Are Plastic Carboys A Problem??

[TwistedHalo]

When I purchased my equipment kit from Midwest Supplies I chose to go with the 5 gallon plastic carboy option. Since then I have read "How to Brew" by John Palmer. The immortal Mr. Palmer suggests, multiple times, in his book that plastic carboys are not good for secondary fermentation "because they are too oxygen permeable, causing staling." How much of a worry do you see this being? Obviously, a shorter amount of time in the carboy would allow for less chance of oxygenation. How long do you guys think it would take for a noticeable reaction to happen? I don't want stale or off tasting beer because of too much exposure to oxygen. Thanks for any answers!

The carboy in question http://www.midwestsupplies.com/the-bubbler-5-gallon-plastic-carboy.html

 

[Foosier]

we are talking a long time. months is when you would become concerned.

 

[63belair]

They're not. You expose your beer to more oxygen while racking to secondary than will ever permeate through the carboy wall.

 

[lowgman]

I made the switch about four years ago to all plastic carboys (better bottles) - I never noticed any oxidization even at the 6-8 week mark. They are worth it for the safety and ease of moving them around.

However, I did buy a couple glass carboys for a big Russian imperial stout that I am aging for six months...

 

[Thedutchtouch]

don't bother with a secondary. even less chance of exposure to oxygen.