Crazy Question

[sub1427]

I may get shunned from the brewing community for asking this but here it goes... Currently I have 3 batches going, 2 are in the 2ndary, one has been in the 2ndary for over 2 weeks now, zero airlock activity. I put that one in the fridge its been cold fermenting for over 4 days. I brewed another batch and put that in the primary, realised that I dont have another airlock, so i took the airlock off the 2ndary in the fridge and put some tape over the top to keep the air out. Will I be alright? or have i totally screwed my brew? HELP!

 

[Baron von BeeGee]

Your brew is probably fine, but in the future I would sanitize a piece of aluminum foil and wrap it around the top of the carboy with a rubberband to secure it.

I usually consider an airlock as part of the package when I buy a carboy so that I don't wind up in exactly this situation.

 

[cweston]

Next time you make a purchase at the (L)HBS, just get about 5 cheap plastic airlocks. I'm sure everyone has found themselves in some variation of this position. First time it happened to me I had just made a starter and realized that all my airlocks were in use for other things.

 

[Ivan Lendl]

I may get shunned from the brewing community for asking this but here it goes... Currently I have 3 batches going, 2 are in the 2ndary, one has been in the 2ndary for over 2 weeks now, zero airlock activity. I put that one in the fridge its been cold fermenting for over 4 days. I brewed another batch and put that in the primary, realised that I dont have another airlock, so i took the airlock off the 2ndary in the fridge and put some tape over the top to keep the air out. Will I be alright? or have i totally screwed my brew? HELP!

before you get yourself ostracized try replacing the 'tAPE' with a big balloon, prefereably one that is clean and/ or sanitized...

using tape would probably be anathematized by the Brewish Pope...

 

[david_42]

The foil and rubber band are the way to go. I used a pint glass over the hole in my primary on one occasion. I try to keep a spare airlock or two handy. They seem to get fragile after three or four years of use.

 

[Bernie Brewer]

Your brew is probably fine, but in the future I would sanitize a piece of aluminum foil and wrap it around the top of the carboy with a rubberband to secure it.

I usually consider an airlock as part of the package when I buy a carboy so that I don't wind up in exactly this situation.

You don't need a rubber band, just wrap it around loosely, it's not going anywhere. Also aluminum foil is sanitary right out of the package; sanitizing again is redundant. after all, you put your leftovers in there without sanitizing, right?

 

[Walker]

after all, you put your leftovers in there without sanitizing, right?

True, but I normally don't let my leftovers sit around for 4 to 6 weeks before consuming them either.

 

[Baron von BeeGee]

True, but I normally don't let my leftovers sit around for 4 to 6 weeks before consuming them either.

Nor at room temp, for that matter. I prefer not to take chances if I don't have to, which is why I would sanitize. As far as the foil being secure, it might be in some households, but nothing is safe in mine!

 

[Brewsmith]

I second BeeGee, I always buy a new airlock with a new carboy or fermenter. Right now I have 4 beers in secondary, requiring a minimum of that many airlocks. I have to consider the best-case senario: One airlock for each of the four 3-gallon secondaries, two more for the 2 5-gallon ones, two for the primaries, and one for the starter jar. It's possible that I could have all of these going at the same time. At least that's the rationalization I tell my wife!

 

[Bernie Brewer]

Nor at room temp, for that matter. I prefer not to take chances if I don't have to, which is why I would sanitize. As far as the foil being secure, it might be in some households, but nothing is safe in mine!

That's why you put it on loosely. The Co2 will escape while still not letting anything
into the beer. the only time you'd have a problem is if the carboy bubbles over, which is certainly a possibility.
Also certainly sanitize the foil if it helps you relax, but I honestly have never had a problem. I do my starters that way. too. Cheers.

 

[Baron von BeeGee]

I pretty much understand the concept behind the foil. It won't be too tight with a rubber band by any stretch...too many wrinkles and folds for outgassing. My point is that at my house nothing is secure if it's loose, and especially in the fridge.

And I have plenty of airlocks, so I don't employ the method except for the occasional starter

 

[Bernie Brewer]

I pretty much understand the concept behind the foil. It won't be too tight with a rubber band by any stretch...too many wrinkles and folds for outgassing. My point is that at my house nothing is secure if it's loose, and especially in the fridge.

And I have plenty of airlocks, so I don't employ the method except for the occasional starter

By any stretch? Ah that's a good pun! Rubber band. stretch.(crickets chirping) Never mind.......Cheers

 

[homebrewer_99]

Next time you make a purchase at the (L)HBS, just get about 5 cheap plastic airlocks.

I have 19 airlocks...sometimes I need MORE!!!

 

[Ivan Lendl]

I have 19 airlocks...sometimes I need MORE!!!

now thats just silly aint it?

p.s. does anyone have a glass airlock? ive seen them for sale and always wanted one (well not always, ive ALWAYS wanted a Porsche 930)