not enough water in fermenter?

Hi,

Just brewed my second batch yesterday (True Brew's Oaked Imperial Stout kit), and have good fermentation going currently (been in the fermenter about 24 hours now).

Looking at the directions today, I realized that I forgot the "add water to the fermenter so there's 5 gallons in the tub" step (there's probably 4.5 gals in now).

My question is if there's only 4.5 gallons of waters during the fermentation process, is that going to affect a kit intended for a 5-gallon kit?

I assume it would be a stupid idea to open the fermenter now to top off the tub to 5 gallons, right?

Thanks all!

I wouldn't at this stage...All that really is going to happen is that you will have a slightly higher strength beer. Just remember to use less priming sugar when you go to prime it.

cool, thanks for the info

dont bother, your omission is only going to make a better beer (og=grail)

Like said above, it'll be slightly stronger. And reduce the bottling agent.