Should I have 6 or 6.5 gallon glass carboy?

SW Brewer · 06-20-2007, 09:16 PM

I want to start primary fermenting in a glass carboy and only have one five gallon glass carboy. I would like to ferment without using a blowoff hose (my wife would lose it), so I would like room for the fermentation to complete without blowing an airlock off the top. Anyone have any thoughts?

Greg

**DeathBrewer** · 06-20-2007, 09:17 PM

6.5 gallon is standard for beer primary. 6 is generally used for wine-making.

GoBrewers · 06-20-2007, 09:20 PM

Even with a 6.5, there is no guarantee you won't need a blowoff tube at some point. And a blow-off setup is a whole lot prettier than a floor/walls full of krausen. I started with a 6 gal and moved up to a 6.5 when I started making wine. Now I just use the 6.5, just because its more versatile.

SW Brewer · 06-20-2007, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeathBrewer

6.5 gallon is standard for beer primary. 6 is generally used for wine-making.

Man, thats some quick service!!! Thanks!

**DeathBrewer** · 06-20-2007, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoBrewers

Even with a 6.5, there is no guarantee you won't need a blowoff tube at some point. And a blow-off setup is a whole lot prettier than a floor/walls full of krausen. I started with a 6 gal and moved up to a 6.5 when I started making wine. Now I just use the 6.5, just because its more versatile.

LoL, i answered a little too quickly...didn't even read the whole question.

above is true, too. if brewing a hefe or any beer over...uh, say 1.050 OG, i would use a blowoff tube, especially if using a starter.

blow-off tubes are easy, too. might as well!

CBBaron · 06-20-2007, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SW Brewer

I want to start primary fermenting in a glass carboy and only have one five gallon glass carboy. I would like to ferment without using a blowoff hose (my wife would lose it), so I would like room for the fermentation to complete without blowing an airlock off the top. Anyone have any thoughts?

Greg

Whats so bad about a blowoff hose? Now having a top blow off is going to upset the wife.
I've had several beers blowoff (through a hose) using a 6.5gal bucket, so I would not trust a 6.5 gal carboy to stay clean. You maybe able to get by with a 7.9gal bucket fermenter if you avoid really big beers and hefes.
Craig

SW Brewer · 06-21-2007, 01:35 AM

My wife is already a bit leery about my "disreputable" hobby, and I dont want to push my luck. I will get a hose and use it if necessary, but only then

Greg