Blow-off tube and fermentation

[DiscipleofDionysus]

Hey all, just been fermenting an Irish red ale for about 4 days now and I started it with a standard blowoff tube instead of an airlock since I wasn't sure how violent the fermentation would be. Checked on it today and was bubbling every 3-5 seconds. I had planned to switch an airlock in but now I'm not so sure. So my question is is it fine to simply ferment all the way through with just a blowoff tube? Seems like it would be since it's the same idea, just wanted to get a second opinion. Thanks!

 

[cms]

No harm, as long as the tube is secure.

 

[patthebrewer]

Yup! No need for the airlock at all, with the blow off tube "just set it and forget it". Most of the Commercial, unitanks I've seen have blowoffs.