running out of head space

[koopdavisj]

my stout is about 36 hours into its primary and my carboy is just about to run out of head space (krausen is 2" from touching the neck).

i have an extra stopper with only 1 hole which i have attatched some tubing. the other end of the tubing is in a pot filled with bleach water.

is this "blow off hose" going to work if the need arises or does the stopper need 2 holes?

help! "the foam keeps getting thicker"!

 

[usmcruz]

my stout is about 36 hours into its primary and my carboy is just about to run out of head space (krausen is 2" from touching the neck).

i have an extra stopper with only 1 hole which i have attatched some tubing. the other end of the tubing is in a pot filled with bleach water.

is this "blow off hose" going to work if the need arises or does the stopper need 2 holes?

help! "the foam keeps getting thicker"!

usually you would put a 1 inch hose into your carboy, but if thats all you got then it will have to work. Make sure your hose doesnt get clogged. Replace that bleach water for water and rubbing alcohol or vodka and water. Ive had reports of bleach fumes leaching into the beer and causing funky flavors. What size tubing is it? If its 1/2 inch tubing you should be okay, but if its 3/8 tubing or smaller i would watch it in case of clogging. If you can run out and get a piece of 1 inch i.d. tubing because the o.d. should fit snug and run that into your thumper.

 

[koopdavisj]

thanks usmcruz.

the tubing is 1/2" siphon tubing. i won't be able to get bigger tubing for a few hours, so that will have to do for now. switched out the bleach for alcohol though.

the airlock has slowed down slightly since i began to worry earlier this am. might just leave everything as is and think happy thought 'till i get back after lunch.

 

[david_42]

I second ditching the bleach water.

 

[Lounge Lizard]

usually you would put a 1 inch hose into your carboy, but if thats all you got then it will have to work.

My carboy measures 1 1/4 inches at the opening. Better throw out that Marine Corp ruler...

 

[homebrewer_99]

Hold on USMC, the Artillery's here to provide close combat support.

I have 4 carboys in 2 sizes (6.5 and 5 g).

Contrary to what you may have experienced, the size of the opening is not standard. I would think it is generally dependent upon which manufacturer yours came from.

 

[usmcruz]

Hold on USMC, the Artillery's here to provide close combat support.

I have 4 carboys in 2 sizes (6.5 and 5 g).

Contrary to what you may have experienced, the size of the opening is not standard. I would think it is generally dependent upon which manufacturer yours came from.

Roger!! Target aquired!! Fire for effect!!! This is Echo 3 Charlie over!!!

 

[homebrewer_99]

FIRE MISSION!!

Deflection 3270, quadrant 340, 4 square projo, charge 5 white bag, PD fuze, 3 mils left, 6 rounds each, time on target, fire for effect!

FIRE!

 

[koopdavisj]

okay, thanks for saving private stout guys!

btw, the lip of my six gallon carboy is closer to 2".

after checking on my batch several times throughout the day, it still has about 2" till the bottom of the airlock. i'm now past 48 hours of solid fermenting.

the bubbling is still slowing down ever so slowly, but it is still chugging along. does the lack of head space have something to do with slowing it down some?

should i leave it be or set up the blow off line?