opening primary fermenter

[benharper13]

I'm not sure if my beer is fermenting I'm not seeing anything in the air lock. can I remove the lid and check anything

 

[mxman06]

how long has it bean in the fermenter. and remember air locks not bubbling doesn't mean its not fermenting.

 

[neovox]

Check it with your hydrometer. Make sure to sanitize everything first.

 

[rexbanner]

Do it, and let the English see you do it.

Seriously don't worry, just sanitize everything. Crack the lid, use a turkey baster to grab some, and then shut it.

 

[ajf]

Yes, you can crack the lid and take a peak. If it's fermenting, you should see some dirty looking foam (krausen) on top of the brew.
If you're fermenting in a bucket, it's not unusual not to see any airlock activity because you often get small leaks around the rim. This is nothing to worry about.
If you pitched a liquid yeast without making a starter, it may also take 3 - 4 days for obvious fermentation to start.

-a.