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5 gallon water jug
Hello, everyone! New homebrewer here! Got my first homebrew bottled for a little over a week now (IPA - Brewer's Best kit) and I'm determined to wait out the recommended 3 weeks before drinking. But the anticipation is killing me! I had a sample while bottling and it wasn't bad, but I know a few weeks of conditioning will hopefully make the flavors really come together.
As far as this site goes, I gotta say this is the most informative homebrewing site that I have found out there. I've learned so much just by reading everyones questions, answers, ideas, etc. So, with that, here's a question I had...I'm currently not using a secondary fermenter (just a primary 6 gal bucket and then straight to my bottling bucket). While at Home Depot this weekend, I noticed those 5 gal water bottles for sale. I've wanted to invest in a see-through secondary, but I know the glass carboys con be pretty expensive. Would one of these plastic 5 gal water bottles work? They are a much cheaper alternative. I would assume they are food grade containers. My only concern would be the possiblity of off tastes in the beer from the plastic, but yet again, my primary is a plastic bucket. Any thoughts?
I use both plastic and glass carboys for secondaries. Don't notice any taste difference. When you think about it, bottled water doesn't have any off flavors. The plastic ones aren't as smooth on the inside, which can lead to cleaning issues, especially if they have the hollow handles.
Check with some local bottled water companies & see if they have any old glass ones. I picked up 2 for around $12/ea. Also, invest in a nylon carboy carrier, those puppies can get slippery.
If you do a 5-1/2 gal batch in a 6gal fermenter, you rack out almost exactly 5 gal each time, so only a couple inches of head space in the secondary.
Thanks for the reply! That's what I figured. I just wanted to make sure that this was alright....just seemed too easy and inexpensive.
Do you know if they make airlocks to fits these? Would it be the same type you would place on a glass carboy?
Be sure to check what kind of plastic it is. It needs to be food grade, or hpde2 I think it is called. If not, it can leech off flavors over time.......
Same airlock, just have to get the right size rubber stopper. Measure & pick up at any LHBS, or & include in your next on-line order.
Are you guys talking about the kind of water bottle that you find on top of water coolers in offices?
Yes, that was what I was referring to. Have any input on using one of these as a secondary fermenter?
Hey Lukeduke,
Just wanted to let you know that the nylon strap for your carboy is called a Brew Hauler. It was invented and patented by a home brewer. If you want to know where the closest location to you to purchase one just drop a line and I will find that out for you. It makes moving your carboy so much easier and definately safer.
As far as glass/plastic? I am an old-school chick...GLASS. It will help cut down on the chance of bacteria ruining a good batch of beer.
I have three 5 gallon glass carboys and a 6 1/2 gallon glass carboy. I use them all for primary and secondary. I had 2 of the 5 gallon ones given to me. I make wine and beer so they are in use often. I'd like to get a couple more 6 1/2 gallon carboys.
You can get the glass carboys at your local homebrew supply. I found them for about $25 each. Not bad. Easy to clean, no worries about scratches. Plaxtic should work fine. What kind of price are you looking at at home depot for them?
DC
Try also looking to see if you have a local hobby, craft or pottery store. They typically sell the glass ones for about $14.00. I got all of mine that way.
I think where I was looking to buy a glass carboy (local international market that carries HB supplies) they ran close to $50 for a 6.5g. That's why I was looking into purchasing a plastic one. They're sold at Home Depot here for $4.50 full of water I could use for brewing. I didn't think about looking at a craft/hobby supply store for a glass one. That's a good idea and if I can find one for $14, then that would be great.
This whole brewing in a plastic bucket is killing me right now because I can't see what's going on with my amber ale I've got fermenting. I'm hoping for a nice change in color because it started off a murky lighter brown color. Of course, I'm hoping for nice amber finished product. Also questioning how well it's fermenting, so being able to see through the container would be a big help right about now.
One thing about the glass....you may see some "stuff" happening, but you won't get a true idea for the color, as when in such a large container, it will look much darker than it really is. Same thing with clarity, it may not look good in the carboy, but after it's poured correctly, it may be ultra clear. I would recco just staying with plastic buckets for now, unless you have a ton of $$$ to spend. I wanted more glass or Better Bottles even, but I opted to get a nice shiny 60 Qt SS Pot to brew with, and I'm making a cooler mashtun this week. I feel not being able to see what is happening in lieu of making a better brew with better equipment is well worth it.....
I use 5 gallon water jugs, and haven't had a problem for a year now. I picked one up at goodwill for $3, some say ewww but hey I bleached the crap out of it so its fine! And I have had some fantastic beers come out of it as well. If you do get one you need to invest in one of those large bendable brushes to clean the dried krausen off the top on the inside. everything below comes out with hot water and some shaking.
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