Fermenting without airlock

kingtut

I bought a fermenter recently as part of a starter kit and the instructions indicate that for fermentation you just sit the lid on top (and not snap it closed). It does not come with a pre-drilled hole for an airlock.

Seems to me like I might get bacteria in my brew! Should I just drill a small hole so that I can add an airlock (with one of those rubber seals around the whole obviously) and snap the lid closed?

evolving_doors

kingtut wrote: »

I bought a fermenter recently as part of a starter kit and the instructions indicate that for fermentation you just sit the lid on top (and not snap it closed). It does not come with a pre-drilled hole for an airlock.

Seems to me like I might get bacteria in my brew! Should I just drill a small hole so that I can add an airlock (with one of those rubber seals around the whole obviously) and snap the lid closed?

Yes,
That way you can monitor the activity taking place with the airlock by throwing an eye on the rate the bubbles come up (as well as keeping stuff in the air from entering).

kingtut

evolving_doors wrote: »

Yes,
That way you can monitor the activity taking place with the airlock by throwing an eye on the rate the bubbles come up (as well as keeping stuff in the air from entering).

Perfect thanks, guess I just needed confirmation of what felt right

Carawaystick

no.
Commercial brewries dont even bother having lids on their fermenters.

The pH is low enough to inhibit bacteria, the CO2 above the beer prevents oxygenation, and it is at positive pressure outgassing to reduce moulds, bacteria and yeasts entering.

BeerNut

Just leave the lid on loose so CO2 can escape. You don't need an airlock.

mordeith

FWIW I just made a small hole in the top and pushed the airlock through without any rubber seal. Yet to get an infected brew. As pointed out above though, not even necessary.

evolving_doors

1. You could spot a stuck fermentation very early.
2. It let's you see what activity stage is going on without touching the DJ.
3. Makes you feel like a mad scientist.