matt1776

Recipes 

Hopefully I'm posting in the right sub-forum.

I'm wanting to experiment and do a 2.5 or 3 gallon batch. I know I'll need to buy a 3 gallon carboy or better bottle. I"m wondering if those provide enough head space for primary fermentation or if they are better used as a secondary fermenter.

I've only done 5 gallon batches before, so I'm unsure where to start. Can I use my 5.5 (or whatever it is) glass carboy that I normally use for secondary fermentation (on 5 gallon batches) for a small batch primary?

Or would a 3 gallon carboy work for a 2.5 gallon batch? If so, what do I use for secondary fermentation.

I'd appreciate any advice!

Matt

Revvy

Recipes 

I've used my 5 gallon glass carboy for 2.5-3 gallon batched with no problem.

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matt1776

Recipes 

How did you do secondary fermentation? Did you transfer it out, clean the 5 gallon and then transfer it back in?
Matt

Revvy

Recipes 

I don't secondary, I opt for a month long primary instead.

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sp1365

Recipes 

I only do 2.5-3 gallon batches. I use a 5 gallon BB for primary and then I have two 3 gallon BBs for secondary.

HarkinBanks

Recipes 

I wouldn't secondary with small batches, you lose too much on transfer. Let it ride for a month in the primary like Revvy said, you will be happy. I even dry-hop now in my primary with great success.

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Primary:
Secondary: Berliner Weisse
Conditioning:
Drinking: Belgian Wit, Dry Stout, Levitation
On Deck: Pliny the Elder>Ordinary Bitter Partigle

Proud member of the CB20 club
Final Int-E-gration 120v (CB20 HERMS Batch or BIAB)