fermenting Bin

[Mrobs]

Am just going to start a 5 gallon Selection wine kit and have realised that my 5g bin has only got a lid with no airlock, will it be ok to ferment the wine with the lid loosely fitted?

Am just concerned no nasties get in and ruin my expensive kit.

Cheers

[Horden Hillbilly]

Am just going to start a 5 gallon Selection wine kit and have realised that my 5g bin has only got a lid with no airlock, will it be ok to ferment the wine with the lid loosely fitted?

Am just concerned no nasties get in and ruin my expensive kit.

Cheers

Personally, I would not take the risk. I would hate to have to pour one of these kits down the drain, as you have pointed out, they are expensive!

It would be far better to fit an airlock to your lid & snap it down tight or invest in a 5 gallon wine fermenter with a 4" cap which can take an airlock. I have 2 of the wine fermenters shown here, item no.4.

Either of these options are far cheaper than taking the risk of losing an expensive wine kit.

[Mrobs]

Thanks for your reply, will take your advice and get a new bin tomorrow.

Like you said not worth the risk.

[lockwood1956]

During the early stages of fermentation the lid loosely fitted would suffice, as there is a layer of CO2 above the yeast protecting it, and we aren't necessarily trying to keep out oxygen at this stage, just flies and beasties, the CO2 layer protects against spoilage, once the SG is at around 1.020 or 1.010 (the kits vary but your instructions will tell you) rack or transfer to secondary vessel under airlock.
I've made a great many of these kits, and have had no problems so far, be careful that you do not exclude oxygen in the early stages as this can occasionally result in stuck ferments. (doesn't happen often, but its a possibility) if you follow the instructions omitting no detail no matter how slight, you wont go far wrong.

picture tutorial on kit wine making here
http://www.winesathome.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=913
hope this helps
regards
Bob

[Mrobs]

Thanks for the advice , most welcome.

Also very good tutorial