Morebeer FerMonster

[jlongstreet]

One thing I don't like about these is there is only one hole in the lid for a stopper not two ports. I use a thermowell and airlock. I don't see any two hole stoppers out there that'd work. I currently use plastic BMB w/ two port lids.

Get a #10 solid stopper and drill two holes in it.

 

[jwalkermed]

Yeah I could. Don't know how hard that is to do. Just looking for something turnkey

 

[55x11]

Good thread. After deciding last night that I need another carboy I'm kicking around the idea of just buying a Speidel and calling it a day, but these other options are like half the price...

if you are thinking of 30L Seidel, I would get Fermonster instead.
Fermonster is >7.5G as well, less expensive and fully transparent. To me, the transparent PTE plastic means it's so much easier to clean and also to see the fermentation process. Some don't care, but to me it's a huge benefit.

 

[Jim311]

if you are thinking of 30L Seidel, I would get Fermonster instead.
Fermonster is >7.5G as well, less expensive and fully transparent. To me, the transparent PTE plastic means it's so much easier to clean and also to see the fermentation process. Some don't care, but to me it's a huge benefit.

Thanks. I like that the fermonster appears taller and not as fat as well, I have greater width constraints than height.

 

[Yesfan]

Yeah I could. Don't know how hard that is to do. Just looking for something turnkey

I think they make a solid screw on lid. Maybe you could get one of those and drill the holes you need for that.




EDIT: Yep, right here (link)

 

[hezagenius]

I think they make a solid screw on lid. Maybe you could get one of those and drill the holes you need for that.


EDIT: Yep, right here (link)

Use a step bit to drill these. I think I went up to 1/2" on the 2 holes I put in my lid. One for airlock, one for thermowell. I can check if you want to know the drill bit size. I use #3 stoppers.

 

[Yesfan]

Maiden voyage....Just waiting for the temps to drop before I pitch the yeast.

Beer is NB's Ace of Spades black IPA. I had Motorhead playing the entire brew session too. :rockin:

 

[EDF713]

One question I don't see answered in this thread - are people using the 6 or 7 gallon fermonster for typical 5 gallon batches? If 6 gallon, do you have to use a blowoff?

 

[LBussy]

One question I don't see answered in this thread - are people using the 6 or 7 gallon fermonster for typical 5 gallon batches? If 6 gallon, do you have to use a blowoff?

I have a 7 which I use for a primary for my 5 gallon batches - no blowoff tube used. I have a 6 I use with a blowoff tube when used as a primary.

 

[JasonG]

if you are thinking of 30L Seidel, I would get Fermonster instead.
Fermonster is >7.5G as well, less expensive and fully transparent. To me, the transparent PTE plastic means it's so much easier to clean and also to see the fermentation process. Some don't care, but to me it's a huge benefit.

I almost ordered a Fermonster recently for these reasons (large size and clear to see fermentation progress). Does anyone know if morebeer is going to make a ported version of these? I called and asked about a month ago, and the person didn't really know.

To me, the Speidel still has these beat in some ways: comes in a ported version (yes, I could drill into a Fermonster, but I'd rather have it done "professionally"), comes with handles attached, can except a carboy cap which has two ports (airlock, thermowell). When you add the cost of the Fermonster and a brewhauler strap, there is not much difference in cost between the two. If they either made a ported Fermonster, or a clear Speidel, it would be great!

 

[Cincybeer]

I have about 4 batches done in mine Much easier to clean than my glass carboy. I would not go back to glass Lid seals well, easier to carry

 

[55x11]

I almost ordered a Fermonster recently for these reasons (large size and clear to see fermentation progress). Does anyone know if morebeer is going to make a ported version of these? I called and asked about a month ago, and the person didn't really know.

To me, the Speidel still has these beat in some ways: comes in a ported version (yes, I could drill into a Fermonster, but I'd rather have it done "professionally"), comes with handles attached, can except a carboy cap which has two ports (airlock, thermowell). When you add the cost of the Fermonster and a brewhauler strap, there is not much difference in cost between the two. If they either made a ported Fermonster, or a clear Speidel, it would be great!

BTW - you can get $5 for Fermonsters today on MoreBeer. Use Fermonster5 for checkout code. So you can get 7G Fermonster for $25 now. I may get another one, not that I really need one though.

Fermonster has a flat part with a circle for porting if you decide to go that route. I have a ported Better Bottle and it's Ok, but I prefer closed transfer route for better control (can see exactly the traub line and transfer from just above it).

The transparency of Fermonster and relative opaqueness of Speidels is what made me choose Fermonster. Clarity of fermenter is an important factor for me.

I never felt a need for handles or straps with plastic fermenters.

It took me 2 minutes to drill an extra hole in a #10 rubber stopper to make a stopper for closed transfers (not sure why people say you can't drill holes in rubber stoppers - you can, it's like butter).
I don't use thermowell since I use brewometer for both temperature and gravity - and my temp control probe is simply affixed to the side wall on the outside. The probe and brewometer show basically identical temperatures.

 

[Yesfan]

The 6 gallon I ordered from HBS just came in today. I'll use it tomorrow. I also have a 3rd BMB coming soon. Initial impression of the fermonster are very good. I also still have one of my Better Bottles. Some initial impressions between the three are:

Fermonster:

Pros:

Smooth sides so cleaning could be easier than the Better Bottle and BMB.
No lid to modify for a good seal.
Same size bungs for the Better Bottles can be used with these fermenters.
Punted bottom seems to be higher than the BB and BMB.
Smaller in height, so probably better choice for smaller ferm chambers.

Cons:

Brew Hauler harness doesn't stay up due to the smooth sides (minor complaint).
Only two volume markings on the carboy at 5 and 6 gallons. Again, minor complaint.
Carboy's mouth is smaller than the BMB, so getting your hand down to the very bottom could be problematic.
About the same width as the Better Bottles, so could be crammed for space compared to the taller BMBs.

Big Mouth Bubbler:

Pros:

Large opening seems to be best for getting to the bottom for adequate cleaning.
Volume markings at every gallon.
Ribbed design seems to keep brew hauler snug in place.
dual ported lid availability.
Slimmer in width for better room in a ferm chamber.

Cons

Taller height may be problematic for smaller ferm chambers
Lids (gasket based and screw on) do not hold a good seal. Requires modding for the OCD brewer.
Requires a smaller bung due to the lid design.
Carboy seems thinner and "flexes" a bit easier than the Fermonster and BB.
Price is a bit on the high end, especially after all the accessories.
Lots of "nooks and crannies" in the BMB with the molded rib and bubble design in the plastic make it a bit harder to clean.

Better Bottle:

Pros:

Small neck best for the least amount of head space.
Uses same size bung as Fermonster.
Ribbed design makes it a bit more robust than the BMB, less flexing.
Ribbed design also seems to better suit use of a Brew Hauler harness or similar.
No lid sealing issues since a bung and airlock are all that's used.
Smaller height may be better suited for smaller ferm chambers.

Cons

When fully loaded, picking up the carboy will have some suck back unless you have these in a milk crate* (I don't have this issue with the BMB and the Fermonster is unknown at this time).
No volume markings, unless you know which ribs on the carboy tell you the amounts (1,3,5 I think).
Wider diameter may be problematic for some smaller ferm chambers.
Bung sized opening makes cleaning them a major PITA.


* I had issues with my BBs flexing to where sanitizer would suck back into the wort when picked up. Of course, the easy solution is a solid stopper until you get the carboy to its final destination. I never had this issue with my BMBs, but I use a solid stopper anyways and will do the same on all my fermenters.


Looking forward to seeing how this new fermenter stacks up. So far I'm liking what I'm seeing with it.

I've done one brew so far, a Black IPA, and after cleaning I'm sold on the Fermonster. I've ordered two more that came in last week and I've sold two of my BMBs to a club member.

I love this carboy!

No lid to modify. Just a one piece single lid with a simple Oring. Couldn't be any easier. For me this is a better choice between the Big Mouth Bubbler or Better Bottle. After I use, I only see two negatives.

1) The opening is a bit on the smallish side. I'm able to reach my arm in all the way to the bottom of the carboy for cleaning, but I'm no Lou Ferrigno either. That being said, the opening could be an issue for the more buff brewer. It is still just as easy for me to clean the Fermonster as it was the Big Mouth.

2) No 3 gallon version (<----I failed to mention that in the quoted post the first time, sorry). That might not be a big deal for some, but I do like to do the occasional small batch.


The biggest thing I like is the simple lid, smooth sides, and not having to have two different sized stoppers if you use multi brands of fermenters.

 

[dirtybear7]

Is the Fermonster solid? Will I get airlock suck-back when I attempt to move it, like with betterbottles?

 

[ChelisHubby]

The fermonster is thin so it is a possibility. That said why not take the airlock off when you move it? there is almost no chance of something screwing up the beer in the minute it takes to move it.

 

[jwalkermed]

Any use these to age sours? What is o2 permeability of the lids vs using a rubber stopper in a better bottle?

 

[Johow]

I'm interested in this as well. The Fermonsters have a flat spot near the bottom, on the side, specifically for drilling out a spigot hole. My only concern with drilling it out is, what kind of bit to use and at what RPM so I don't maul my Fermonster?

I would use one of these to drill this material.

 

[Yesfan]

The fermonster is thin so it is a possibility. That said why not take the airlock off when you move it? there is almost no chance of something screwing up the beer in the minute it takes to move it.

Agreed. If I have to move my fermenter, I replaced the airlock/stopper with a solid stopper.


If you are going from Better Bottles to these, then you can use the same stoppers, as the hole in the Fermonster lids are the same size. I had to buy the small stoppers for my plastic BMBs.

 

[coldrain]

After having a glass carboy crack in half (luckily right after racking out of it) I decided to get rid of all my glass. There are plenty of threads showing the injuries from glass and I was fortunate to escape that. Got my FerMonster 7 Gallon Carboys a few weeks ago and love them, ordered more.

That being said I have a couple of questions.

1) When cleaning the lids do you remove the gaskets? I am worried taking them off and on every time will damage them but not removing gasket could make it hard to completely sanitize.

2) Even during active ferment I am not seeing any action coming through the airlock, but if I press on the side of the fermentor air bubbles do come through the airlock so I feel the seal is air tight. What is probably going on?

 

[LBussy]

To get the seal out of the lid I have been slapping the lid down on my hand or the counter and it pops out.

No issues with dealing so far either. Possible that you did not get the seal in the recess properly?

 

[hezagenius]

You can stretch the gasket which makes it tough to get back in. So I stopped taking them out. I just soak the whole lid in PBW and scrub it.

I get a great seal on mine. Maybe try some keg lube on the gasket? I also tighten the lid pretty tight but not so much that I can't remove it after fermentation.

After having a glass carboy crack in half (luckily right after racking out of it) I decided to get rid of all my glass. There are plenty of threads showing the injuries from glass and I was fortunate to escape that. Got my FerMonster 7 Gallon Carboys a few weeks ago and love them, ordered more.

That being said I have a couple of questions.

1) When cleaning the lids do you remove the gaskets? I am worried taking them off and on every time will damage them but not removing gasket could make it hard to completely sanitize.

2) Even during active ferment I am not seeing any action coming through the airlock, but if I press on the side of the fermentor air bubbles do come through the airlock so I feel the seal is air tight. What is probably going on?

 

[bowman5150]

There's a lot more headspace in the 7 gallon fermonster so the activity would slow down sooner

 

[55x11]

There's a lot more headspace in the 7 gallon fermonster so the activity would slow down sooner

why would yeast activity (as evidenced by bubbling airlock) be dependent on headspace?

I suspect something is not airtight. Either the cap or the airlock. I always see vigorous activity in my airlock.

Also just because when you press on your walls of fermentor the airlock bubbles doesn't mean you have no leaks. You can have small leaks with CO2 escaping all the time, but pushing on the side rapidly wills till make airlock bubble. This is my biggest problem with buckets, incidentally. Hard to make the bucket cover seal airtight.

 

[treacheroustexan]

After infection issues with my plastic buckets, I just purchased one of the 7 gal fermonsters from morebeer! it will be here thursday! Just in time for brew day saturday.

 

[coldrain]

2) Even during active ferment I am not seeing any action coming through the airlock, but if I press on the side of the fermentor air bubbles do come through the airlock so I feel the seal is air tight. What is probably going on?

So it turns out the #10 stopper was not seated tight enough. After pushing it in further getting plenty of airlock activity.

 

[LBussy]

So it turns out the #10 stopper was not seated tight enough. After pushing it in further getting plenty of airlock activity.

I found that if the stopper is moist at all (StarSan in my case) it slides back out and does not quite seal. It seals when it is dry.

 

[treacheroustexan]

Just got mine in the mail. As someone who works in PET research and development for a living, I am finding many quality defects with the way this bottle was made and can't say I'm impressed so far. That being said, that might just be me being picky and it shouldn't affect fermentation at all. Lol. I do see a few scratches on the bottle as well. Will use this for a saison on Saturday.

 

[kidnextdoorz]

Planning to get one using as primary but since I will be mostly working with 5 gal batch so still deciding whether which one should I go with, 6 or 7 gal. Anyone could suggest on head space of 6 gal fermonster with 5 gal batch? Picture would be much appreciated.

 

[treacheroustexan]

Planning to get one using as primary but since I will be mostly working with 5 gal batch so still deciding whether which one should I go with, 6 or 7 gal. Anyone could suggest on head space of 6 gal fermonster with 5 gal batch? Picture would be much appreciated.

I was going to ask the same thing but just decided on the 7 since they were pretty much the same price. That way I shouldn't really have to use a blowoff tube.

 

[LBussy]

Planning to get one using as primary but since I will be mostly working with 5 gal batch so still deciding whether which one should I go with, 6 or 7 gal. Anyone could suggest on head space of 6 gal fermonster with 5 gal batch? Picture would be much appreciated.

This is six gallons in a seven gallon fermenter. I'd think if you had a six you'd be fine, but if you ever wanted to ferment slightly more you might wish you had a seven.