Air Lock Question

[MoreBeerEh]

Are you supposed to fill the air lock with water? I started my fermentation on jan 1 and didn't do that. Should I go ahead and do it?

[Wilson]

Yeah, it needs to be filled. You need some liquid in the airlock to allow the co2 to leave while not allowing outside air in. I fill my three piece airlock with cheap vodka, so just in case the fermenter creates a vacuum and sucks the liquid in, it wont contaminate the beer; I do this because plain water may start to grow bacteria, some people use a sanitized solution.

[wortchillergoal]

I would do it now. There is a chance that your beer may be infected. There is a chance your beer is not infected. You will have to let it ferment. If it is infected, you may be able to pick up onit at bottling or racking to the secondary. Don't worry. we all have stories to tell where the beer should've been infected but ended up ok.

[Caffinehog]

It's probably fine. Some people brew with lids loosely placed over their beer, though I don't think that's wise. Do fill it now, and fill it the next time you brew.

[evilredlight]

there is usually a cap ontop of the airlock anywy so there is little chance of airborn yeasts attacking your work.

[mmmBeer...]

As long as your beer is creating CO2 you should be okay...postive pressure should be pushing any nasties out of the fermentor...but fill it as soon as you can.

[MoreBeerEh]

I filled it with Vodka. That puppy is bubbling like crazy. Probably a bubble every like 5 seconds.

[orb]

I am a Vodka fan as well...some people go as far as to use 151 proof Rum but is probably overkill. I refuse to use Iodophor cause I don't want it somehow "sucked into" fermenter. Sometimes plastic primary containers without handles create a negative air pressure on the airlock when you pick them up (be careful). Also, if you have a plastic primary with a spigot, remove the airlock when racking into secondary or it will quickly suck down contents of the airlock into container.