If you are referring to the pickling crock sold at this site, that type doesn't have a moat by traditional design. Things to be pickled will be held under the surface of the brine by use of weights. When you are using one, it's usual to cover the top lightly with a cover of cheesecloth, or muslin- a kitchen towel will also work. though air gets it, because the weights hold the pickling material down beneath the surface, they are not exposed to it. A lidded type of crock with a moat is a more carefree setup, so long as you keep the moat filled with water. If you use the open crock, you just have to make sure you check it. Some minor mold may grow on the surface, which needs to be removed. You may have to top up the brine every so often. And you need to keep it lightly covered to prevent creatures from getting in. But the process going on inside and beneath the brine is all the same, no matter what container you use. They also make fermentation jars now that use an S type gas lock, like what is used for making small batch beer.
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