Smaller batches in large fermenters

[doaky]

Is it ok to make 12 ltr beer kits in larger 33ltr fermenters or should i get a smaller one?

 

[klaus]

Shouldn't be a problem, if you use air locks they probably won't show activity as there'll be a big volume to be filled with CO2.

 

[bobsbeer]

No problem. The CO2 will soon push out the oxygen and you will be fine.

 

[Fergmeister]

The smallest batch I have done in my 5 gallon fv has been a 16 litre batch, simple because of the problems that it causes with hydrometer readings. Provided you are bothered about taking a gravity reading to check when your brew has fermented out it will need enough space to go down to about 1.000, but it depends on the shape of the fv and whether taking a reading is that important to you.

 

[Bribie]

No worries. I bought a 60L fermenter to do double batches. On one occasion I had a single batch but no free FV, so just ran it into the 60L. It looked pitiful, only filled about a third of the volume, but once fermentation got under way and it got flushed with the CO2, no problems. In fact during the early stages of aerobic yeast activity all that headspace=oxygen could have been a good thing.

 

[shocker]

Good point that early oxygen thing !

 

[doaky]

Cheers guys that helps alot! Gonna give these fruit beers a go and they only sell them in 12 ltr kits!