Headspace and Blowoffs

[dude3516]

Hey guys and gals, looking for some input on how much is enough headspace? I'm looking at grabbing new fermenters to replace my aged better bottles, and have decided that I no longer want to tangle with blowoff tubes.

So, what sized fermenters do you use, and who makes them?

 

[CU_tony]

It really depends on batch size and how volatile the yeast strain you are using will ferment.

For 5.5gallons a 6gallon carboy should do alright, though if its a big beer you may want to up the headspace to 1 gallon.

For primary fermentation you cant really have too much headspace as it will all fill with CO2 and push out the oxygen. Secondary is where you want to minimize the headspace since the yeast wont be making as much CO2 to push out oxygen.

I personally use all glass (safely stored and carried in milkcrates) and have a number of 5, 5.5, 6, and 6.5 as well as the odd 3 gallon carboy which may be one of my favorites for doing split secondaries.

 

[Johow]

I just picked up the 7 gallon fermonster, I love it. A 5 or 6 gallon brew will still have all the head space it needs.

 

[Wolfhound180]

I use 6.5 gallon bubblers with 5.5 gallon batches and use fermacap in the boil. I don't have any issues no matter how big the beer.

 

[jerbrew]

It really depends on the yeast I think. I've hef strains go crazy and blow off out of a 6.5 carboy for days. I've also had WLP090 do the same thing through a DIPA. Chico never seems to need one nor does wlp007. Just a few of my experiences cuz the fermentation will really dictate whether you need a blow off tube.