joydivision
Active Member
I understand how it shows if the beer is fermenting but serve any other purpose ? The reason I ask is I couldn't find my middle piece when I finished brewing. I just placed the airlock and lid on. I trust it will ferment.
Not reliably. What it does do, is prevent contaminates from getting in to the fermenting beer for example fruit flies or micro organisms.I understand how it shows if the beer is fermenting but serve any other purpose ?
I'm not doubting this works, but I used to do my starters this way. Then one fine day I checked on a starter in a kitchen closet. To my horror I found a trail of ants climbing up the side of the flask, under the foil and down into the sweet treat below. Needless to say I chucked the culture of yeast ants rather than pitch it into brew. I invested in an 89 cent foam stopper and haven't had a problem since. Not every contaminant "falls" in; some "crawls" in!!!I usually let the first few days in primary go without an airlock. I just put on some starsan-soaked aluminum foil. Just after high krausen I add the airlock. All you have to do is keep anything from falling in. After the krausen drops, it's a different story. Less protection up top allows o2 diffusion. But you got a few days before you need to come up with a new airlock.
Thankfully, I've never had this problem. I have taken precautions and I realize that my process is not for everyone, but I wanted to give the OP a little peace of mind. I do believe he needs to airlock soon.unionrdr said:Yeah,those lil ants or them pesky fruit flies!
No. The airlock doesn't affect fermentation. Fermentation affects the airlock.I bought a new airlock today poured some starsan in it and popped the middle piece on. It's been on dry for about 3 days. It's not bubbling should I be worried?
If you have crawly things and want to keep them out of a fermenter put the entire thing in a tub of water with detergent in it or sprinkle some food grade diatomaceous earth around the fermenter in a six inch band.I have found ants crawling over my carboy this spring. The airlock definitely saved the beer from being infested. I believe there are some natural foods toucan place in proximity to the beer that will keep them at bay like garlic or coffee grounds.
Yes. I usually go 3-5 days without an airlock, depending on the yeast activity.joydivision said:So if the krausen has not fallen I'm probably ok? How soon does the krausen fall? I went three days w a dry airlock.