When to use a blow off tube

[donredbull]

So when I was taught how to brew I was told after pitching and aeration to put a blow off tube on. But now that I have been reading more about brewing it seems like the standard practice is to put an air lock on and only attach the blow off tube if you need it. What do you all do? Does it matter if I just attach the blow off tube right after pitching? or am I just thinking about this way to much?

[yso191]

I just always use a blowoff tube.  I may not need it, but that way I don't have to keep checking to see if I do.  They'll both serve the same function if you don't have krausen up into the neck of your fermenter and beyond - that's when you need the blow off tube.

[donredbull]

Thanks for replying so fast

[The Professor]

If your fermenting vessel is large enough, you don't ever need to use a blowoff tube. 
I don't think I've used one in over 21 years.

[tygo]

I'm usually trying to squeeze 5.5 gallons in a six gallon carboy so I almost always need one for ales.  I've learned my lesson and just put it on every time and replace it with the stopper and airlock when appropriate.

[davidgzach]

I'm usually trying to squeeze 5.5 gallons in a six gallon carboy so I almost always need one for ales.  I've learned my lesson and just put it on every time and replace it with the stopper and airlock when appropriate.

+1.  I always start with a blow off tube and switch to an airlock if I need to.

[erockrph]

Outside of weizens, I don't bother with them. But I brew smaller batches so I routinely have 30-50% headspace in primary. I just put some foil over my carboys, and with buckets I just put a dry airlock in the grommet to keep dust from getting in and lay the cover on loosely.

[theDarkSide]

I always use a blowoff tube and rarely ever bother switching to airlock.  I use 6 gallon better bottles with the orange carboy caps and it is so much easier sticking a 1/2" vinyl tube on the large port than trying to jam an airlock in there.

[dbarber]

The only time I use a blow off tube is when I use wyeast 3068 or 3787.

[hokerer]

I do 5.5 gallon batches in 6 gallon better bottles so I always use a blowoff.  Only time I might switch to an airlock would be for extended aging or something like that.

[kylekohlmorgen]

Fermcap.

I can fit 5.5-6 gallons in a bucket and not worry about blow-off.

[davidgzach]

Fermcap.

I can fit 5.5-6 gallons in a bucket and not worry about blow-off.

The evil post! 

[wort-h.o.g.]

i use a 6.5 gal carboy and only ever needed blow off tube with weizens..other than that i haven't had any need.

[jeffy]

I use carboys, usually a five gallon batch in a 6.0, 6.5 or 7 gallon carboy and use aluminum foil to keep things from falling into the beer until the kreusen falls, then I switch to an airlock.

[hokerer]

Fermcap.

I can fit 5.5-6 gallons in a bucket and not worry about blow-off.

I prefer the blowoff.  No questionable additives to my brew plus the blowoff gets rid of the "braun hefe"