While fermenting, The rising bubbles are nitrogen produced by the yeast. They rise to the top and because they are heavier than air, they form a protective layer. I see no reason why you cant open your fermenter to check the SG. Most of us do it. I dont put the wash under air lock till i have allowe a couple of days for the yeast to populate the wash, Then i stir it up and transfer all the settled stuff along with the wash to a carboy under lock.

I use a sanitized cloth during this first phaze. I have on ocasion ran the entire ferment wit just a cloth over the bucket to keep out critters etc.

There is no reason that you cant leave the hydrometer in the fermenter. Especially if its a glass one.

Ok I figured I could just wanted to be sure.. Didn't wanna ruin my first "real" wash.

Thanks BR lol lol

Miss you being in on the action :)

Be fine to take off the lid Just keep it out of strong air currents while the hat is off. I havent used an official S trap type airlock since the old beer and wine making days. Non air tight lid with a garbage bag down over the top seems to work just fine. Prob dont even need the bag. Seems to work about the same with or without. Just a precaution.