Fermentation size

[Kenren10]

My kit directions specifies a 7.9 gallon primary fermentation vessel. I have 6.5 plastic fermentation buckets I ferment beer in.
Question: can I use the 6.5 gallon plastic bucket or a larger aluminum pot.
Thanks for any help.

 

[amandabab]

yes and no.

using juice, concentrate, canned fruit etc, I can do a 6 gallon batch in a 6.5-7gallon must bucket.
the more you go towards real fruit especially stone fruit with skins your going to need a bucket in the 8-10 gallon size.
I dont seal the bucket , just place the lid on it and stir a couple times a day for the first few days and transfer between 1.020 and 1.040 so blowouts aren't a real issue

aluminum is ok for boiling beer wort, but because of your acid level I would use aluminum to ferment wine

 

[Kenren10]

Thank you very much. I guess I'll start tomorrow and use my 6.5 gal bucket. This is a Venters Reserve Chardonnay.