Blow Off Tubing Question

judacris · Jul 13, 2013

I have a fridge that is only 21" high inside because of the ledge that I am planning on using as a fermentation vessel. Question is:

With the buckets and carboys I have, adding an airlock to the top will be too high for the fridge, so, is there any downside to using blow off tubing and sanitizer the entire time through Primary and Secondary fermentation? It would be on there for about 30 days. :drunk:

unionrdr · Jul 13, 2013

I've seen a couple folks on here use a small PVC elbow that fits the airlock grommet to attach the blow off tube to so it fits in there lil fridge.

McCoy · Jul 13, 2013

judacris said:
I have a fridge that is only 21" high inside because of the ledge that I am planning on using as a fermentation vessel. Question is:

With the buckets and carboys I have, adding an airlock to the top will be too high for the fridge, so, is there any downside to using blow off tubing and sanitizer the entire time through Primary and Secondary fermentation? It would be on there for about 30 days.

There's not really a difference between a small tube coming out of a stopper and pushing gas through sanitizing fluid and a large tube coming out of a stopper and pushing gas through sanitizing fluid. A blow-off tube is just a big airlock, and there will be no problem treating it as such.

Bamsdealer · Jul 13, 2013

not at all. Another thing to think about is fermenting with a blow off tube until your beer is about done, which usually takes 3-4 days then moving it to a warmer area of your house with an airlock. I've been practicing this and have gotten great attenuation and very clean ferments.

cullen · Jul 13, 2013

I've never used one of these myself, but it would appear to be a low profile alternative. http://www.rebelbrewer.com/shop/carboys-accessories/silicone-waterless-airlock/

unionrdr · Jul 13, 2013

Def an interesting alternitive...

judacris · Jul 14, 2013

Thanks for the posts! I will leave the tubing attached with no anxiety

grathan · Jul 14, 2013

One minor downside is that blow-off tubing is difficult to clean, though only if the krausen reaches the tube.

unionrdr · Jul 14, 2013

Not if you go to keg connection & get their 66" long 3/8" line cleaning brush. I have one & it makes the job of cleaning racking tubes,blow offs,etc easier to get clean.