Fermenter / Batch Fermentation

Question: Is my secondary fermenter air-tight?

(Posted by: Jym H on 2008-01-30 15:56:39)

What I'm planning on using for a secondary fermenter came with my kit as a bottling bucket. It is identical to the primary fermenter except it has a spigot about 1 " off the bottom of the bucket in an attempt to make it easier to bottle the beers. When I bottled my last batch (also my first batch, didn't use a secondary fermenter) I didn't notice any beer leak out or anything. The spigot has rubber circles on the inside and outside of it, kind of like washers when talking about bolts and nuts. Basically, provided I use a good lid, would this bucket be good for a secondary fermenter?

Posted by: axelpeddle on 2008-01-30, 16:20:21

As long as you had a good lid with a seal, your bottling bucket should work perfectly. It's the same as your primary fermenter, except with the spout. Secondary fermentation is used to clarify your beers. Technically, if you wanted to save time and air exposure, you could bottle straight from your secondary bucket, since it has a spout. Just make sure the inside part of the spout is above the yeast sediment (there shouldn't be much in secondary), and use a hose attached to the outer part of the spout to fill your bottles with, to prevent splashing and aeration during bottling. Also try not to disturb the secondary container when going to bottle, so you don't stir up all the yeast sediment. Make sure to leave it in the place you plan to bottle until bottling time. Edit: Oh yeah, make sure to use an air lock, in case that wasn't already understood.

Posted by: PAUL V on 2008-01-30, 16:23:36

No it would not the purpose of secondary fermentation is to produce carbonation that container could become a dangerous pressure bomb a cheap but effective beginner method is to use 2 litre pop bottles with a couple of spoonfulls of sugar store in a cool place for at least 2 weeks

Posted by: oikos on 2008-01-30, 18:47:06

Your bottling bucket would be adequate for a secondary fermenter. Your best bet is to haunt flea markets until you find somebody selling a 5-gallon carboy. If you leave wort in plastic for more than a couple of weeks, it may pick up a slight plastic-y aroma. You could also pick up a carboy at the local hombrew shop but be prepared to pay more.

Posted by: jpiepenbrok on 2008-01-30, 19:44:46

It will be adequate, but make sure you use the airlock, and triple-check the rubber washers around the spigot (mine tend to leak if I'm not super-careful, which means air can get in or out and contaminate your beer, plus you'll make a mess). As someone else said, your best bet is a glass carboy. Make sure you buy a 6-gallon (standard - usually referred to as 5-gallon) so you have the proper head space for any additional fermentation. Don't make the mistake of carbonating your beer at this point either... that's done at bottling or kegging time, and NO sooner.