New question. (Carboy as Primary)

ratfink · 10-05-2009, 01:18 AM

I know alot of people don't use a secondary... I'd like to try not using a secondary as well. Can we use a carboy as primary? or is better to get pail, and lid, with one of the air-locks?

If air-locks are better, what's the best way to seal it air-tight?

annasdadhockey · 10-05-2009, 01:21 AM

Not sure why you would want a carboy air tight. You would want to get a drilled rubber stopper to put in the carboy opening, then put your airlock into the drilled out hole in the stopper.

Parker36 · 10-05-2009, 01:21 AM

Buckets are generally better for primary fermentation because there is more space. If you use a 5gal corny with a 5gal batch you risk losing a lot of your beer/krausen/active yeast to blowoff.

You need to have someway to release the gas. There are two types of airlocks (3piece and scurve) and a blowoff hose.

Suthrncomfrt1884 · 10-05-2009, 01:22 AM

You can use whatever you're more comfortable with. I prefer buckets because of the easy access, weight, and price. If you use a bucket, you'll need an airlock. Airlocks are already airtight, hence the name.

ratfink · 10-05-2009, 01:40 AM

Oh I need an air lock bucket? I thought the tiny air-lock (the one you add water to with the rubber stopper) was a modification you can add to a bucket? I have yet to seen a bucket with an air-lock already fastened on the lid at my local store.

I have two air-locks both have a rubber stop and cylinder shapped that you add water too... with a plastic sleeve that covers the pipe so water can't enter and air can be released. .... sorry that's the best I can describe it.

**Grizzlybrew** · 10-05-2009, 02:15 AM

I'm confused at this point...

To answer your original question - YES, you can use a carboy for your primary. I do all the time. The main reason to use a bucket shouldn't have anyhting to do with anything except yeast harvesting post-fermentation.

If you're using a carboy, you use the airlock placed in a rubber stopper. If you're using a bucket, they should be pre-drilled to accept just the airlock (minus the stopper). You are not going to find one already fastened, but you shoudl see pre-drilled tops with a rubber gasket.

Grab the airlock and pull the rubber stopper off. Or... just use a carboy for your primary.

Rick500 · 10-05-2009, 02:22 AM

I like to watch the fermentation, so I use a carboy for a primary fermenter.

ratfink · 10-05-2009, 02:49 AM

So you just use a funnel to get the liquid in there?

Rick500 · 10-05-2009, 02:54 AM

I use an Autosiphon to get the liquid from the kettle into the fermenter (I don't have my March pump hooked up yet), and a funnel to put the yeast starter in.

**Hopheader** · 10-05-2009, 05:16 AM

First-timer's just need to be careful when using a carboy as a primary because of, yes, the lack of space for the fermentation activity. The trick is to use a good blowoff tube (I use the same size tubing as the neck opening of the carboy, no clogging). Some kreusen activity can be pretty aggressive and the extra space in a bucket will surely keep your brew area cleaner.

However, I've gone-glass for primary and not gone back in about 9 months now. Cleaner, and yes: I get to watch the fun! Haha. (though I typically keep it shrouded in a black garbage bag to keep light out)

-J