Hey Dave,

Welcome to the online BREW JUNKIES retail operation in disguise! You
would get all of this in one shot from a local kit dealer, it's OK to
keep asking BEFORE something goes wrong.

We use a plastic sheet/trash bag and a large rubber band (or loop of
garment elastic). The idea is that it is self-venting and releases
CO2 at its own rate
but stays sealed from undesired stuff the rest of the time.

We never sold lids as they were not necessary for the primary
fermentation,and the lid probably will blow off anyway. We did not
recommend the plastic bucket for secondary or aging. It's useful to
mix in additives and siphon to/from. I would use the lid to keep the
primary free of dust in between batches, that's all.

Irene (who has heard MUCH crazier questions...)

"Dave" > wrote in message >...
> I have some red wine from a kit ready to start. Do I cover the food bucket
> that I'll be using to ferment? The bucket comes with a lid, which seems to
> be quite airtight (got this from a wine supply shop online). Should I use
> that? I thought it shouldn't be airtight, but as you can see I am getting
> confused.
>
> This is the 3rd or 4th simple question that I've asked thus far, and the
> help has been great. Thanks to all of you.
>
> Dave