Re-Using Carboy Question? PLEASE HELP!

balzern · Jan 11, 2011

Hey everyone,

Ok this might seem stupid but can I do this procedure:

Ferment two beers at the same time in two carboys (I have three carboys total). After primary fermentation is done, transfer one of the used carboys beer to an unused carboy. Then wash out the dirty carboy, sanitize, and put the remaining beer into the newly cleaned carboy? I know this seems kinda odd to ask but I wanted to make sure this procedure was ok.

juslod · Jan 11, 2011

You can do it that way, but you risk oxidation from the air each time you transfer it. Also, more air time leaves more chances for nasty bugs to get into your brew.

Why not just leave it in the un-used fermenter and clean the one it came out of for future use?

iamtommyboy · Jan 11, 2011

I am really new to homebrewing, but this sounds okay to me...if your main question is whether or not you can reuse a carboy, well of course...that is what they are made for. As long as you clean and sanitize it, there is no reason this should not be okay for secondary fermentation.

buzzkill · Jan 11, 2011

yes you can

thethirsty1 · Jan 11, 2011

Not sure what your trying to do if you are looking to secondary your beer its really not necessary what you want to do seems feesible if i understand you correctly just be careful when transferring not to oxygenate your beer

Yooper · Jan 11, 2011

balzern said:
Hey everyone,

Ok this might seem stupid but can I do this procedure:

Ferment two beers at the same time in two carboys (I have three carboys total). After primary fermentation is done, transfer one of the used carboys beer to an unused carboy. Then wash out the dirty carboy, sanitize, and put the remaining beer into the newly cleaned carboy? I know this seems kinda odd to ask but I wanted to make sure this procedure was ok.

It probably won't hurt the beer, but there is a risk of oxidation. If you want to do it, you probably will be fine. But I have to ask- why? Why on earth to you want to play musical carboys? Why not just leave it alone for three weeks, then bottle the beer? Then you can have three beers going at the same time, in three carboys, without playing around with them.