Why use a bubbler?

[topconker]

Been reading lots of posts where brewers are using a bubbler/airlock to ferment their brews, why?
During the primary fermentation so much co2 gas is given off and it being heavier than air provides a superb barrier to airbourne infections.
Only after this initial fermentation does the level go down which calls for an airlock to be used and then only after the initial racking.
If anyone is doubtful, lift the lid during the fermatation and take a good whiff, when you get off the floor you'll know what I mean. (joking of course, be careful).
Know this might sound contentious but it helps for everyone to know good brewing practises and how to produce good sound beers.
TC

 

[jamesb]

Bubbles look good. QED.

 

[ano]

Been reading lots of posts where brewers are using a bubbler/airlock to ferment their brews, why?
During the primary fermentation so much co2 gas is given off and it being heavier than air provides a superb barrier to airbourne infections.
Only after this initial fermentation does the level go down which calls for an airlock to be used and then only after the initial racking.
If anyone is doubtful, lift the lid during the fermatation and take a good whiff, when you get off the floor you'll know what I mean. (joking of course, be careful).
Know this might sound contentious but it helps for everyone to know good brewing practises and how to produce good sound beers.
TC

Why not? Some breweries ferment in open squares, plenty ferment under airlocks. If you're looking to produce consistent beer wouldn't you want to control the system as much as possible? ie ferment under an airlock? You think that fermenting under airlock doesn't produce 'good sound beer'?

And co2 might be heavier than other constituent parts of air but don't forget we can still breathe.

 

[topconker]

You think that fermenting under airlock doesn't produce 'good sound beer'?

Ano,
My point is why suggest we should brew under airlock when there is no real need for it.
Airlocks can give as many problems aa they solve, especially when people add unsterilised water into them and it bubbles back.

And co2 might be heavier than other constituent parts of air but don't forget we can still breathe.

Sorry, you lost me here.
TC

 

[leondz]

I suppose it's hard to know precisely when to stick on the airlock based on CO2 blanket thickness. I personally go for a clingfilm- and lid-covered bucket for the first 7 days, to stop big things falling in and be sure of keeping out drosophila melangaster (the bugger).

 

[topconker]

Ah, the dreaded vinegar fly eh!
In all the years of brewing at about 1 brew per week for 48 weeks of the year over 8 years, (yes 8),I never got it.
That's by good brewing practice, good beer management, no airlock on primary fermenter and long secondary rests.
I dont say airlocks are not good, just not neccesary, how many time have people gone to look at their beer, (to see how it's going), and ended up inducing aitlock water into their brew as the pressure changed when lifting lid.
TC

 

[leondz]

Interesting. Sadly I don't have a 5 gal bucket for beer, just FVs, which almost beg for an airlock - and I put only a little water in to keep them quiet - further half an airlock's full of water can't affect the beer very much at all, one would hope - but I may start doing primaries with good old clingfilm and string again. You have a bit of a nit picky point, I think, but certainly not an invalid one!

 

[topconker]

nit picky point maybe, but attention to detail makes the diifference between a good beer and a great beer.
TC

 

[Moley]

The lids of 3 of my FVs are fly-tight but not airtight (FV1 30L beer, FV2 5gal wine, FV3 3gal wine) so they aren't drilled for traps. Occasional FV4 (not quite 3gal wine) is drilled for trap & bung.

Beers start to clear and are bottled from Primary, wines are under airlock as soon as they are in DJs. Traps are filled with vodka, so it doesn't matter if I ever get a suck-back.

 

[tubby_shaw]

You think that fermenting under airlock doesn't produce 'good sound beer'?

Ano,
My point is why suggest we should brew under airlock when there is no real need for it.

Who suggested that we brew under airlock and where ?
A lot of new FV's come with lids that are pre drilled for an airlock so one gets fitted rather than leave a hole for insects to crawl into, also many people are not able to deal with their beer immediately when the initial fermentation is over. If it is under airlock it can be left for a few days without worrying :thumb:

 

[topconker]

A lot of new FV's come with lids that are pre drilled for an airlock so one gets fitted rather than leave a hole for insects to crawl into, also many people are not able to deal with their beer immediately when the initial fermentation is over. If it is under airlock it can be left for a few days without worrying

Does that not therefore suggest by buying these FVs an airlock is required?
Brewers are being induced into fitting airlocks by the pre-drilled holes.
Why not cover the hole with a bung or even better buy a FV without the hole?
Anyway, how many time have we really seen bugs "crawling" into FVs?
Really? I dont think so!!
TC

 

[topconker]

also many people are not able to deal with their beer immediately when the initial fermentation is over.

Surely, brewers dont just make a brew without thinking about when it will need racking do they?
TC

 

[Aleman]

In my 25 odd years of brewing I've seen bugs crawling round the FV . . . and the CO2 knocks them unconscious so they fall in . . .

also many people are not able to deal with their beer immediately when the initial fermentation is over.
Surely, brewers dont just make a brew without thinking about when it will need racking do they?
TC

I know when I plan to rack my beer . . . sometimes life just gets in the way . . . my last beer spent two weeks longer in the FV than I intended

 

[Wez]

I found a load of ants on my FV lid, thank god I had an airlock rather than the lid just snapped off...


Phew :thumb:

 

[tubby_shaw]

Sometimes REAL life gets in the way
If your beer is under airlock it gives an amount of leeway :thumb:

edited for spelling

 

[A T]

how many time have we really seen bugs "crawling" into FVs?
Really? I dont think so!!
TC

I actually found 3 dead wasps in a fermenter last summer, i didn't actually see them crawling in but i don't think Scotty beamed them in there, do you? Airlock ever since :thumb:

 

[topconker]

Steady guys, this thread was only written to provoke discussion and looks like it's succeeded.
3 dead wasps? through a cracked open FV lid??????? at least the co2 got em eh! so maybe you dont need an airlock.
25 years eh aleman, and still getting ants around the FV, maybe time to call in Rentokill methinks. Where do you keep the FV? the garden? surely we all need to look after our brews and where we store them during the fermentation.
Seriously guys, it was a serious thread.
Maybe I should go back to brewing rather than sharing some of the knowledge and experience I have, (sorry aleman, only 8 years serious competitions), not including the brewing since 1970. (God that means 39 years, but who's counting eh)?
Maybe I'll see some of you at the National Show, (3 times National Champion and twice runner up), next year when I can get the chance to judge some of your entries, or even the wales & West Show, (record holder of 7 times winner), some of you competion brewers will now know who I am, see you at J&TB.
TC

 

[Aleman]

Frankly I don't give a damn about awards won at shows . . . I brew cause I like my beer and don't give a flying F*ck what other people think of it

 

[A T]

3 dead wasps? through a cracked open FV lid???????
TC

Did i say the lid was cracked????????

 

[bolty]

I prefer me and my mates/family to drink my beer, rather than someone else I don't know drinking my beer and giving it a nod. Think its a waste of good beer in my opinion.

Its all good giving your experience, but if other peoples vary then don't turn it into a p!ssing contest and take insult. It's a friendly forum and lets keep it nice.

Cheers

Bolty :drunk: