ghetto airlock?

[wrangler]

little problem folks. i have 2 beers in primary, and only 1 airlock. i just brewed a few days ago, so have had a blow-off tube on carboy #2. no chance at all to get to my homebrew store in the next few days. any ideas for a ghetto style airlock? my idea is to stick the end of my blowoff tube into a jar of sanitizer liquid. should still allow co2 to bubble out and not let contaminants in. thoughts?

thanks!!
- wrangler.

 

[Memorex88]

Yes put the blowoff tube in a jar with sanitized liquid and you'll be fine.

 

[Griz]

Works for me!

Griz

 

[wrangler]

cool - thanks guys!
had too many things going on and forgot to get a 2nd airlock last weekend.

cheers!

 

[alpo]

Many people do that instead of using an airlock anyway.

 

[Brewsmith]

Aluminium foil makes a fine airlock.

 

[wilserbrewer]

Aluminium foil makes a fine airlock.

+1

Sometimes I just use a piece or plastic wrap covered w/ foil. Then I wrap a rubber band around the neck to seal it. CO2 will "leak" out but I really doubt much if anything at all is making it's way into the fermenter.

I have also used a balloon or the finger cut from a latex/rubber glove. Just put a few pin pricks in the rubber and it will act like a check valve.

IMHO airlocks are more suited to winemaking where you are looking at extended aging periods. Usually at 2-3 weeks my beer is kegged.

 

[wilserbrewer]

Sorry, deleted double post.

 

[cactusgarrett]

my idea is to stick the end of my blowoff tube into a jar of sanitizer liquid.

Is your blowoff tube NOT already in liquid?

 

[bull8042]

Is your blowoff tube NOT already in liquid?

I noticed that as well. If it's not, get it in some sanitizer now before any creepie crawlies make their way into your brew.

 

[springer]

I noticed that as well. If it's not, get it in some sanitizer now before any creepie crawlies make their way into your brew.

Actually the chance of bacteria going up a blow off tube not in water/santizer is slim to none. Wild yeast float on dust and dust settles and cant crawl.

 

[jmulligan]

And buy at least 3 airlocks the next time you go to the brew store! Get a few more stoppers/bungs while you're at it.

 

[bull8042]

Actually the chance of bacteria going up a blow off tube not in water/santizer is slim to none. Wild yeast float on dust and dust settles and cant crawl.

I agree with you there, but we don't know in what conditions everyone else lives in. The OP's home may have flies, or fleas, maybe roaches.... who knows. Point is we can't always reply only as it applies to our own set of circumstances.
The home could be immaculate, but there are still things that do crawl that would hose up a good brew as bad as wild yeast.

 

[springer]

I just didnt want the OP to think its ruined because he didnt use the water/sanitizer. My dog played with the airlock last summer when he was a pup cant tell you how long it was open to the air but it turned out fine.The airlock not so much..

 

[bull8042]

I just didnt want the OP to think its ruined because he didnt use the water/sanitizer. My dog played with the airlock last summer when he was a pup cant tell you how long it was open to the air but it turned out fine.The airlock not so much..

Point taken, and you are correct. I am taking my ball and going home! (Walks away pouting)

But one day, we shall meet again young warrior and you shall not be so lucky!

 

[slimer]

Old Timers used to use balloons to make homemade wine.

 

[Coastarine]

I have foam stoppers coming in the mail from northern brewer which apparently can be used as airlocks. Just something to keep in mind. They're only about a buck each and I will have them on hand now if I need them.

 

[PseudoChef]

Airlock, schmairlock.

 

[slimer]

Airlock, schmairlock.

It needs a hat.