Batch size in fermentator

[mslauto]

Is there anything wrong with brewing a 2.5 gallon batch and letting it ferment in a 5 gallon pale?

 

[freisste]

No issue for primary as there will be enough CO2 to protect it from oxidation.

If this was a secondary, there would be no more CO2 produced, so no CO2 for protection from oxidation.

 

[Pelican521]

I'm a noob, but from what I understand, the less headspace the better for less oxidation.

But, that's more the case when racking to a secondary. If it's going into the primary to ferment just after pitching your yeast, you should build a good layer of co2 to protect it and I would think you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[mslauto]

Ok I got ya, if I rack to a secondary I would want to use a 2.5 gallon or possibly 2 separate 1 gallon jugs

 

[Neoprene]

Nope! Nothing wrong, I do it all the time for primary fermentation!

 

[mslauto]

Ok cool thank you !

 

[freisste]

Ok I got ya, if I rack to a secondary I would want to use a 2.5 gallon or possibly 2 separate 1 gallon jugs

You want to limit headspace (air) as much as possible. However you do that is up to you.

I have heard of people putting sanitized marbles in to take up a little space.

I'm not going to get into it, but there is a strong following to the idea that secondaries are unnecessary. Do a search and you will find strong opinions. Likely you could just leave in primary (being careful not to disturb too much - don't want to lose that protective CO2 layer) for a few extra weeks. Totally your call.

 

[mslauto]

Maybe you can answer this for me also : I have 2 separate 1 gallon batches that have a airlock with plastic tubing that leads to a cup of water where there is no more bubbles coming out there, but if you look at the brew there is still bubbles coming up and it has been 9 days since I pitched my yeast . Is it safe to remove them yet?

 

[freisste]

You can remove your blowoff setup (hose to cup of water), but replace with an airlock. You have to keep nasties out with something, but at the same time allow the bucket (or bottle or whatever) release pressure.