Splitting batch into secondary

[jwlbrewing]

I have a 5 gallon batch of IPA that I want to split into two batches for secondary. I only have 5 gallon carboys. Will it hurt to split the 5 gallon batch into two 2 1/2 secondary batches? Will 5 gallon carboys leave too much head space and ruin the beer if there is only 2 1/2 gallons of beer in the 5 gallon carboy?

 

[itsme6582]

There usually is no need to rack to secondary. That's old news. Also, why not just put it in one carboy?

 

[jwlbrewing]

My son wants to dry hop half the batch and I want to keep half the batch as it was put into primary. I am worried that 2 1/2 gallons of air in the head space is too much for secondary fermentation. I hear air kills beer.

 

[Golddiggie]

I wouldn't do it...

 

[Brewmiser]

I haven't seen any 2.5 gal carboys but I have seen a 1gal & 3gal.
I wouldn't use a 5 gallon that is only half full, too much O2
If your kegging you could go ahead an keg it up the co2 would keep it from oxidizing

 

[Golddiggie]

Putting 2.5 gallons into a 3 gallon carboy is much better than splitting it into a pair of 5's...

 

[itsme6582]

If you rack just after the main fermentation begins to slow down there will be a nice layer of CO2 produced to keep all oxygen out. I think it would be better to make a new batch of beer than getting cute with it.