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Patton191 · 03-12-2009, 04:33 AM

Would it be a bad idea to pickup two buckets and just split the batch? I have a load of little 2.5 gallon buckets. Would that be too much to split up? If I did 2.5 gallons buckets could I use 3 and use 2 in 2 of them and 1 gallon in the other? Does a smaller amount of brew, give a smaller amount of krausen? I really don't want another carboy, because I am not a huge drinker, I just have some grains that I wanna use.

KerryD · 03-12-2009, 11:27 AM

You can divide the batches up, just be mindful of splitting the yeast evenly.

dagamore · 03-12-2009, 12:04 PM

if you are in the states, why not go to your local HBS and get a 6 or 6.5 gallon Glass/better bottle carboy. I got my glass ones for ~40usd and you can get the better bottles for about the same price. They can last for ever, are you really that short of cash that you cant get a full sized carboy?

**JPicasso** · 03-12-2009, 12:23 PM

Buckets are even cheaper. about $10-15.

The only problem I see with splitting a 5 gallon batch into three separate units is making sure you evenly distribute the yeast. I suppose if you pitch, stir/aerate then divide it would work okay.

**conpewter** · 03-12-2009, 12:51 PM

you can even use 5 gallon buckets from home depot, you'd just need to either brew a smaller batch (4 gal) or use some fermcap foam control drops to keep it from blowing off.

jmlabeck · 03-12-2009, 01:06 PM

I just made a 4-gal batch in a fermenter I got FREE. I used the 5-gal plastic jug that held the frying oil my restaurant uses. With the amount of frying oil used by most fast food places, it should be easy to get, and it worked great.

Joe

obezyana1 · 03-12-2009, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmlabeck

I just made a 4-gal batch in a fermenter I got FREE. I used the 5-gal plastic jug that held the frying oil my restaurant uses. With the amount of frying oil used by most fast food places, it should be easy to get, and it worked great.

Joe

That sounds like a good idea, but I hope you found a way to get all traces of oil out of that thing or you can kiss the head on your beer goodbye.

jmlabeck · 03-12-2009, 02:11 PM

Oil residue was not a problem. A good wash, soak, and rinse, and all traces were gone. The beer has conditioned, and heads up nice.

kryolla · 03-12-2009, 02:21 PM

If you are not a big drinker just brew a 2.5 gallon batch. Just cut the 5g batch in half

obezyana1 · 03-12-2009, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmlabeck

Oil residue was not a problem. A good wash, soak, and rinse, and all traces were gone. The beer has conditioned, and heads up nice.

Awesome! I may have to go to a few local restaurants and see if I can pick some of those up.