Is a 5 gallon bucket big enough

[z-bob]

...to primary 4 gallons of beer? I usually ferment in carboys, but I'll be using a new liquid wheat beer yeast and I want to top-crop it. Don't know if I'll transfer it to a secondary or just keep it in the bucket until bottling time. Thanks.

 

[unionrdr]

It should just barely be big enough to allow for krausen expansion. Might need a blow off though, if the ferment is aggressive.

 

[standpoint]

I put 4 gallons in a five gallon bucket plenty. However, wheat yeast is typically pretty explosive and I highly recommend a blow off set up.

 

[Auger]

I'd say it's perfect if you're planning on top-cropping anyway because everything you need is going to blow right out of the airlock/blowoff tube.

 

[z-bob]

Note to self, "blow-off tube". (I wasn't planning to do that.)

 

[TexasDroughtBrewery]

Note to self, "blow-off tube". (I wasn't planning to do that.)

Trust me, It never happens to you, until it happens to you. I went a long time and never used a blow off, it only takes one time to regret that.

 

[jonny24]

I've been using 5 gal buckets for 4.5 gallon batches and haven't had any trouble yet. Every other batch has a blowoff tube anyway since I only have one airlock. N

 

[GuldTuborg]

Note to self, "blow-off tube". (I wasn't planning to do that.)

That's the safe way. There's no real downside.

The long answer is, though, it depends on your recipe, the OG, yeast selection, fermentation temperature, and a couple other factors. Also, lots of brewers like Fermcap - that could help, too.

 

[Yesfan]

...........Also, lots of brewers like Fermcap - that could help, too.

Can you still top crop if you use Fermcap? My understanding is you need a krausen to top crop, so wouldn't Fermcap defeat that purpose?


I've never used Fercap, so thought I'd ask.

 

[GuldTuborg]

Can you still top crop if you use Fermcap? My understanding is you need a krausen to top crop, so wouldn't Fermcap defeat that purpose?

Good question. I suspect it would cut down on the amount of yeast you'd be able to get, but I've never compared methods side by side. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable on the matter will chime in.