Can one of these be used for primary...

[Eightball]

Hi

can I use a 25 ltr Fermenter with a 4 inch top as a primary fermenter? (sorry, doesn't like the URL)

Or is it better to get a bucket? In which case what can I use this item for? My secondary fermenter is a glass carboy as I was told plastic allows oxygen in.

Ian

 

[amusedparrot]

I assume you are talking about something like this http://bit.ly/19TGAC8. There is no problem using that as primary, pretty much exactly what I use.

I don't really subscribe to the oxygen seeping through the plastics argument so I use plastic for secondary too (lighter, cheaper, doesn't break as easily), although a glass carboy will work perfectly.

 

[Eightball]

Ok, thanks. So there is enough room for the head to develop?

 

[oldjiver]

I just got rid on my fermenter with the 4" opening as I prefer to be able to skim the top off the ferment if anything rises I dont want. A lid type makes it easy. I put a bin liner over the FV (with the lid on) to keep the atmosphere stable. They are fine for wine though.

 

[amusedparrot]

Ok, thanks. So there is enough room for the head to develop?

I've never had an issue with it. Can put in a blow off tube if it is something that is likely to ferment like crazy.

 

[Eightball]

"keep the atmosphere stable"

is this something I should be considering? I don't think I fully understand this. Are you saying you do this instead of an airlock?

 

[oldjiver]

"keep the atmosphere stable"

is this something I should be considering? I don't think I fully understand this. Are you saying you do this instead of an airlock?

I dont use an airlock for beer. While it is fermenting a lid on and a plastic bag held with an elastic band will stop air getting in as the pressure is all pushing out. Purists might not like this but I leave it like that in the original FV for a couple of days after fermentation, then add finings and bottle the next day straight from the FV. Worked fine for me for 40 years!

 

[Pinchy]

I used to use one of these but went back to buckets. They are so much harder to clean than a bucket I found it difficult getting my arm in there to scrub out the bottom. For me buckets are much cheaper and easier.
£4.99 on amazon if you search for chapelwood food grade buckets :thumb: