Question regarding Air Locks

[WineSwine]

Soooo, My 5 gallon carboys are bulk aging in a cabinet in my house, House stays at 70 degrees F. I keep coming home to emptyish 3 piece air locks. Either they are drying out super fast or maybe if i turn heat down to 65 when I go to work its sucking the water into the carboy. I'm not sure that is possible if properly filled with a 3 piece... I'm afraid there could come a set of days that I forget to check, Has anyone had similar experience with this, Or ever used the silicone waterless air locks?

 

[Floandgary]

The 3 piecer's are more susceptible to evaporative fluid loss than S-type. Are your carboys properly topped up? If too much airspace, temp swings can have a greater affect.

 

[FTC Wines]

WineSwine, my 3 piece air locks usually last 2+ weeks before they need refilling. I have a constant 68* and a fairly constant 62 % humidity. BUT identical wines size by side, the air locks will be very different! Not sure why they are soooooo diferent. But they are. Roy

 

[JimmyT]

I try to use the waterless airlocks on everything they'll fit in when bulk aging to avoid this. I get very busy at times and forget to check them regularly. I only use the 3 pieces on active ferments and wine bottles full of what wouldn't fit in carboys.

 

[NorCal]

I swear by the silicon air locks for the carboys and barrels. There are enough other things to worry about.

 

[olusteebus]

Use glycerine, it will not evaporate.

 

[Runningwolf]

I second use Glycerine

 

[ColemanM]

Will glycerine mold or spoil in the air locks?

 

[JimmyT]

Will glycerine mold or spoil in the air locks?

Or attract insects???

 

[terrymck]

Contact Steve, the All In One Pump guy. He has the headspace eliminator that you put under vacume. Never adulterate your wine again! Never worry about headspace again.