airlock questions

[l33th4ll]

Got a couple of things to ask aout theese simple looking devices.

1, The water levels never seem to match in my airlock is this normal due to c02 pushing air through (bubbling lovely on my second beer didnt bubble at all on 1st)

2, when i go to take a hydrometer reading and open tap at bottom the airlock sucks through im guessing due to an air vacum but if i remove airlock wouldnt that then suck in oxygen risking infections?

 

[Sean_Mc]

1, yeah the airlocks for letting gas escape and to keep the nasties out, so should only be level once the fermentation is over. Atmosphere pressure can also affect it so don't use your bubbler as a guide for finished brews.

You may have not had a good seal on your first brew.

2, letting oxygen in through the tap could ruin the brew, best to use a sterile turkey baster or wine thief to get samples for readings from the top, a few seconds exposed will do no harm, the thin layer of co2 will help protect it.

Happy brewing Sean :