AIRLOCK
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Guzluka
AIRLOCK
I pitched some yeast and finished brewing for a porter on friday. I put some vodka in the airlock as I have been told this ensures no contaminants get into the beer. There is activity in terms of there being a thick layer of krausen but the airlock is not bubbling, does this mean its fermenting correctly? Does there need to be activity in the airlock? Added the wort at a highish temp so am a little concerned about this, 32oc. It started slow but i upped the temp for 24 hours and have now reduced it to a steady 20oc. Is it harder to bubble because vodka is a thicker substance than water?
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FlourPower
- Hollow Legs
- Posts: 313
- Joined: Sat Jan 24, 2009 7:53 pm
Re: AIRLOCK
What are you brewing in? Have you checked that everything is properly sealed? Sounds silly but if it's fermenting then the gas needs to go somewhere and it's going to take the easiest route rather than the designated.
The Vodka should make no noticeable difference to the bubbles as far as I am aware. That said I doubt there is a problem. I brew in an open fv with just the lid placed on to prevent things getting in and the brews turn out fine.
The Vodka should make no noticeable difference to the bubbles as far as I am aware. That said I doubt there is a problem. I brew in an open fv with just the lid placed on to prevent things getting in and the brews turn out fine.
Drinking: Turbo Cider, Black Rain Stout, Jotun Killer Double Stout, Apple Wine, AG#1 F.A.G,
Fermenting: Bramble Wine
Conditioning: Blueberry Jam Mead, Gales Mead, HLM EPIC FORCE Methegln, Tropical Juice TC on an orange mead slurry, AG#2 S.L.A.G.
Waiting for Space: Muntons Conn: Bock
Fermenting: Bramble Wine
Conditioning: Blueberry Jam Mead, Gales Mead, HLM EPIC FORCE Methegln, Tropical Juice TC on an orange mead slurry, AG#2 S.L.A.G.
Waiting for Space: Muntons Conn: Bock
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Guzluka
Re: AIRLOCK
Brewing in a plastic 5 gallon tub with a screw top. Have fitted a thermostat with the lead coming through the hole in the bung with the airlock fitted, so maybe air is escaping from there. As long as its got krausen, its fermenting right? And it doesnt need to bubble to be fine?
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FlourPower
- Hollow Legs
- Posts: 313
- Joined: Sat Jan 24, 2009 7:53 pm
Re: AIRLOCK
The brew should be fine. It doesn't NEED to bubble through an airlock. However your airlock is not working and that could be a problem for some brewers who like that kind of thing. i.e. it stops the nasties in the air from getting in.
Does your screwcap actually seal to airtight? Are the rubber seals there and in good condition? It could be escaping around the temp probe. Maybe don't use a probe on the next brew see if you get you desired bubbling?
Either way Krausen = Good.
Does your screwcap actually seal to airtight? Are the rubber seals there and in good condition? It could be escaping around the temp probe. Maybe don't use a probe on the next brew see if you get you desired bubbling?
Either way Krausen = Good.
Drinking: Turbo Cider, Black Rain Stout, Jotun Killer Double Stout, Apple Wine, AG#1 F.A.G,
Fermenting: Bramble Wine
Conditioning: Blueberry Jam Mead, Gales Mead, HLM EPIC FORCE Methegln, Tropical Juice TC on an orange mead slurry, AG#2 S.L.A.G.
Waiting for Space: Muntons Conn: Bock
Fermenting: Bramble Wine
Conditioning: Blueberry Jam Mead, Gales Mead, HLM EPIC FORCE Methegln, Tropical Juice TC on an orange mead slurry, AG#2 S.L.A.G.
Waiting for Space: Muntons Conn: Bock
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Guzluka
Re: AIRLOCK
No, Krausen continues to grow so thats good, airlock not bubbling, not at all bothered about the bubbling, just want to make sure it is going good. It is airtight sealed and the fermentor tub is pretty new. Think you may be right about the temp probe but have no choice there, as the temp drops to 10oc here at night and has spoiled my brew before. Theres no obvious signs of gaps or anything though.
Just one more q, my hydrometer broke during my brew on friday. Fermented for two weeks last time, how long do you usually ferment for? how can you tell it is ready for secondary conditioning/bottling?
Just one more q, my hydrometer broke during my brew on friday. Fermented for two weeks last time, how long do you usually ferment for? how can you tell it is ready for secondary conditioning/bottling?
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Invalid Stout
Re: AIRLOCK
If the yeast head has risen and fallen again and it's 7–10 days then it's most probably OK. Personally I would nip out and get a new hydrometer to check before bottling it.