How much is too much of an air gap?

[Grunaki]

I just started my first cider kit.. A 'Black Rock' one from New Zealand.

I was just wondering though.. I bought a new primary fermenting bucket with an airlock for making it, but the capacity is 30 Litres and the kit is for 23 litres.

I filled it up to 23 litres, but the gap is about 4 inches from the top of the bucket. Is that likely to affect the flavour?

 

[oldbloke]

The CO2 generated by the ferment will protect it, if you don't stir it up.

 

[Grunaki]

The CO2 generated by the ferment will protect it, if you don't stir it up.

That's alright then.. I'm not one for messing with them once they're going anyway.. This bucket is a translucent plastic, so I can see what's going on.. (My beer bucket is opaque plastic, but I don't leave it in there too long - I usually shift it over to the carboy in 3-4 days and those are see-through).

Cheers! :)