Airlock, water, and fermentation blunders

[Alokian]

So, I'm a total noob. I never thought that'd be the first sentence I ever contributed to this wonderful forum. I figured I was ready because I read plenty prior to attempting to make a beer, but somehow a few details were lost on me.

The biggest issue, however, is that I'm not sure how much longer I should keep the beer fermenting. I didn't add as much water as I needed (leaving me at about four and a half gallons), and then I realized I didn't put water in the airlock. I'll be adding vodka when I get home from work. I've searched the forums, and everyone who has made this mistake seems to have been much smarter than me and realized the lack of water way before I did--it's been nearly the entire week. Should I add the vodka and let it sit a few days, or should I check for activity, then proceed to secondary fermentation?

Thank you.

 

[birvine]

Put in some water, hoping for the best (probably it will be fine). Leave it for a total of 3-4 weeks, then bottle, and leave it condition another 3-4 weeks. Then chill for 48 hours so the CO2 probably dissolves, then enjoy.

B

 

[Alokian]

Put in some water, hoping for the best (probably it will be fine). Leave it for a total of 3-4 weeks, then bottle, and leave it condition another 3-4 weeks. Then chill for 48 hours so the CO2 probably dissolves, then enjoy.

B

So, that's a no-go on the Secondary Fermentation? I was expecting to do that pretty soon. Does the lack of water in the airlock really change the process that much?

 

[daksin]

So, that's a no-go on the Secondary Fermentation? I was expecting to do that pretty soon. Does the lack of water in the airlock really change the process that much?

It's not about the lack of water- just the popular consensus on this site. I'm sure another site has their own culture that says "YOU MUST ALWAYS SECONDARY: IT MAKES YOUR BEER CLEARER AND WILL MAKE THE BABY JESUS HAPPY"

...but I think you'll find most people round this site will just say do an extra long primary of at LEAST 3 weeks and skip the secondary. You'll probably also hear to only do a secondary for things like adding additional flavorings (fruit, dry hopping) or bulk aging, but a lot of people do those in primary too and haven't had any problems.

It's mostly a matter of personal preference, though. If it makes you feel better to do a secondary, go for it. Not going to hurt anything. To those who say it adds a greater risk of contamination or oxidation: if your sanitation is good enough for the primary (which it obviously was) and you know how to siphon properly, there isn't any additional risk involved.

 

[climbdoof]

I don't see much issue as your airlock probably has a little plastic cap on it and co2 has been pushing it's way out most of the time yay don't worry! Fill with water starsan and water or vodka and then drink beer!

 

[climbdoof]

And as for changing the process. You can secondary as planned. Having no water in your airlock makes no difference as far as that goes just personal preference