Sugar wash with no air lock

[Granham]

First time making sugar wash. I'm going to be using birdwatchers wash recipe, however we're using a 150l barrel and intend to make 100l of sugar shine. The barrel has a tight lid so no air can get in or out, but I'm curious if it's safe to do it without an airlock. Usually we ferment fruit in it and open/stir it twice a day for the first week, and then just once every two days to get the co2 out. It's going to be in a ventilated shed. Can we do the same with the sugar wash? Just pop the lid in the morning and evening to stir the mixture for the first week, and then open it once every day just to check if it's done fermenting? Another question is about temperatures, if the temperature varies from 35c during the day and 20c during the night is it going to be a decent ferment or is the dropoff too low? We haven't invested into aquarium heaters and temperature controllers yet, but if this batch turns out good we'l probably get them for autumn/winter.

[ShineonCrazyDiamond]

Don't secure the lid. Just lay it over it. Or invite me over for the main event of a wash explosion. I don't stay too help clean, though, lol.

Even putting your fermenter in a water bath will help stabilize temp drops. You want relativity consistent temps.

[Deplorable]

No air lock needed. The better you can control the temperature the better the outcome, obviously, but a wash that size is going to make a good amount of its own heat. You'll be fine.

[Yummyrum]

No need to open and stir a sugar wash .
Just pitch the yeast , place the lid loosely so CO2 can escape but critters can’t get in .

I ferment my sugar wash in 200litre barrel . Lid is just a piece of polystyrene with a block of wood on top to hold it down . Gas escapes , flys can’t get in .

[underdog]

I make UJSSM in a plastic Rubbermaid Brute trash can. I just put the garbage can lid on, which isn't anywhere near airtight but seems to keep out the critters and big chunks of airborne trash. I never stir it - just pitch the yeast, put the lid on and walk away. This time of year (warm as heck summer), she takes about three days to stop bubbling, and I'll check that once or twice a day. If you're tossing a couple of tablespoons of yeast into a sugar wash that's been aerated and is at room temperature or above, there's almost no chance that a competing organism will take over your wash. That's the main reason for an airlock.

[jonnys_spirit]

No need to open and stir a sugar wash .
Just pitch the yeast , place the lid loosely so CO2 can escape but critters can’t get in .

I ferment my sugar wash in 200litre barrel . Lid is just a piece of polystyrene with a block of wood on top to hold it down . Gas escapes , flys can’t get in .

Fruit flys? In the shed? Lol!

Re: the sugar wash - I’d just suggest having some reflectix or similar and a bungee to wrap it and help keep the temp consistent. It will generate some heat too so maybe first day or two no wrap? Monitor the wash temp though.

Cheers!
-j

[Yummyrum]

Bungee
Great idea Jonny . I use a piece of rope to tie a blanket around mine . Pain in the arse . Bungee so much better idea . Thanks

[Deplorable]

Bungee chord and reflectix. Essential parts in every kit!