Beer Forum

Hi folks....You know those water coolers where you put the 5 gallon bottle in upside down? I was given a couple of the 5 gallon bottles and was wondering how permeable they are. Are they similar to a better bottle carboy or do they let in too much oxygen? I have alot of carboys, but was just wondering if it would make sense to keep as backup. Thoughts?

I have heard they are much more permeable than Better Bottles for example. Probably similar to a bucket. I keep them around though. I fill my RO water into them via a funnel or, when I don't have time to milk my RO units for 10-30 gallons of water, I get them refilled at the local Water and Ice. You can store your StarSan or PBW solutions for a bit in them...I think there are many purposes.

I would check any manufacturers markings on them and go to the website and see what materials they are made from.

Good advice. Thanks!

I believe they are polycarbonate. I tried storing PBW in them on two separate occasions. Both times I came out to the garage the next day to find 5 gals of PBW leaked all over the floor and a crack in the bottom of the container. I don't know by what mechanism PBW can put a crack in one of those containers but it happened.

1st bottle had the cap on so I assumed the PBW released oxygen and blew the bottom out of the bottle.

2nd bottle I left the cap off and had the same effect.

Anyone else?

Bruck wrote:Hi folks....You know those water coolers where you put the 5 gallon bottle in upside down? I was given a couple of the 5 gallon bottles and was wondering how permeable they are. Are they similar to a better bottle carboy or do they let in too much oxygen? I have alot of carboys, but was just wondering if it would make sense to keep as backup. Thoughts?

They are shit, bro. Just good enough to transfer cold water from the RO store to your house. I am much closer to being a better bottle convert after seeing them. They are thick, clear, and slick as shit. Nothing sticks to them. There are real PET. I would NEVER ferment in one of those blue ones - they are barely recycle-able.


Mylo

So my guess is to mark you down as a no?

Mylo wrote:

Bruck wrote:Hi folks....You know those water coolers where you put the 5 gallon bottle in upside down? I was given a couple of the 5 gallon bottles and was wondering how permeable they are. Are they similar to a better bottle carboy or do they let in too much oxygen? I have alot of carboys, but was just wondering if it would make sense to keep as backup. Thoughts?

They are shit, bro. Just good enough to transfer cold water from the RO store to your house. I am much closer to being a better bottle convert after seeing them. They are thick, clear, and slick as shit. Nothing sticks to them. There are real PET. I would NEVER ferment in one of those blue ones - they are barely recycle-able.


Mylo

I use mine for change. they can hold about $4,000 in change.