Short brewing and air lock bubbling paranoia

[munkian]

Evening gents

I'm still fairly new to this (5 kits in) and have always been a little paranoid about the lack of air lock bubbling when I short brew

Is this simply because there is more room for the carbon dioxide if I brew 5 litres less in a 25 ltr FV so less escapes through the airlock ?

When I did my first brew (24 ltrs) the lock bubbled like mad but when I started short brewing slightly its far less active.

My current 2 can IPA brew (20ltrs) has the fv lid inflated after 24hrs but no encouraging bubbles

 

[alawlor66430]

Probably just a coincidence mate, I wouldn't worry to much, never judge your brews by the performance of the air lock, judge it by the hydrometer readings it's really the only way you should,
just remember to keep a steady temp and check the hydrometer reading 1 week In then as it's approaching the fortnight give it a test three days on the bounce and look for a steady reading, if it's still dropping give it a little more time, play the long game and let it take it's own time

 

[munkian]

Cheers :

 

hi munkian ... :thumb: .
i always tape my lids down now...
so it can only come out of the air lock ....

but as adam has pionted out its not important ...
i just like to see /hear the bubbles.... ..

ps thats vodka in the bottle ...
i use it in my air locks ...
regards mick.... :hat: .

 

[taxidiver]

I've never used an airlock, just a loose fitting lid. As long as its got a head on the brew its producing carbon dioxide which should protect it.

Geoff

 

[Ian...]

I'm another who doesn't use an air lock for beer (wine yes!). done about 20 brews now without a problem.
:

 

[winelight]

I never used to use one, I do now but mainly to amuse my 6-year-old. It's completely unnecessary and I always wait 2 weeks regardless.

 

[rpt]

I used one for my first brew but not since. One of several pieces of kit I wouldn't have bought if I started again.

 

[munkian]

Cheers guys, much appreciated, I generally leave it two weeks anyway :thumb:

 

[springtime]

If you want to watch bubbles don't use a brew bucket with a snap on lid, use a screw top fermenter like this one http://www.the-home-brew-shop.co.uk/acatalog/25_ltr_Fermenter_with_a_4_inch_top.html#.UTTh3jfya58

 

[munkian]

Its not that I enjoy bubbles

I was just trying to rationalize the science behind it, less liquid = more space for the gas = less gas streaming out and 'bubbling'

 

[springtime]

If you have a snap on lid brew bucket it is inevitable that there will be a gas leak around the lid seal.
It's therefore difficult to compare one brew against another regarding the amount of co2 gas produced.

 

[munkian]

Fair play. Cheers

 

[alawlor66430]

Well I think you do just enjoy bubbles lol

 

[munkian]

Just put some duct tape round it - bubbling like a fool now :ugeek: :