can i use a...

[ptpeter]

hey,

All of the other batches i've done i've used a glass carboy and right now i dont have any more carboys available, BUT i do have a used water cooler carboy/bottle. Now would that work if i cleaned it enough? or is it not worth it? any input would be awesome.

Peter

 

[ScottT]

It's not adviseable but it's also possible. Those plastic carboys are oxygen permeable and can lead to staleing of your brew. If you're only going to use it for a 1 week primary, you might get away with it. I sure wouldn't use one for a 2 week secondary though.

 

[wild]

Peter,
You get far more oxygen in a single transfer than you do sitting in a plastic bucket or carboy for a week or two. You won't be able to use the 5 gallon bottle for a primary unless you're doing 4 gallon batches or less due to kreusen. But you can buy a bottle of water from the grocery store, brew with it and use the plastic bottle a couple of times then return it for the deposit or for another bottle of water.

Good luck,
Wild

 

[Brewsmith]

Time to buy another carboy. Pretty soon you'll find you need a third, or fourth...