Lacto/Bret?
Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 10:51 am
by 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
Re: Lacto/Bret?
Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 10:58 am
by 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.
Re: Lacto/Bret?
Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 12:55 pm
by brewtoomuch
+1 on what he said
Re: Lacto/Bret?
Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 4:04 am
by 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.
Re: Lacto/Bret?
Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 10:32 am
by hbPinty
TheMadHopper wrote: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.
Re: Lacto/Bret?
Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 10:38 am
by TheMadHopper
hbPinty wrote:TheMadHopper wrote: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!