Racking from spigotted fermenter

[bmd2k1]

Getting ready to rack my first batch of cider out of primary (Speidel 7.9L) that has a bottom spigot and realize minimizing exposure to the air is important overall factor to limit oxidation.

When racking should I keep the airlock in place or can it be removed to quicken the flow?

Many thanks in advance & Cheers!

 

[Evan55]

If you don't remove it, whatever fills your airlock will be sucked in.

Personally, I give the stopper and surrounding area a spray of starsan, then pull the stopper and open the valve.

 

[jscott03]

I thought the reason for racking was to separate the cider from the lees. If you use the spigot at the bottom of the primary fermenter, unless the spigot is a few inches above the bottom, won’t a bunch of the lees be drawn into the secondary carboy?

 

[Ogroat]

I thought the reason for racking was to separate the cider from the lees. If you use the spigot at the bottom of the primary fermenter, unless the spigot is a few inches above the bottom, won’t a bunch of the lees be drawn into the secondary carboy?

Spigots are generally positioned above the bottom of the fermenter to prevent unwanted sediment from being drawn out when transferring.

 

[bmd2k1]

I thought the reason for racking was to separate the cider from the lees. If you use the spigot at the bottom of the primary fermenter, unless the spigot is a few inches above the bottom, won’t a bunch of the lees be drawn into the secondary carboy?

Spigot is above all the lees [emoji3]

 

[JDXX1971]

I use the same fermenters and I just pull the top out of the airlock and drain out of the spigot. I have thought about putting one of the spigots on the top in place of the airlock, using a blowoff tube and using C02 to transfer. Better yet getting one of these from NorCal Brewing Solutions. http://www.norcalbrewingsolutions.com/store/Speidel-Ball-Lock-Gas-In-with-Pressure-Relief-Valve.html
I need to get me a second regulator so I can pressure transfer.