Youngs Cider Kit - First Brew Question

[Cider Rich]

Hello all,
First post on this forum 'Hi' to everyone.

I have a quick question (I did have a look to see if answered elsewhere on this forum previously but couldn't find easily).

I have just bought a Youngs Home Brew Cider Kit, the one with a plastic 25L brewing bucket.

I have started the brew as per the instructions but it is not clear as to whether the lid needs to be pushed on tight or just left on top loose? It has a tight seal when you push it down, how will it cope with the CO2 build up? Do I need to vent at all? I've done some generic googling to find the answer but keep reading different things!

I appreciate your help.

Rich

[shandypants5]

You need to seal it down , then crack just a small section of the seal open again.

Just enough to let the gases escape but not let flying bugs in.

Or you could drill a hole and fit an airlock, either way is good, but dont leave it sealed completely or it will go BOOM! and no one likes cider on the ceiling

[Cider Rich]

thanks Shandypants, Cider on the ceiling would not be a good result for my first try! I guess that the lid would lift up though rather than the whole bucket exploid though?

What am I trying to achieve when the cider is fermenting? Is it best not to have air outside the bucket to get to the brew, preventing airbourne bacteria contaminating it? Is this why an air release valve would be best? If I was to keep the bucket lid sealed and crack it every day to release CO2 would this be better?

Sorry for the questions!

[lollypopp]

No, just leave it cracked all the time your brew is in the FV, but as stated, just crack a little bit, letting the C02 out, but no bugs in!

[shandypants5]

A lot of folk on here just cover the FV with a towel. no lid at all.

There will be a LOT of Co2 given off so no dirty air will be able to get "in" because of the draught coming "out".

Just leave a little crack and all will be ok. if your REALLY paranoid you could drape a cloth over the crack.

[Cider Rich]

Brilliant. Got a much better idea now, thanks for both your replies.

It's very exciting - I keep looking at it every 20 mins. And it smells lovely already!!

I'm sure I will be back to ask about using the Hydrometer and I also have a question about bottling, but I'll keep that until we are ready.

Thanks again, this forum is a great resouce.

Rich