What if I need to secondary...

[therealrsr]

Not trying to start a debate of a done topic. John and Jamil's opinions are definative enough for me. However, I primary in a 7 gallon plastic bucket to hopefully prevent blowouts and rarely need a blow-off which works well for me and the boss. My carboys are 2x 5 gal. and one 3 gal. so I am not dropping a 5 gallon volume primary in them for the above reason. At the same time plastic, even food grade, will leach over time so I really do not like the idea of 4-6 weeks in a plastic bucket. I try to limit petroleum based product exposure in everything I consume, very difficult but a personal choice. Therefore it makes sense for me, at least at this point, to do a secondary in the glass. I also do it as soon as the krausen falls to get if off the plastic as soon as possible. A couple times this backfired as the transfer jump started the process again and it grew fouling the airlock but not yet blowing out(knock on wood).

I know there is nothing wrong with doing a secondary, but not necessary or some would say inadvisable. Still, I have my reason. If someone can give me a better idea I am all ears. (Other than running out to but 6.5 carboys, that money is better spent on recipes.) Thanks!

 

[jvlpdillon]

You made a sound argument of why this works for you. What about splitting between two carboys. put a majority in the 5 gallon, and then do something odd for the 3 gal. dry hopping, adding fruit, souring?

 

[maida7]

Why not just put it in bottles? I see no advantage to letting beer sit in the fermenter for weeks and weeks. When the ferment is done and the yeast has flocculated, put it in bottles (or a keg if you've got that)

 

[therealrsr]

JV, good idea. Unfortunately I have a cyser in the 3 gallon that is taking FOREVER! Better part of 3 weeks and it is still bubbling away, never seen anything like it. I am also a little concerned with all that head space for nasties but don't have the equipment for a 6 plus boil.

Maida, I have racked to a corny for "secondary", I guess I just like to watch it through the glass more than sealing, purging and praying. Stupid? Yes, but this for fun. When I did bottle exclusively and rushed this or that batch into them I thought I noticed variations among them. Probably just me but you get something stuck in your head and hard to get past.

Thank you both very much, good ideas to ponder.