Fermentor with no airlock?

[regulark]

Hi,

I have a 10 gallon plastic bucket that was previously used for brewing (kits) but I'm not sure the lid is ideal. The lid snaps on the top and wraps around the bucket at a 90 degree angle. It creates a decent seal, but definitely not an airlock.

I'd like to try to brew 8 gallons in this 10 gallon bucket, is 1/5th air space enough for most styles (english best bitter in particular)?

Thank you very much

 

[Vance71975]

Hi,

I have a 10 gallon plastic bucket that was previously used for brewing (kits) but I'm not sure the lid is ideal. The lid snaps on the top and wraps around the bucket at a 90 degree angle. It creates a decent seal, but definitely not an airlock.

I'd like to try to brew 8 gallons in this 10 gallon bucket, is 1/5th air space enough for most styles (english best bitter in particular)?

Thank you very much

My personal thought is, dont use it unless you get an air tight seal and can use an air lock on it. Just me.

 

[Clann]

If the lid does not make an airtight seal I would think that the dreaded fruit fly could get in.

I bought a gammaseal lid because one of my fermenting buckets had a crap lid and did not seal.

 

[regulark]

Ah, I see.

Thanks.

 

[EdWort]

I ferment in buckets with no airlocks. No problems either, but I don't think fruit flies can get into my Fermenteezer or survive the rich CO2 environment in it.

 

[Vance71975]

I ferment in buckets with no airlocks. No problems either, but I don't think fruit flies can get into my Fermenteezer or survive the rich CO2 environment in it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJmchDK46mY

I would think that them getting in, dieing and falling in the beer would be the problem, not if they could live through it lol.but considering your using a freezer for temp control you have less to worry about than a guy with a bucket on the floor like i have lol.

 

[regulark]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31u+kZnhtLL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

This looks exactly like the bucket I have, although I measured mine out to 10 gallons instead.

The lid wraps around, so I'd be more concerned about crawling critters than flying.

 

[eastoak]

Hi,

I have a 10 gallon plastic bucket that was previously used for brewing (kits) but I'm not sure the lid is ideal. The lid snaps on the top and wraps around the bucket at a 90 degree angle. It creates a decent seal, but definitely not an airlock.

I'd like to try to brew 8 gallons in this 10 gallon bucket, is 1/5th air space enough for most styles (english best bitter in particular)?

Thank you very much

like someone else pointed out some people never snap the lid tight because they don't have the strength in their hands to get them back open, an airtight seal is not critical to fermentation. i ferment with the lid on loose sometimes or off altogether and have never had an infection. if you don't want to use that bucket send it to me. thanks.

 

[brewmonk]

hell, try it!!!!!!

worst you can get is malt vinegar

bungee a cloth over the top. or buy something else.

 

[EdWort]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31u+kZnhtLL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

This looks exactly like the bucket I have, although I measured mine out to 10 gallons instead.

The lid wraps around, so I'd be more concerned about crawling critters than flying.

Those are 6.5 gallon buckets with solid lids from Lowe's. I use those for my less volatile beers. I use two 8 gallon buckets with only lids for my Hefe's and Robust porter. The extra head space is needed because they are violent fermenters. No mess though.

 

[regulark]

That specific one is apparently 12 gallon according to the details on Amazon.. The one I have is about 10 gallon. I was hoping that I could use it for 8 gallon batches, instead of relying on my 6.5 gallon glass carboy to do 5 gallon batches.