Fermenting in a corny

Ryan_PA · 04-29-2008, 06:36 PM

What is the most volume you would allow to ferment (primary) in a 5 gallon corny?

**Bobby_M** · 04-29-2008, 07:56 PM

I wouldn't go more than 4 for a warm fermented ale, maybe 4.75 for a lager. realize that due to the thinner diameter, that usual 2" krausen is going to be like 4"

Ryan_PA · 04-29-2008, 09:11 PM

So you think 4.5 of an ale fermented at say 57-60 would actually work?

**the_bird** · 04-29-2008, 09:14 PM

I'd definately be experimenting with Fermcap for this. It's an anti-foam agent that lots of people swear by for eliminating much of the huge krausen and alleviating the need for a blowoff tube (I'd still hook one up).

**Bobby_M** · 04-29-2008, 09:57 PM

Well, there's still a bit of headspace even full of 5 gallons so couple that with good temp control and you'll probably be ok. Of course, those are the usual famous last words just prior to krausen stalactites on the ceiling.

Nwcw2001 · 04-29-2008, 11:36 PM

If you measure it out, 5 gallon Corney's hold about 6.5 gallons from the floor up. I did a 5 gallong batch of my Belgian Triple with no problems. Jus hook up a blow off tube and you are good to go. The next time I am going to get some Fermcap just to ensure the headspace.

Ryan_PA · 04-30-2008, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_bird

I'd definately be experimenting with Fermcap for this. It's an anti-foam agent that lots of people swear by for eliminating much of the huge krausen and alleviating the need for a blowoff tube (I'd still hook one up).

I hear ya, but I am thinking of going hard core Reinheitsgebot on this one. No Irish Moss, no priming sugar (plan to prime with gyle)... so the fermcap would make it all for not.

Good suggestion though.

Loweface · 04-30-2008, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nwcw2001

If you measure it out, 5 gallon Corney's hold about 6.5 gallons from the floor up.

Curious...

5 Imperial Gallons = ~24L
6.5 American Gallons = ~24.05L

Coincidence? I think not...

**the_bird** · 04-30-2008, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nwcw2001

If you measure it out, 5 gallon Corney's hold about 6.5 gallons from the floor up. I did a 5 gallong batch of my Belgian Triple with no problems. Jus hook up a blow off tube and you are good to go. The next time I am going to get some Fermcap just to ensure the headspace.

Really? When I'm filling my keg, it sure doesn't look like there's another 1.5 gallons of space in there.

Nwcw2001 · 04-30-2008, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_bird

Really? When I'm filling my keg, it sure doesn't look like there's another 1.5 gallons of space in there.

Yeah When I ran out of carboys and was looking to ferment in a corney, I measured it out 2 quarts at a time. (cuz that was the largest measuring device I have!) And it came out to roughly 6.5 gallons all the way full to the rim no more can fit.