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Author Topic: Head space primary germentation.  (Read 1452 times)

Offline curtdogg

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Head space primary germentation.
« on: December 03, 2016, 03:26:27 pm »
It's time to purchase a new fermenter. I brew all grain, 3 gallon batches. I'm looking at getting a 5 gallon Big Mouth bubbler as my primary fermenter. Being that I will have 2 gallons or so of headspace will this cause any issues?

Thanks
Curtdogg.


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Offline natebrews

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Re: Head space primary germentation.
« Reply #1 on: December 03, 2016, 03:45:57 pm »
I wouldn't think so.  I have fermented 3gal in a 5gal container without any issue.  No worries about blow off for sure. 
Risk of failure should be no deterrent to trying.

Offline curtdogg

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Re: Head space primary germentation.
« Reply #2 on: December 03, 2016, 03:55:22 pm »
That's my understanding as well. Secondary is where you don't want heads pace because of oxygen. Correct?

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Offline natebrews

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Re: Head space primary germentation.
« Reply #3 on: December 03, 2016, 04:02:53 pm »
Secondary....what's that?  Does anyone do that anymore?
Risk of failure should be no deterrent to trying.

Offline curtdogg

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Re: Head space primary germentation.
« Reply #4 on: December 03, 2016, 04:08:04 pm »
I use one for additions.
Rack on to fruit, spices etc.
Even dry hop.

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Offline curtdogg

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Re: Head space primary germentation.
« Reply #5 on: December 03, 2016, 04:10:46 pm »
I use one for additions.
Rack on to fruit, spices etc.
Even dry hop.

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I also bottle all my homebrew. I'm sure most people don't do that anymore.

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Offline HoosierBrew

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Re: Head space primary germentation.
« Reply #6 on: December 03, 2016, 04:53:53 pm »
No worries on the 2 gal of headspace in your primary - the CO2 of fermentation will purge the space. I like ~ 30% headspace in fermenters, to contain the crazy krausen you get with strains like 3787, 3068, etc. FWIW I use 8 gallon wine fermenter buckets for 5.5 gallon batches. 
Jon H.

Offline curtdogg

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Re: Head space primary germentation.
« Reply #7 on: December 03, 2016, 05:29:02 pm »
No worries on the 2 gal of headspace in your primary - the CO2 of fermentation will purge the space. I like ~ 30% headspace in fermenters, to contain the crazy krausen you get with strains like 3787, 3068, etc. FWIW I use 8 gallon wine fermenter buckets for 5.5 gallon batches.
Thanks.

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