2 kegging questions

[timrox1212]

1. Do I have to put all 5 gallons into my keg? Can I put in 4 and bottle 1? If so any adjustments?

2. Do I turn off and disconnect my co2 when it has carbed or do I leave It on and attached at all times even when serving?

 

[StLouBrew]

I'm very new to this too, but from what I've read in other threads here, there a are a lot of guys who bottle a small portion and keg the rest. You will have to make some calcs on how much priming sugar you use for the bottled portion.

And I believe, you'll keep your CO2 connected at low pressure. But let's let some real experts weigh in and say for sure. My keg fridge just shipped... anxiously awaiting delivery.

Good luck!

 

[LLBeanJ]

No, you don't have to fill your keg. You can partially fill it and bottle the rest.

Leave CO2 on until the keg goes dry. If your system is properly balanced with the proper length of 3/16" ID beer line (usually 10-12'), you carb and serve at the same pressure setting (usually 10-12 psi).

 

[pelipen]

You can partially fill, just purge the headspace with CO2 well.
I brew 6 gallons for this reason. I keg 5 and bottle about 4-6 swing tops after losses.
It's nice to compare the bottle conditioned against kegged.
I also cheat and add sugar directly to bottles so I don't have to deal with a bottling bucket for small quantities. I carb on the low side, so slight inconsistencies don't bother me.

Leave the CO2 on, as long as you have confirmed no leaks. The only time I turn it off is if I leave on vacation. One time I had a bad post and I lost a gallon before the pressure dropped enough. Glad I had sealed the corners with silicone.

 

[timrox1212]

Ok another question I have is when I turn down my psi from 30 which it is at now to 10 to get ready to serve do I have to pull the release valve on top at all? If so how much/how long?

 

[BigFloyd]

Ok another question I have is when I turn down my psi from 30 which it is at now to 10 to get ready to serve do I have to pull the release valve on top at all? If so how much/how long?

Disconnect the gas line or turn off the shut-off if you have one on the line. Release all of the pressure. Reset the reg to 10psi and turn it back on.

Hopefully, you didn't have it at 30psi for more than 24-30 hours (if the keg was chilled). Otherwise, it will be over-carbed.