Carboy headspace question

[eadavis80]

My buddy kind of got me interested in 1-gallon batches. So, now I'll have 2 1-gallon jugs. Was toying with making a 5-gallon wheat and then splitting it into 3 different styles: a 3-gallon style and then 2 1-gallon batches. My question is, if I put 3 gallons into a 5-gallon Better Bottle will that be a problem? Will that much extra room promote oxidation? Also, if I brew a 3-gallon BIAB recipe can I use a 6.5 gallon bucket as a primary? Or, would I be better off using a 5-gallon Better Bottle for a primary for a 3-gallon batch?

 

[cmschlatt]

I have the exact same question. Going to start brewing smaller batches so I can brew more often.

 

[barnaclebob]

No issues when using oversized carboys. If you were aging the beer you would want to reduce head space. Also if using a blow off tube be sure to watch out for temperature swings so that it doesn't suck the water back up the tube if the air inside the carboy gets cold.