Advice regarding airlocks

[linearcraig]

This is my first time using an airlock.

I have a one piece airlock which has a u bend in it.

I filled it with water so both sides of the u bend were about 3/4 full.

I've cone back to a small pool of water and the gas has pushed the water out of the first side of the u bend into the next so the first chamber is empty and the second is full

Is this normal?

 

[popps100]

simple answer is YES thats how they work you will notice it bubbling ,,,put a less water in next time i fill to about a third

 

[linearcraig]

Great! Wasn't really worried asking as there's water between the nasties and the yeasties thanks

 

[eggman]

A lot of people use them others don't at all, personally I don't really see the need for them cracking the seal on the lid serves the same purpose and is less to sanitise
Just don't rely on them for indications that fermentation is underway or stopped as some people do, the gas tends to find other ways out unless you have a screw top fermenter
:

 

[linearcraig]

I have a screwtop fermenter so the airlock seemed wise.

Will be using my SGs to say when its done.

 

[eggman]

I have a screwtop fermenter so the airlock seemed wise.

:thumb: Always fancied getting one of them but i'm a tight **** so I end up buying the cheap ones :lol:

 

[linearcraig]

12 quid out of wilkos

 

[Dieseljockey]

As long as there's liquid of some sort just in the bottom of the bend that's all there is to it... :thumb: some folks put a drop of Vodka in, no problem then if it gets sucked back into your brew.