Too much head space in secondary carboy?

[strongarm]

I transfered my imperial stout 4.5gallons into my I believe 6gallon carboy. Looks like there is about 3 inches of headspace plus the neck. I am infusing with oak spirals and peppers...plan is for 6 weeks. Am I going to have issues with oxidation?

 

[deepcdan99]

I've put 3 gallons in a 6gal carboy with no issues of oxidation at all. I think you'd be fine.

 

[SurlyBrew]

You can always displace the space with sanitized glass marbles.

 

[strongarm]

The marble idea is good but apparently I've lost them I'll just let it ride.

 

[crackhead7]

Or if you keg you can purge with a quick blast of CO2, you don't need much since its heavier then oxygen and will form a blanket on top of the beer.

 

[strongarm]

no keg setup yet so CO2 not an option

 

[JonM]

If you use marbles, make sure they're pure glass or stainless steel, and not some cheap stuff with lead in it.