Do glass fermentors (carboy type) need to be clear?

[meason32]

Hey guys, I'm new to brewing and have been doing extensive research before I do my first batch. I was wondering if your glass carboys need to be clear? I'm looking to start out brewing small batches using the 1 gallon jugs. I have a couple amber color gallon jugs that are from a growler shop. I was wondering if I could ferment in them.

 

[AlCophile]

Damn good question! Glass is colored by adding metal salts to the melt. I have NO idea if any metal could be leached out. Plenty of wine mfgrs. use colored jugs, and I have a few I use for Concord grape wine. I think I'll be phasing them out. If you have a choice, I'd go with clear glass unless you can find info about metals coming out.

 

[meason32]

Sweet thanks for the reply. I just have the growlers laying around and wanted to put them to good use without spending more money getting everything I need to get started (I'm a broke college student).

 

[NTXBrauer]

They should work fine to ferment in. The only downside is that you will not be able to see what is going on, since the glass is amber not clear.

 

[fartinmartin]

You don't need to see what's going on, it's nice if you can, but loads of us ferment in white plastic, just make sure that gas can get out and nowt can get in.

 

[NTXBrauer]

You don't need to see what's going on, it's nice if you can, but loads of us ferment in white plastic, just make sure that gas can get out and nowt can get in.

I have both plastic buckets and carboys, and will always grab a clear carboy over the bucket, as I like to watch the fermentation process going on. You can see the sediment fall out when cold crashing and know that process is complete. You can brew excellent beer either way, but I like the visual.

To the OP, I would use the amber carboys you have..they will work fine for you. If you are set on clear glass and 1 gallon in size, pick up some apple cider/juice in a glass gallon jug next time at the store. You can either make some Apfelwein or just drink the juice and have a free carboy. Good luck!

 

[fartinmartin]

I would also grab the clear option, it is the best learning exercise I know of, but I only have glass in one gallons, all my other options are white plastic.

 

[meason32]

That is what I was thinking about doing, a batch in the dark growler and a batch in a clear one and see if I can taste any difference at the end.

 

[grimzella]

You don't need to see what's going on, it's nice if you can, but loads of us ferment in white plastic, just make sure that gas can get out and nowt can get in.

I disagree... I insist on watching.. voyeurism... brew porn!! .. must watch..

 

[GibbyGibson]

Just remember that even though it is darker in color, it sill will allow sunlight in. Be sure to cover it or store it in a dark place. Otherwise the hops will oxidize an ruin the beer.

 

[NivekD]

Must. Watch. Fermentation. Clear if you can. Fascinating...

 

[JimRausch]

I have both plastic buckets and carboys, and will always grab a clear carboy over the bucket, as I like to watch the fermentation process going on. You can see the sediment fall out when cold crashing and know that process is complete. You can brew excellent beer either way, but I like the visual.

QUOTE]

Interesting. I'm just the opposite in that I'll always grab a bucket over a carboy. My reasoning is that I DON'T want to see the fermentation process.
I've seen quite a few posts on this forum about "why doesn't my batch look like it's brewing after 24 hours?" or "Does this look OK?". If you don't stare at it obsessively, the yeast will chug along at their own pace. I think they're shy and don't like to be stared at.
To the OP: I agree with NTX. Amber or clear or blue or green is fine during fermentation. Go for it!

 

[fartinmartin]

#9. You have got the wrong hobby pal !

 

[grimzella]

mmmm.... beer porn...!!

 

[meason32]

Just wanted to give an update, I haven't tasted anything yet but I would definately prefer a clear carboy. It is easier to see into to see fermentation and also monitor to see if there is any sort of infection. But if all you have is growlers laying around definately put them to use, but after the experiment I prefer clear.

 

[MrNatural]

you don't need to see what's going on, it's nice if you can. Butt loads of us ferment in white plastic. Just make sure that gas can get out and nowt can get in.

fify

 

[fartinmartin]

I supose it like doing it with the light on

 

[runkelia]

A colorless carboy is clear. A brown growler is also clear. A plastic bucket is not clear. Your question is whether the fermentation device needs to be colorless. Obviously the correct answer is no. Any carboy should be kept from contact with light, regardless of whether it has color or not.