I have a new Minibrew conical fermenter, and am preparing to use it. It did not come with an airlock, althought there are two 3/4 in. threaded plugs in the lid, where an airlock could be installed. I have regualr airlocks from the caboy days--is there any way to use these?
Is an airlock necessary?
Well, generally speaking an airlock is a good idea, we'll put it that way. An open fermenter (yes even a tiny hole in the top) can allow nasty things into your soon to be tasty beverage that can lead to off flavors, spoiling or unwanted bacteria/yeast that will do more harm than good...or you can get bugs or other creepy crawlies in there or worse....oxygen.
You could always sell (give?) that conical to me...I have just what you need to make it a working fermenter again.
I use a QT vinegar bottle for yeast starters with about the same size hole you describe (3/4") I bought a small predrilled rubber stopper that fits perfectly & allows me to use an airlock for the yeast starter. (grand total...$0.50) invest in one that is drilled & one that is not, plug up both holes & there you go!!
Most brewshops should sell them or check out morebeer.com (2 - #2 stoppers & a #000 plug) not that I'm "plugging" morebeer or anything, but they have them for $0.55 (#2) & $0.35 (#000).
Save yourself the headache of unpredictable fermentation or possible contamination!
Kent
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