Lacto/Bret?

[LocalBrewer]

I would like to start using Lacto and Bret cultures. If I use these do I need new everything just designated for fermentation with these cultures or can I clean and reuse the carboy, tubing ect? Thanks in advance.

Cheers

[TheMadHopper]

You may get several different answers on this one.
I wold say you are ok reusing a carboy. But anything plastic needs to be replaced or used specifically for those bugs. Stainless, glass and other hard surfaces are ok, but tubing, buckets, and anything made of plastic will harbor those bugs.

[brewtoomuch]

+1 on what he said

[LocalBrewer]

Thanks for the responses.... Any tips tricks on using bugs? I was thinking of fermenting out the beer with my primary yeast and then transfering to a secondary where I would add the bugs and some oak cubes for a couple weeks. Then transfer to a keg and let it age.

[hbPinty]

But anything plastic needs to be replaced or used specifically for those bugs

Do you think that the O-rings on the keg should be replaced too? Just want to make sure that's something people think about if they're going to use the same keg with and without bugs.

[TheMadHopper]

But anything plastic needs to be replaced or used specifically for those bugs

Do you think that the O-rings on the keg should be replaced too? Just want to make sure that's something people think about if they're going to use the same keg with and without bugs.

Yes, o-rings, beer lines, etc. should be replaced. Better yet, just have a dedicated keg/tap for your sour beers!