Initial equipment order advice

[eroth]

Two questions:

Will it hurt to use a 6.5 gallon for a secondary if need be?

I like mainly medium and darker beer, will it help for those to have 2 stage fermentation?

i don't think it'd hurt to have a larger secondary. I was actually thinking about getting a 2nd 6.5gal carboy to add to my 5gal and 6.5gal, rather than the smaller one...just for flexibility moving forward.

I think every batch is different, and someone more experienced than myself would give a better answer...but from what i've read around here, many people like to leave their stouts and other dark beers in secondary longer than the prescribed 2 weeks.

 

[bismarckbrew]

Hi!

I am currently using a 7 gallon bucket for a secondary with no problems!

I have also brewed some darker beers (amber ale and a milk stout) and both stayed in primary. A longer primary (3 weeks) helps the yeast to finish up their work in your fermentation. Most folks don't have a problem with yeast autolyzing even with 4 weeks in the primary.

i don't think it'd hurt to have a larger secondary. I was actually thinking about getting a 2nd 6.5gal carboy to add to my 5gal and 6.5gal, rather than the smaller one...just for flexibility moving forward.

I think every batch is different, and someone more experienced than myself would give a better answer...but from what i've read around here, many people like to leave their stouts and other dark beers in secondary longer than the prescribed 2 weeks.

Thanks for the advice! I'll do research on each type and buy
6.5 gallon boys from here on. Thanks again...

 

[SkiTownUSA]

Two questions:

Will it hurt to use a 6.5 gallon for a secondary if need be?

No. Some might say that a 5 gal would be better to limit the head space (less oxygen above the beer) but you will be fine. Typically 6.5gal would be used as the primary to allow for the krausen/foam, and a 5gallon as your secondary. If you don't want to spend the extra money, I'm sure you will be fine with a 6.5 gallon.



I like mainly medium and darker beer, will it help for those to have 2 stage fermentation?

Yes and no. You will do just fine with a single stage fermentation. Using a secondary helps to clarify your beer and possibly make it taste better. Using a secondary also will increase the chance of infection and oxidization. It's a toss up. I've used a secondary on all my beers and haven't had a problem.

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

Buy some Fermcap-S and your kettle will be fine for 5.5g batches. This inhibits boilovers and allows you to boil more aggressively for a much better hot break.