Fermenting Bin

[brewbie]

Got a fementing bin with my first lager kit but the lid has no hole in it to fit an airlock too.
Do i need to get one fitted or will it be ok.

[brewbie]

Cheers Daab

[Minus The Bear]

Just out of interest which kit is it you are using?

[brewbie]

Just out of interest which kit is it you are using?

A Cheap youngs u brew lager i think it was, i've binned the can so i'm not 100% sure

[MightyMouth]

I wouldn't go against Daab's advise as it is fine but for a new brewer I would suggest cutting a whole for an airlock rather than just cracking the lid for one reason. I found I wanted to open the lid on the FV to check the status all the time as I had no other indication of what was happening. This means more of a chance of infection. With an Airlock there is the reassuring bubbling going on all the time so no reason to open it up and expose to potential Bugs. Either way is fine if you can resist having a look but I couldn't

[incapete]

I run an aquarium heater and temp sensor into my FV to keep it at the right temperature - since the cables are hardwired into the control box I can't put them through a gland so I leave the lid a crack open with the cables going in. I've not had any probelms of bugs or anything else getting in so far (touch wood).

[CyberPaddy66]

If your that worried about bugs getting into your brew through a crack in the lid then simply drape a clean towel over the lid.

[StrangeBrew]

I run an aquarium heater and temp sensor into my FV to keep it at the right temperature - since the cables are hardwired into the control box I can't put them through a gland so I leave the lid a crack open with the cables going in. I've not had any probelms of bugs or anything else getting in so far (touch wood).

Ditto

For an airlock to work efficiently the seal between lid and bin when closed has to be reasonably air tight and very often they're not. I've always snapped the lid on tight and cracked open a small area and never had a problem.

[GTATTY]

Hi all

I agree with the above about fermenting bins/buckets not sealing very well.
Just shut the lid and then crack open a little to allow Co2 to escape.
Works for me every time
I only use airlocks when doing brews in fermenting vessels with screw top lids with seals

Regards

Graham

[popric]

In an old Brew book I've got it says you should skim off the scum that appears in the first flush of fermentation because it affects the taste of the beer - anyone know if thats true?

[popric]

Thanks Daab