"Fermentap"

[Payson]

I am eagerly awaiting a fermentap device in the mail. Any input on its worthiness? Any helpful hints regarding its' use? In theory, it seems like a brilliant way to create a conical fermenter out of a glass carboy... I've already bought a stainless steel racking cane in lieu of the standard plastic, anything else anyone would suggest? Thanks.

[toneyc]

Several folks have posted here that carboys do not have a steep enough shoulder to serve efficiently as a conical fermentor, the trub does not fall down to the valve, but stays on the shoulder.

:) Toney.

[Payson]

I was wondering about the same thing but concluded that a little bit of a shoulder and perhaps a little yeast removal would be preferable to nothing. I doubt it will eliminate the need for a secondary fermenter. In fact, I was thinking of using it as the secondary... Too much trouble????

[BeerBelly]

Payson,
How do you like the Fermentap? Is the shoulder a problem? Do you recommend the use of them?

Thanks
BeerBelly

[brewmonkey]

The problem with any conical style fermenter is that yeast and trub will collect on the slope of the tank rather then in the cone itself from time to time. Problem with the glass carboy's is that you can't bang them with a rubber mallet to get the yeast/trub to move into the cone.

[Payson]

BeerBelly-
I would not recommend it. As stated, the yeast collects on the shoulder and it is virtually impossible to get it out. Additionally, it's very hard to clean. I've used it once and will never use it again. First and only batch was infected.