Primary Question

[Garmoni]

I have a 15 gallon conical fermentation vessel that I used for the first time this week. It has a lid that sits on the top but does not seal tight. Once fermentation is complete how urgent is it to rack to a secondary vessel that can be fitted with an air lock?

 

[neverfadeaway86]

during fermentation the gas should push most oxygen coming in back out, once fermentation is complete the ability for oxygen to get in through a loose seal is much higher. Another point is that you risk oxidizing the beer when racking to secondary as well,

I would let fermentation end and then rack to secondary once I've had multiple readings for my FG at the same level, and when racking I would be very careful to not splash it to much

 

[RPh_Guy]

I have a 15 gallon conical fermentation vessel that I used for the first time this week. It has a lid that sits on the top but does not seal tight. Once fermentation is complete how urgent is it to rack to a secondary vessel that can be fitted with an air lock?

A 15-gallon conical that doesn't seal? Huh?
I'd be sending that back for a refund or figuring out how to seal it properly.