Think I ruined my beer

[morris1980]

I followed the instructions for my True Brew Red Ale Kit. After I poured it into the furmentor, the air lock started bubbling 10 hours after I put it in there. It almost stopped at about 18 hours after, so I pulled the lid off and there was no layer of foam on the beer. Did I ruin my beer by pulling the lid off, and why was there no foam? Also why did my air lock stop bubbling? Thanks for your help.

 

[Joos]

read stickies above.And welcome

 

[StoutFan]

An air lock is used to relieve pressure in the bucket so it doesn't become a bomb. That is all. It does not tell you when your brew is done, your hydrometer does. The yeast you used might just work quickly, RDWHAHB. And pulling the lid off should be fine, as long as you weren't doing it in a functioning wood shop. There is a layer of Co2 over the beer, it will protect it from the air.