Brew UK Forum | General Brewing Discussions
Fermentation Question
Hello, i am currently undertaking my first attempt at home brewing and i have a quick question.
I have borrowed a freinds old fermentation bucket and the lid has a hole in it from an airlock which is no longer present.
I was wondering if leaving this hole open could lead to contamination of the brew?
My freind beleives it shouldn't be a problem but any input would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Responses
Posted 1 year ago by Member
I would think that the build up of gas from fermentation would keep the beer ok But I have never tried without an airlock. And as they are only about £1 I think I would get one.
5 gal St Peters Golden Ale as per tin
Youngs Harvest Mild
all a bit moded
Posted 1 year ago by Member
Thanks for your help Peter
Posted 1 year ago by Member
What are you brewing Barmy?
5 gal St Peters Golden Ale as per tin
Youngs Harvest Mild
all a bit moded
Posted 1 year ago by Moderator
Its not something that is a massive worry but as its an uncovered hole in the lid it may be easier for something to fall in. If your paranoid then some cling film with a few holes in it over the hole would be better
Plannin'-
Loads a beer after an upgrade!
nathbrew@gmail.com
Posted 1 year ago by Member
I usually have a brew-sheet sitting on the top of the fermentation vessel, unintentionally blocking any airlock hole.
Fermenting: Damson pale
Conditioning: Morello Cherry Lambic 2
Drinking: Schneider Weisse Tap 7 clone, Morello Cherry Lambic 1, Rauchbier
Posted 1 year ago by Member
I am brewing muntons smugglers ale,maybe a tad adventurous for a beginner!For now i have cut out a section of bandage and covered the hole with that as it is breathable but would stop insects or other unwanted visitors getting in.
Posted 1 year ago by Moderator
Cool beans! Make sure you keep us posted on how its going
Plannin'-
Loads a beer after an upgrade!
nathbrew@gmail.com
Posted 1 year ago by Member
Ok, so the brew has been fermenting for 5 days now and is still some way off barreling (read 1.024 on a hydrometer).
The bubbles had more or less ceased so i thought i was somewhere near barelling time but was proven to be very wrong!
I think the cold floor on my kitchen had really slowed down the fermentation process and especially at night where the overall temperature is lower.
After reading about double fermenting beer, i syphoned the brew out of the fermenting bin and into my keg, cleaned the fermenting bin out and then syphoned the beer back from the keg into the bin.
This seems to have sparked life back into the brew and it is bubbling away steadily again.
I have put a towel underneath the fermenting bin now and i am thinking about getting a brew belt to help keep the brew warm and fermenting.
Has anybody experienced this before? And if so has anbody got any recommendations?
Posted 1 year ago by Member
Brew belts are brilliant. I brew in the garage and over the winter they are invaluable. The temperature is adjustable by moving the belt up or down. This is not an option with a heat pad which is more expensive. You also have more options when using a belt as they fit different size fermenters and can be adapted to fit around multiple smaller demi johns. Oh! and did I mention, they are cheaper. and NO I don't work for the company. Now if I could only remember my Ebay details so I could try and sell the heat pad I bought first to some other newbie.
Fermenting: Elderberry wine & Vimto wine.
Conditioning: - Ginger Beer, Magnuum apple cider, Coopers Lager.
Drinking: - Coopers Lager,Coopers Draught Elderflower bubbly, Nettle wine,Wherry,
Posted 1 year ago by Member
Thanks Sonsieboy. My local homebrew shop sells brew belts so i am going to pick one up tomorrow!and good luck selling the heat pad
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