Fermentation Overflow- How Do You Deal With It?

[MrBillyShears]

Since I have started kegging, I am now brewing for final amount of 6 gallons to get the actual 5 at the end after siphoning from one thing to the next. I am using my 6 gallon carboy for fermentation and I do get some aggressive fermentations and the yeast just gurgles its way out of the fermentation lock.

Now, I know about using a big fat blow-off tube and I have also been told to just stick a tube onto the tube in the fermentation lock for the first few days. Regarding that last idea, I would think the opening would be prone to clogging.

I am just curious how any of you manage that. I may start using the fat blow-off hose solution.

[DannyW]

Big fat tube into a bucket of sanitizer is the easiest to clean up. Make sure the end of the tube just barely goes under the surface of the sanitizer so you don't get any suck-back if the carboy cools before fermentation starts.

you can also just put some foil over the opening and let the splooge ooze down the sides of the carboy, then clean up later. We don't need no steenkin airlocks!

[MrBillyShears]

Yeah, I'm starting to think a decent sized covering of sanitized foil may be the way to go for 'primary.' I just don't want the foil oozing off.

[BDawg]

Go with the fat tube and save yourself the hassle of having to clean dried up krausen off of your carboys, the floor, etc. They aren't that expensive.

[J.Brew]

I second BDawg and Danny, the blow off is the only way to go. I don't even fool around with air locks anymore. Cleaning beer spooge off the floor of the fridge every few batches is no fun. And I strongly echo Danny's "berely under the surface" advice....ask me how I know. Star-San Rye IPA anyone?

[MrBillyShears]

Good to know about the Star San suck-in syndrome. I've had a little come in from my airlock before but from a bucket...

I guess my local hbs will have the big tubage.

Thanks!

[DannyW]

To avoid suck-back from the airlocks, just fill it with enough to barely cover the vents at the bottom of the inner bell. The line they scribe on the outer shell is about 2x as high as you need to go.

If you are using a 1 piece "triple ripple", just fill the bottom two bubbles.

[Who is John Malt?]

Anti-foam drops.