Is this normal?

[subssonicimpalass]

Is this normal to get so dirty and to bubble out the top? Should I remove it, clean it, refill with Vodka and put it back on?

 

[chickypad]

You can clean it and put it back on but you really should use a blow off tube. You can put a piece of racking size tubing over the center post on the airlock and put the other end in a jar or bowl of starsan. Or better yet, get a piece of cheap large diameter tubing from home depot and put it right in the carboy neck (search this forum or google images for blow off tube).

 

[Jayhem]

If krausen is making it into the airlock you should be using a blow off tube. I generally use a blow off tube with every batch just to be safe and then put the air lock in after about 5-6 days of fermentation when the krausen (foam) has fallen down.

 

[subssonicimpalass]

Ok, problem fixed! (thanks to you guys)

I searched for the blow off tube and I made this:

 

[AdamPag]

that'll work but I never go to the airlock, I go to the hole in the stopper, the base of the airlock inlet is more narrow and can still clog

 

[Jayhem]

Nice swamp cooler! My brother actually lives in Gainesville, FL now.

 

[dietz]

I cut off the "filter" (for lack of a better term) on the bottom of the airlock. I had that clog once and pop the lid on a bucket, no problems since.