6.5 Gal carboy with screw top - ok for primary?

[MurderMittenBrewing]

I just picked up a 6.5 gallon carboy for cheap, but it has a screw top (see the pic below). It fits a #7.5 stopper and seems to be solid. Is there any reason that this type of carboy wouldn't be ok for use as a primary?


6.5 gallon carboy

 

[BlindLemonLars]

It's just fine...those who prefer glass (not me!) would consider it ideal! I used to have one just like it.

Just inspect it carefully for cracks before use. Handle it gently, avoid thermal or physical shock and you'll be cool.

 

[MurderMittenBrewing]

Thanks, BlindLemonLars. What about that type of carboy makes it preferable over a regular carboy? Or just that the 6.5 gallon size makes a good primary?

 

[hcarter]

Check out a Better Bottle. http://www.better-bottle.com/

 

[BlindLemonLars]

Thanks, BlindLemonLars. What about that type of carboy makes it preferable over a regular carboy? Or just that the 6.5 gallon size makes a good primary?

Just the size...it provides more headroom for a 5 gallon batch. If fermenting in a 6 gallon carboy (or certainly a 5 gallon one!) you're more likely to need a blow-off tube, rather than a simple airlock.

I use 6 gallon Better Bottles for primaries, and it would be nice if they were 6.5 or even 7 gallons. With big beers, I add a few drops of Ferm-Cap to prevent blow-off.

 

[brrman]

BTW - the 6.5 with screwtop is called an acid carboy. I have one and always use it for those batches where I know the yeast will be a little "overactive"

 

[MurderMittenBrewing]

BTW - the 6.5 with screwtop is called an acid carboy. I have one and always use it for those batches where I know the yeast will be a little "overactive"

Good info, thanks! Do you know if they make caps that screw onto the top that will fit an airlock?

 

[android]

you can get caps that fit over the top that will fit an airlock, but a stopper works just fine and i think most probably just do that.

 

[kappajoe]

Every 6.5 acid carboy that I owe has a screw top.... I would recommend using a blowoff tube... that extra 1.5gals of airspace is not quiet enough room for some beers.