Airlock invaded

[RaptorNCBC]

So in my most recent batch, I have a significant amount of my beer shooting into my airlock due to fermentation. I have done a few batches before, and this has not happened. I was just wondering if this is due to my fermentation happening to quickly, the yeast that I am using, or should I experiment with a blow offhose and if so, what are some suggestions


Thanks

Ralph

 

[Clonefarmer]

So in my most recent batch, I have a significant amount of my beer shooting into my airlock due to fermentation. I have done a few batches before, and this has not happened. I was just wondering if this is due to my fermentation happening to quickly, the yeast that I am using, or should I experiment with a blow offhose and if so, what are some suggestions


Thanks

Ralph

It's hard to pinpoint the exact cause. Sometimes fermentation just goes crazy. I would suggest using a blow off tube for the first few days of fermentation. You can swap the blow off tube for an airlock after the fermentation slows.

 

[Ace_Club]

+1 to the above.

 

[RaptorNCBC]

hey thanks, I'll have to try it out and see. This is my first batch that has caused any issues, so I'm taking it for what it is and learning what only experience can teach

 

[dinertime]

How big of a batch did you brew and how big/what kind is your fermenter?

In my experience you want to have at least 1.5 gal of headspace for the krausen. Blowoff tube certainly can't hurt though.

 

[sjbeerman]

I had this happen as well on my last batch and I had to install a blow off tube. I would say its a sign of very happy yeast..

 

[RaptorNCBC]

more or less a curiosity question, what would happen if i did not clean out the airlock?
Would that be like a breeding ground for bacteria?

 

[mikeysab]

no, it would get clogged and blow the lid off your fermenter. I always use a blowoff tube for the first week or two, then throw an airlock in.

 

[RaptorNCBC]

hey thanks for the help everyone. This batch has been a big learning experience. A lot of on the fly decisions having to be made, so I am eating it up.

 

[JLW]

My simple solution for a blow off tube is to use a standard arilock remove the cap and "bobber" (whatever that thing is called) and use 4 ft of 3/8th or 1/2 inch tubing. Slide the tubing down over the inside stem of the airlock. Place the other end of the tubing in a milk jug 1/2 filled with water. I also use the buckets from Austin Homme Brew that they ship extract in.

 

[RaptorNCBC]

thanks, that sounds like a good idea

 

[Clef051]

Before I had a correct blow off tube I used the tube I had for my racking cane and stuck that in the stopper hole

 

[BrewThruYou]

more or less a curiosity question, what would happen if i did not clean out the airlock?
Would that be like a breeding ground for bacteria?

I would swap out the airlock. Put a new sanitized airlock on there. Then take your time cleaning the other one. That's why I have a few spare 3-pc airlocks lying around.