Fermenter size help.

Is an 8 gal fermenter big enough for a 5-6 gal batch of brew?

I's assume so since for I think my kits for a 5 gallon batch was 6.5 gallons.

I use a 6 gallon plastic carboy for secondary and a 6.5 gallon pail for primary. If your doing 5 gallon batches you don't want to leave too much head space.

Yes, that's big enough. You should be fine with a large primary like that. Headspace is necessary during fermentation, so you may find it works out perfectly.

Sorry, don't get confused. You don't want alot of head space during secondary to prevent oxidization, if your racking off the trub.

Sweet deal.

Will a 5.5 gallon batch work in the 6.5 gallon bucket? will this leave enough room? thanks for the help

yes, but you'll likely need a blowoff tube. I usually use 6G better bottles for primaries for my 5G batches.

So if i wanna secondary ferment can i use a 5 gal fermenter for a five gal batch?

You will have racking losses.

If you want to end up with a full five gallons to serve, figure on 0.25 gallons of loss each time you transfer.

You would want to have at least 5.50 gallon in your primary fermenter. Depending on how much trub is brought in from your kettle, maybe 5.75 gallons. Figure on at least a 6.5 gallon fermenter to allow for krausen build up. Using Fermcap in your fermenter might allow you to use a slightly smaller fermeter, but I would not go any less than 6.5.

6 gallons for a secondary would be fine. Many people talk about too much headspace, but there is still yeast involved, creating a blanket of CO2 to protect the beer.

You can use a 5 gallon carboy to secondary, but you will not get a full 5 gallons to bottle or keg.