Fermenting in a corny keg

[bassetbeer]

I seem to remember (somewhere in the archives) Doc talking about using a keg as a fermentation vessel, but I can't seem to find it and a quick search here in the forum didn't run up anything.

I know using as a secondary is pretty common, and I've got a handle on that idea.

Any idea what the pros/cons are of using a corny as a primary fermenter? What modifications or considerations have to be made?

Something like ferm-cap to cut down on the foam/surfactant activity? Venting or blow off? Fermenting under pressure (no vent/blow-off)? Any inhibition of yeast activity (does the increase in disolved CO2 become toxic to the bugs?)?

Any discussion, experience, or thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!

[rich]

Cornies, being narrow, would not give you much headspace for a primary fermentation. If your ok with 3.5 or 4 gallon batches, I say go for it.

[Bugeater]

I do it on a regular basis, but then again, I have a ten gallon corny keg to do it in. On a 5 gallon keg, don't do anything bigger than 4 gallons and avoid wheat beers. Also take the poppet out of the gas in post and slide a blowoff tube over the post.

Wayne
Bugeater Brewing Company

[Push Eject]

Nick and Jonny here are fellow Maltose Falcons and are big proponents of fermenting entirely in kegs.

[3 Dogs]

I am fermenting right now in corny kegs. I filled the corny almost full. Not quite, but pretty full. I of course use no-foam along with a blow-off hose. Works fine with no problems. Cleaning, well that is another story...

3 Dogs

[KAHawk]

Check out this simple connector:
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/products ... rodID=6179

You can attach this to a corny keg CO2 connector.
An airlock can now be attached to the tube.
Voila! you have an airlock on your corny keg.

[Sven]

You could try this too

http://www.kegs.com/27liter.html

[GooberMcNutly]

Dr Cheapo says: $15 carboys cheaper than $25-35 kegs. And you get to peek.