airlocks vs. stoppers vs. carboy caps

[tln]

I read airlocks are recommened in case fermentation takes off again. But if I'm certain there will be no more fermentation, is one choice better than the others? I'm worried my carboy caps may not be keeping the air out.

Also, is there a chart that shows stopper sizes coorelated to a carboy sizes?

[StockeyDAW]

I read airlocks are recommened in case fermentation takes off again. But if I'm certain there will be no more fermentation, is one choice better than the others? I'm worried my carboy caps may not be keeping the air out.

Also, is there a chart that shows stopper sizes coorelated to a carboy sizes?

Here is kind of a long -winded chart for carboy bungs - at least the size is all there. Cheers Daw


Rubber Stoppers

Drilled stoppers have 3/8 in center hole.
Diameter Drilled Stoppers Solid Stoppers
Description Top - Bottom Cat # Price Qty Buy Cat # Price Qty Buy
#000
Fits 3/8" hole 1/2" - 3/8" FA300 $0.30
#2
Fits beer bottles 3/4" - 5/8" FA200 $0.70 FA302 $0.50
#3
Fits wine bottles 15/16"- 3/4" FA202 $0.75 FA304 $0.50
#5 1/2 1 1/8" - 1" FA204 $0.80 FA306 $0.50
#6
Fits gallon jugs 1 1/8" - 1 1/16" FA206 $0.85 FA308 $0.70
#6 1/2
1 3/8" - 1 1/8" FA208 $0.90 FA310 $0.65
#7
Fits 3, 5, 6 & 6.5
gal. carboy 1 7/16" - 1 3/16" FA210 $0.95 FA312 $0.75
#7 1/2 1 1/2" - 1 1/4" FA212 $1.00 FA314 $1.00
#8
Fits 1000 ml.
flask 1 5/8" - 1 3/8" FA214 $1.10
#8 1/2 1 11/16" - 1 7/16" FA216 $1.60 FA316 $1.20
#9 1/2 1 13/16" - 1 1/2" FA218 $1.80 FA318 $1.30
#10
Fits Better Bottle
plastic carboy 1 15/16" - 1 5/8" FA220 $1.90 FA320 $1.40
#10 1/2 2 1/16" - 1 3/4" FA222 $2.10 FA322 $1.70
#11
Fits 15 gal.
demi john 2 1/4" - 1 15/16" FA224 $2.20 FA324 $1.80
#11 1/2 2 1/2" - 2" FA226 $3.40 FA326 $2.50
#12 2 9/16" - 2 1/8" FA228 $3.60
#13
Fits Party Pig 2 11/16" - 2 5/16" FA230 $3.60

Universal Carboy Bungs

[Mamgiowl]

I read airlocks are recommened in case fermentation takes off again. But if I'm certain there will be no more fermentation, is one choice better than the others? I'm worried my carboy caps may not be keeping the air out.

Also, is there a chart that shows stopper sizes coorelated to a carboy sizes?

Get yourself some safety bungs. They are not very expensive and will save a lot of mess if fermentation starts up again.

[Duffbeer]

I agree, 90% of my wines have safety bungs fit, not only for the possibility of re ferment, they allow excess co2 to escape, and will handle any expansion/contraction due to temperature/ atmospheric change. No need to worry about bungs blowing or airlocks drying out.

[Hippie]

All the same, airlocks are OK to use during bulk aging. You should be checking on the wine now and then anyway, at least once a week, and then you can be sure the vodka in the airlock is at a satisfactory level.

[lockwood1956]

I too use airlocks, but you do need to keep them topped up, safety bungs are good too

[tln]

Here’s what prompted me to ask. I washed a carboy, added SO2 solution, put on one of those orange caps with a couple long ports with white caps sticking out of the top. Anyway, I gave it a good shake and SO2 solution leaked out from somewhere. I assume if liquid can get out…then air can get in. I think I will take your advice and buy some safety bungs.
Thanks much!

[lockwood1956]

I use the orange carbuoy caps, but find that it is important to soak them for a few minutes before use in hot water, to keep them flexible. You could however use a jubilee clip around the base of them if you are worried about O2 ingression.

for my $0.02 the bung/airlock route is the preferred option (but we are all different)