I'm at the point where I use a blow-off tube for everything...don't even bother with an air lock anymore. I cut about 3 inches off an old racking cane, attached 3 feet of 3/8" tubing and stick it in a milk jug of water...works everytine.
I have a question that hopefully someone can answer. I have been making wine for several years and just started brewing beer...just bottled my second batch. The fermentation bucket lid for wine making has a rubber gasket to keep out the air. The brewing bucket that I'm using for beer doesn't...