18Gal Wash?

[Annolyx]

I have a rubbermaid storage container that i would like to use as a fermenter. I am planning on making either Wineos "plain old sugar wash" or "Econowash". I have a few questions though. I read somewhere that the container doesnt necessarily need an airlock because the c02 will make a barrier.. also, would there need to be any tweaking of the recipes or would i just triple them?

[Dnderhead]

Id cover wash with plastic/cloth or loose lid. and maltaply the wash by whatever fits no ajustments nessasary.

[MuleKicker]

I have found that rubbermaid containers dont make the best fermenters. The lids dont seal tight enough to keep flying nasties out. Atleast mine never did.

[Annolyx]

Thanks for the replies.

Went ahead and started a WPOSW in a regular 25l bucket to try it out. Have to say it seems alot cleaner then "turbos" already.

Looking to find a good source on Distillers yeast (usually like 8 bucks, then another 8 for shipping ,) but think the bakers will do fine for now. Have found it for 8 then 4 for shipping on ebay, doesn't seem to bad if i buy say two or three at a time. Any other suggestions on suppliers?

As far as the 18gal goes, When i was at the local supply store the other day i noticed they have the buckets the beer malt comes in for sale as fermenters (18Gal) Has a sturdy handle, large hole for adding everything in and a hole that would make a nice air lock. Best part, only 19.99 and they have quiet a few in stock! Looking to pick one up next week.

Only concern for that big of wash is the racking, thinking i'll need at least two of them just to start....

[Dnderhead]

You don't have to fill that up, and what is all the racking for? just let it settle and siphon in to the boiler. that is all you need unless
your keeping wash for exstended time.

[Annolyx]

What don't i need to fill up?

I read through the WPOSW thread and it recommended racking the wash to get the cleanest distillate. Less yeast in the boiler, less esters/flavors.

[bndfishing]

Rack or let it settle in the fermenter, I pump mine out because trying to lift a 15 gallon fermenter up on a table by yourself equals a hurt back. Get some EC118 or Premiere Cuvee yeast, easier to find is very neutral and has a high tolerance. You don't need a yeast that will survive up t0 20% anyway stick with washes that are 8-12 and you will have better product.

[Dnderhead]

not nesasary to fill, if it is coverd it will have a blanket of co2, if that is not desterbed good to go, then when wash has finished fermenting
let it sit and all will settle to the bottom, then siphon off the clear,then if you want you can just add more suger,nutrients (or what ever)
and it will take off like a bail of turteles. one pack of yeast can last me a summer.

[Annolyx]

Sounds good to me!

Are you saying one pack of yeast for say about a 16 gallon wash?
-- Don't want to fill it too much as i've read the stories of missing air locks

Reusing the yeast does the nasties not add up over time?

Also, the nutrients and such should still be in there in the dead yeast no? ... also adding to off flavors?

[Dnderhead]

try it. no more yeast is neaded , as long as you do not push the yeast to its limits. keep fermenter coverd so no bugs /dust etc. can git in.
I do this every year.

[ScottishBoy]

If you are lacking lids, you can use a pillow case and big rubber band. Its important to use a relatively dense weave to keep out the bugs. I had fruit flies with one of my ratty ones. The rubber band is important too, cause once they smell the alcohol, they will become EVERY persistent. Any little nook or gap will become their doorway to paradise.

[MuleKicker]

SB, it is true. what you say of these flies..little heartless bastards. I have known them to fly through plastic......every now and then you get a really tough one that can make it through steel! Little heartless Bastards! I will teach you to interfere with my production of alcohol!