Question about half batch quantities

[rich]

Hey Guys,

So I'm planning on brewing a 2.5 gallon batch, and figure I'll be fermenting it in the 6 gallon fermenting bucket I have. But I'm curious if having so much air in the bucket could have any effect on the brew (oxidation or anything like that?).
I have a feeling that it will not be a problem, but am curious if anyone knows for sure.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Rich

[barley ben]

There won't be problem with that. As soon as the yeast starts it will put a protective layer of CO2 over the beer which will shortly fill the rest of the space in the bucket. Just courious though, if you have a 6 gallon bucket, why not brew 5 gallons?

Oh yeah, you may want a smaller container if you decide to go to secondary. It would still not be a total necessity, but not a bad idea.

[rich]

Ben,

Yeah, actually I've been brewing about one 5 gallon batch a month, and 48 bottles is pretty much maxing out my storage space. But of course, I'd like more of a variety. So I'm thinking of breaking the batch in half so that by the end of the month, there will be two styles instead of one without having to deal with 96 bottles (Jeeze, 96 bottles... I can just about stomach cleaning 48. In fact I have a stout that is waiting for bottles right now).
Anyway, that's my rational.
Thanks for the feedback.

Rich

[Tweek]

I wouldnt go to a 5 gallon secondary with only 2.5 gallons unless you can lay down an artificial gas blanket or displace with marbles or something. For that matter I woud really keep an eye on how long I left it in the primary. Beer can oxidize very rapidly. Perhaps you should consider a Tap A Draft system or using larger bottles, both of which are real space savers. just my .20

[YamahaXS]

I think Tweek makes a very good point.

If you rack over to the secondary after most of the activity is done, then you run the risk of not displacing the O2 fast enough to avoid oxidation.

I believe that glass is impervious to O2, but food grade plastic is not so buckets aren't ideal for secondary fermentation.

[rossmarp]

I agree with these folks as well -- I'd tackle the storage issue itself, not reduce the quantity. I mean, hey it's just as "hard" to do 2.5 gal as it is 5. Even if -- God forbid -- you throw away half each time!

[barley ben]

I do know where you're coming from. I live in an apartment and I brew as I have space. I guess about a batch a month also. That is a big part of why I am going to kegging soon. 2+ cases a batch takes up alot more room than 1 corney. Keep getting bills in the mail though. They are eating up my keg setup $ !!