Small batch/large fermenter?

[billvon]

Any downside to doing a small batch (2.5 gallons) in a large (6.5 gal) carboy? I am thinking that the increase in available air in the fermenter (i.e. oxygen) could affect when fermentation starts/stops, and/or cause oxidation if it's not all used before fermentation ends.

 

[Token]

I hope it's ok; I've got one going right now!

I'm sure it's fine. Once the yeast get busy, there is a cover of CO2 to protect it.

 

[sp1365]

Yep you will be fine. There will be enough CO2 produced to displace any oxygen.

 

[phatuna]

I'm sure it's fine. Once the yeast get busy, there is a cover of CO2 to protect it.

Yep, you'll be ok. I wouldn't recommend transferring those 2.5 gallons into a 6.5 gallon secondary. but in primary, you'll be fine.

 

[PinkyOFloyd]

I wouldn't recommend transferring those 2.5 gallons into a 6.5 gallon secondary.

You could but you'd want to purge the O2 with CO2, and a lot of it....

 

[billvon]

I'm sure it's fine. Once the yeast get busy, there is a cover of CO2 to protect it.

OK thanks all. That means I can screw up smaller batches with my experiments . . .

 

[carnevoodoo]

Yes you can. And welcome to the forums. There's a lot of San Diego in here lately. We are going to take over the world.

 

[Nurmey]

Welcome to HBT!

You won't screw up your smaller batches and don't let me hear you talk that way ever again!

 

[Bheher]

So when using a large fermenter should you just let in sit in primary for an extra week if you dont have a smaller carboy to re-rack to?

 

[Yooper]

So when using a large fermenter should you just let in sit in primary for an extra week if you dont have a smaller carboy to re-rack to?

I would. I wouldn't want to expose the beer to too much oxygen unnecessarily.

 

[dje.ellsworth]

You could but you'd want to purge the O2 with CO2, and a lot of it....

Why lots? It just needs a cap. CO2 is heavier than air. Any air inside will be layered above.