Secondary fermentation

Can I use a bucket for secondary fermentation and if not what will happen if I do

 

If by "bucket" you're referring to a plastic fermenter, then sure.

 

Only concern I've seen on this is the extra airspace may allow for oxidation. But lots o' people here use 'em.

 

If I don't have a carboy should I not do a secondary and thanks for the replies

 

If you're not brewing a beer that needs to condition or age for several months, I would just leave it in the primary for 3-4 weeks. I've went as long as 6 weeks in primary with no ill effects. I've also read where some have gone several months in primary and haven't had a problem.

 

You start running into weird flavors around 8 months on the yeast cake from my experience with 5gal batches. I have never done a secondary. Typically 2-4 weeks in primary. Why secondary when you can have more primaries has been my thought.