The function of the airlocka and its consequences...

[InCider]

Hello Brewers,

As a virgin homebrewer, with a batch if cider down as a first run, I think I made an error with the airlock. I am using a 2nd hand Brigalow kit. When putting the brew down, I just inserted the airlock dry. After about 24 hrs, enlightenment hit me and I added water to the airlock so it is no longer a snorkel. Is there a chance of infection from the exposure? All kit was sterilised like a borrowed mouthguard. I appreciate any hints or things to look for. I had no instructions, just used the Force.

InCider.

[General]

Excellent work InCider.

Don't think you have much to worry about, from memory the brigalow came with a barrel like airlock, which means the airbourne nasties would need to get in in an upward motion, go down, up and down again, all this while fighting a slight backdraft of cO2 eminating from the fermenter.

Good chance that you are ok, search the forum for the word infection, there is much hot debate about this topic, and you can sift the info for your own opinion on it, but it is a great read, and will give you warning signs to look for.

Hope I'm helping, never had an infection myself.

[munkey]

yeh i agree, it takes a hell of a lot to infect a brew,

iv had my hands in it fixing leaky barrels and such (after rincing them in sanotising solution ofc) but still iv never infected a brew and iv done some dodgy things like used unsanitised syphon tubes by accident, and had to use my mouth to start the syphon and put the end that was in my mouth in the beer (also by accident). yo need to do something realy stupid or jsut be very unlucky to get an infected brew.

[InCider]

yeh i agree, it takes a hell of a lot to infect a brew,

iv had my hands in it fixing leaky barrels and such (after rincing them in sanotising solution ofc) but still iv never infected a brew and iv done some dodgy things like used unsanitised syphon tubes by accident, and had to use my mouth to start the syphon and put the end that was in my mouth in the beer (also by accident). yo need to do something realy stupid or jsut be very unlucky to get an infected brew.

Thanks General and & Munkey,
I appreciate the help - I've got the barrel airlock and all reasonalby well sanitised. I wasn't sure how anal I had to be about cleanliness! I'll be laying down another brew - beer this time, right after the Cider so I can work on a stockpile and concentrate on making a brew to my own tastes. A bloke in Woolies today said he adds 2 litres of lemonade to the brew when he puts it down - makes it smoother and creamier he reckons - have you heard of that before?

InCider.

[Rubber.Piggy]

intaeresting idea, It would add quite a bit of sugar as well.

[Aussie Claret]

He's probably trying to make a shandy.
AC

[General]

Hey Munkey,

starting your siphon by submerging the whole tube, covering the end with your finger, and then letting it flow into the new vessel would be better than mouth-starting.

Just an FYI.