Carboys for half batches

carrisr · Post by **carrisr** » Fri Mar 05, 2010 3:55 pm

Will 3 gallon carboys work for 1/2 (2.5 gallon) extract batches? I'm worried there might be too much air in them. I think it would be easier for me to do half batches from the recipe perspective.
Randy

Mr T · Post by **Mr T** » Fri Mar 05, 2010 4:21 pm

Should be fine, in fact you need plenty of head space for the fermentation, you fill it too full and you could easily get a clogged air lock. In the secondary is where you would be more concerned with excessive head space.

From: carrisr [mailto:brew-equipment@crbeernuts.org]
Sent: Friday, March 05, 2010 3:55 PM
To: brew-equipment@crbeernuts.org
Subject: Carboys for half batches

Will 3 gallon carboys work for 1/2 (2.5 gallon) extract batches? I'm worried there might be too much air in them. I think it would be easier for me to do half batches from the recipe perspective.
Randy

Post generated using Mail2Forum (http://www.mail2forum.com)

carrisr · Post by **carrisr** » Fri Mar 05, 2010 5:01 pm

So will they work fo secondary or will I need to find something a little smaller?
Randy

Mr T · Post by **Mr T** » Fri Mar 05, 2010 7:53 pm

Those should be good too unless you end up with considerably less volume.

From: carrisr [mailto:brew-equipment@crbeernuts.org]
Sent: Friday, March 05, 2010 5:02 PM
To: brew-equipment@crbeernuts.org
Subject: Re: Carboys for half batches

So will they work fo secondary or will I need to find something a little smaller?
Randy

Post generated using Mail2Forum (http://www.mail2forum.com)

Matt F · Post by **Matt F** » Sat Mar 06, 2010 8:33 am

I think a 3 gallon carboy will work fine for secondary. I know I stopped doing a secondary years ago unless I am dry-hopping or for lagers. I picked up that tip from the Brew Strong show and Mr. Wizard in BYO. Once the primariy fermentation is done I transfer to the keg and I'm done.

Matt F · Post by **Matt F** » Sat Mar 06, 2010 8:37 am

One more tip for a beginner, buy an auto siphon. They are relatively inexpensive and make getting wort in and out of carboys and pots very easy. I would get the larger 1/2" versus the 3/8" size as they are much faster due to the larger diameter and the cost difference is about $3. I have one you can check out if you make it to the March meeting.

carrisr · Post by **carrisr** » Sat Mar 06, 2010 10:11 am

Thanks for the tips, I really appreciate it.

Randy