Excessive headroom in primary fermentor?

[rhys333]

Hey everyone,
I'm brewing a small 3.5 gallon batch but I only have an 8 gal bucket fermentor available at the moment. My standard batches are 6 gal, which the 8 gal bucket is perfect for.

Should I be concerned about the excessive headspace for this small batch? Essentially the fermentor will be less than half full. Its a simple pale ale, so quick 2 week turn-around, and no secondary. Thanks in advance.

 

[Munchkin]

Your fine! Ive been doing 2.5g in 5.5gal carboys. The only issue you'll run into is if your using a secondary that also has excessive headspace. If your staying in primary you'll purge the container with co2 during fermentation and keep you oxygen free.

 

[dnslater]

I agree. No issues for primary only.

 

[rhys333]

Awesome, thanks guys.