lost my air lock

[ptjeff]

so i just realized that my air lock dried and was wondering what you guys think are my options
i suspect that its been a few weeks since it has happened.

 

[IslandLizard]

so i just realized that my air lock dried and was wondering what you guys think are my options
i suspect that its been a few weeks since it has happened.

Fill it back up. What you got to lose?

If there was still active fermentation going on after it dried up, CO2 production may have helped keeping the nasties out.

I'd use Starsan (or plain water) for airlocks. Vodka is overkill while the alcohol, 35-40% (by volume), evaporates much faster than water.

 

[Kickass]

Remove, clean, sanitize and replace. That’s what I’d do.

 

[IslandLizard]

Remove, clean, sanitize and replace. That’s what I’d do.

Yes, of course, always do those ^, before refilling.

 

[bracconiere]

just reading your problem, and wanted to say one of these with just some tubing that fits in a bung might be good for long mead ferments....


https://www.morebeer.com/products/b...BU-bUCS_bdBBuniktLEwzHZHMEi1UfqkaAgcYEALw_wcB
for future batches anyway....

 

[ptjeff]

thank you for the suggestions
i've found my notes and the dry lock has probably been open longer than i realized.
should i look for anything, other than mold, that would prevent me from drinking?

Kickass: i would assume your are referring to the airlock, not the mead

 

[IslandLizard]

should i look for anything, other than mold, that would prevent me from drinking?

I may have oxidized somewhat, or even gone sour if fruit flies (acetobacter carriers) were able to make it inside.
Not sure if it holds true for meads, there's nothing that can grow in fermented beverages that could make you sick. But the taste or aroma could be tainted or even gone putrid.

 

[Kickass]

Kickass: i would assume your are referring to the airlock, not the mead

Haha, yes the airlock. I’ve had a few mead airlocks go dry. Even had a little mold in one. Never seamed to negativity impact the final product.

 

[bushpilot]

Smell and taste. Good = good, bad = bad.

 

[dwightr8]

RDWHAHB

so i just realized that my air lock dried and was wondering what you guys think are my options
i suspect that its been a few weeks since it has happened.

 

[ptjeff]

RDWHAHB

Hmmm...
cant even make up something with these letters
you gotta give me a clue

 

[bushpilot]

Hmmm...
cant even make up something with these letters
you gotta give me a clue

I had to look it up.

https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=RDWHAHB

 

[FloppyKnockers]

Rarely Do We Have Airlocks Have Bothers

 

[Kickass]

Looks like some folks need to get acquainted with a little old fashioned Charlie Papazian.

 

[Dr_Jeff]

Waterless Airlock Solution for Long Ferments = take an unused condom, use a pushpin and poke a hole through the package where you think the tip should be, remove from package, unroll a few inches, then stretch over the mouth of your carboy/jug

 

[Kickass]

unused

Hahaha!

I don’t know though. The 12 year old me says it might be more entertaining to put the condom on just prior to peak fermentation.