Stuck Ferment or Sticky Airlock?

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Bertie Doe
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Stuck Ferment or Sticky Airlock?

Post by Bertie Doe » Wed Nov 04, 2020 12:14 pm

On a number of occasions, is seems that the ferment stalls early. The indicator being a high i.g. and stationary bubbles in airlock. Before adding another yeast starter, try adding to the airlock, one drop of washing-up detergent, diluted in a teaspoon of warm water. It seems to free the surface tension of existing bubbles and you soon have brisk activity again.
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vacant
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Re: Stuck Ferment or Sticky Airlock?

Post by vacant » Wed Nov 04, 2020 3:09 pm

I can't see how surface tension could prevent brisk activity.

Perhaps activity is reducing overnight then increasing during the day when the temperature is higher.
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IPA
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Re: Stuck Ferment or Sticky Airlock?

Post by IPA » Thu Nov 05, 2020 8:25 am

Even better idea. Use an FV with a lid and release it once fermentation is underway. Refit it and use an airlock when the ferment slows.
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