t-shirt works much better

Jester369 said:

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that's an interesting airlock on the left hand side carboy. Where do I get one of those?

Although attractive, both shirts are completely unnecessary...

tranceamerica said:

that's an interesting airlock on the left hand side carboy. Where do I get one of those?

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Vermont, apparantly.