Just a wee question on lid seals for the primary fermentation process. Does the lid need to fit tight or can it just simply be resting on top loosely. The reason I am asking is I have had a few batches bubble over during the primary fermentation process and was wondering if this affected the alcohol content or anything else. I usually just leave the plastic lid loosely placed on top of the bucket to keep whatever out....
Primary Lid
Apr 05, 2004
2 Replies
I frequently just use a cloth cover for my primary. You want to keep bugs and dust out but it is good for it to breath. The main thing about not bubbling over is don't fill it too full. Usually 1/2 to 3/4 full is fine during primary.
Ray
I don't use a lid w/airlock at all in primary. Instead, I just drape a towel over it to keep the dust and stuff out. In early fermentation, the must needs oxygen, so I've never understood why use a lid. By the time it starts getting sensitive to oxygen, you're racking it to a carboy for secondary, so...
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