Opening Fermentation BUcket During Errr Fermentation ?!

[turbomad2b]

Hi all , im a newb to home brewing,

Just started my first (kit) batch of lager 3 days ago , i fitted a bubbler airlock to my ferm. bucket and it has been bubbling every 10 secs or so since the day after pitching.

My Question : Can i open my fermentation bucket (today) during fermentation without contaminating / spoiling my brew , i just want to have a look to see what is happening inside the bucket and to maybe take a sample so i can take a hydro reading.
I understand that it is far too early for fermentation to be complete, but with me being a beginner i just want to understand what is happening to the brew during ferm, and to see how much the fg has dropped in 3 days.

Other question (2 birds 1 stone -
When i come to pressure barrel my brew am i right in thinking to use brewing sugar over household white sugar ??

[grunt404]

Hi Turbomad2b

Yep, It should be safe to open the lid and have a quick peek inside to see what's happening, You can take a hydrometer reading if you want but just make sure you've steralised and rinsed anything that come in to contact with the wort. I use a steralised turkey baster to get my samples out of the bucket and into the testing jug and then throw the sample away when done to be sure not to introduce any infections.
I've always used brewing sugar for priming, I was first adviced to use it when I started and have stuck with it as it works for me.