Gotta replace all my LBKs

[FedoraDave]

Scratches should be visible, no?

They might be very small, which would make them hard to see, especially in the brown LBK. They'd still be harborage for microscopic nasties, though.

[packerduf]

I'm at the point where I prefer glass carboys, despite the obvious risks. I currently use four; 6.5gal, 6-gal, 5-gal, and 3-gal. The 3-gallon glass carboy is fairly easy to haul around, Dave. I think you'd be quite happy with it.

[dbrowning]

I don't believe there is an infection in the LBK that cant be cleaned
Personally believe your problem is something else

[haerbob3]

Dave have you tried bleach bombing your LBKS? That is the only thing I can think of that may help. I would do as you are doing. Replacement is the only way to be sure that the infection is gone.

[FedoraDave]

I don't believe there is an infection in the LBK that cant be cleaned
Personally believe your problem is something else

What, then? I'm not being snarky, I'm honestly asking. Because I've done everything I can to narrow it down, and I'm sure it's because they're infected. I don't want to bleach bomb, though. Too much chance of residual aromas/flavors getting into future brews. Frankly, I think it's time to rotate these out and start with new ones. It's not a cost; it's an investment.

[duff]

I don't believe there is an infection in the LBK that cant be cleaned
Personally believe your problem is something else

I have gotten rid of all my LBKs because after a while they develop a smell that I just can't get out. The one I bleached after it developed a smell absorbed the smell of bleach and I was not able to get rid of the bleach smell. I don't know if it is just micro scratches that develop on the inside of the LBK or what it is but it does seem that the plastic on the LBKs start to retain certain things after a while. If it is retaining smells I am sure it can retain an infection.

[mashani]

I don't believe there is an infection in the LBK that cant be cleaned
Personally believe your problem is something else

What, then? I'm not being snarky, I'm honestly asking. Because I've done everything I can to narrow it down, and I'm sure it's because they're infected. I don't want to bleach bomb, though. Too much chance of residual aromas/flavors getting into future brews. Frankly, I think it's time to rotate these out and start with new ones. It's not a cost; it's an investment.

FWIW, bleach bomb is fine, just rinse 3 times and then let it completely air dry. I've never had a problem with it. I bleach my 740ML PET bottles sometimes when they get a film buildup, since I can't scrub them with a brush safely.

[John Sand]

I also found that it not worth taking chances with infected plastic. Even an ale pail costs less than a batch might.

[Tabasco]

WOW that blows Dave. For me the solution has been to replace my buckets every year. This year I saved the old ones for doing sours in.

I should do that, they're cheap enough.

[MadBrewer]

Dave, what about a used corny keg in good shape? They can be found for under $50. They make for a good fermenter, they are stainless steel so they are easy to clean and sanitize. And for peace of mind they are not glass. I use a Pinlock keg as a fermenter from time to time. It's the only larger fermenter I can fit into my small fermentation fridge...it's more for my smaller batches. A larger bucket or carboy doesn't fit. So I rack to a clean and sanitized keg, aerate and seal it up. I connect tubing to the "in" disconnect and run that down to a container of starsan. Ferment away.

[goblin]

dave, how long have you had your lbks? how many batches?

personally i do not mind the foamers. i just wait until it goes liquid again.

thats just me, i make it, i drink it, if possible.

the 3 or 6 gallon carboys cant hurt

brewon

[GOF]

A new LBK is $10. I can get a fermenting bucket locally for under $15. If the equipment is suspect it is not prohibitively expensive to replace it. Get a new fermenting container and give it a try.

[Chuck N]

I don't believe there is an infection in the LBK that cant be cleaned
Personally believe your problem is something else

I remember a while back ago (quite a while ago) Eric, from the "old forum", mentioned something about once a certain kind of infection got into the plastic of the LBK - or any plastic fermenter I'm assuming - it's in there for good.

[The_Professor]

I just did the exact same thing a month or so ago, FedoraDave.
All of my kegs were getting older and I lost a batch of beer due to a small leak that I didn't notice until I went to move the keg.
I have used the kegs to lager my lagers because the fit nicely into the fridge, but I have suspected the airlock holes that work fine for primary fermentation are not good for a secondary with little active fermentation.

So I bought a couple 3 gallon Better Bottles. I just used one as a secondary and it worked fine.

I usually use a 3.5 gallon bucket to ferment 3 gallon batches. Since I ferment in an insulated half closet I had to use tubing out of the top of the Better Bottle and tape the airlock on the side to lower the clearance a little. I haven't tried to fit the Better Bottles in my fridge yet, but I think it is doable.

[BrewDemon]

No more plastic for me. I have 2 glass big mouth bubblers. 1 - 6.5 gallon & 1 - 5 gallon. Still use my LBK's as bottling buckets. My BDC's got really smelly & always had an odor, so they were tossed.
This hobby is the best. There's always something new to try.

Beerlabelman, it sounds like you may have had one of our early versions…we have made a few changes since then. Call or send me a private message and I would be happy to send you a new one. Do you still have the stand?