2nd batch - Air Lock

[Planet Squirrel]

Hi all,

Been away for a bit, sorting out Babys christening, 1st birthday, going on holiday and general stuff, but now back and ready to set up my second batch of home brew. I was more than happy with how my last one turned out, but I have one question; should I fit an air lock?

On the first fermentation I put all the stuff in the 5G tub and shut the lid, but I didn't have an air lock, the lid did flex out under pressure, but not too much to worry; the beer was lovely but I didn't need to add any c02 thorugh the entire pressure barrels life, and to start with a half pint filled to a pint with foam.

So really the question is should I buy and fit an air lock to my 1st fermenter? was it pure luck I didn't flood the kitchen with beer? Will the air lock help with the foamy head?

Thanks for any answers, I hope to get this set up this afternoon, unless you say get an air lock in which case I'm going shopping first. :)

 

[Brewmarc]

sounds to me that the Co2 was escaping through the lids rim under the pressure of primary fermentation otherwise you may have had a nasty mess :nono: I would fit an airlock, It will also give you an indication of the primary fermentation's progress.

On the other point it sounds to me that you may have kegged a bit early causing excess carbonation, if you can rack to a secondary FV under airlock & leave for a couple of weeks befor priming & kegging it will behave much better . There will be more than enough yeast in suspension for carbonation without the gushing. :thumb: :