Secondary transfer container Question

Question about secondary containers. One does size matter? If I have a 6 gallon container can I only put 5 (or less on batch size) in without any ill effects or should I fill as much as I can.

Second question, does it have to be a carboy or can it be a 6 gallon food grade bucket, like what they sell as primary?

 

You shouldn't have to worry about the size of your secondary as the initial fermentation is what you really need the extra space for. Since you probably have a 5 gallon batch, a 6 gallon container will be fine without question.

You can secondary in a bucket or carboy or whatever. Generally, secondarys are just for adding in hops or a flavor to the beer to add to the taste before bottling.

 

If it fits, you're good to go. With a secondary, the less head space the better. It doesn't have to be a carboy, a food grade bucket would work just fine.

 

Alot of people, myself included, are leaving beer in primary for the entire fermentation and skipping secondary altogether. Here's a thread on it and you can decide what's best for you. http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f163/secondary-not-john-palmer-jamil-zainasheff-weigh-176837/