Lager Secondary

[Kai]

When fermenting lagers, do they need to be racked to a secondary for cold conditioning?

I plan to do one at 12C soon in a 22L plastic water cube as I have limited fridge space and I don't think a normal fermenter will fit. I was wondering if I can leave it in the cube for the entire ferment or if I really should be racking it?

I assume I should be but that means I need another cube.

 

[Vlad the Pale Aler]

I would definately rack after the primary fermentation has finished, but dont forget that you will need that coverage of co2 on top of the lager to prevent nasties getting in, or reduce headspace in the secondary. CC'ing on top of the yeast cake may lead to what used to be called "yeast bite", a phrase that has disappeared. Why not cc in the bottles after the true secondary fermentation has finished its probably safer.

 

[Kai]

I think I might do that, Vlad. It didn't occur to me.

Only problem will be trying to leave the bottles in the fridge that long w/o drinking them