instument to meaure 2.5 gallons

huntfisher · Post by **huntfisher** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 3:33 am

what sort of instrument do you use to measure 2.5 gallons of water to add to brew pot or what instrument to use to measure a gallon.

kevinham · Post by **kevinham** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 7:57 am

You can find 5 gallon buckets with graduations on the side every gallon, or make your own with gallon bottles of water, and marking it yourself.

Rezzin · Post by **Rezzin** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 8:08 am

I use a plastic pitcher and marked the outside with a sharpie in quart increments. If you can't measure quarts, then know that 1 quart = 4 cups.

huntfisher · Post by **huntfisher** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 3:41 pm

Also, I Should saninitze whatever I use to measure the water.

kevinham · Post by **kevinham** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 3:56 pm

Doesn't really matter if you are going to boil the water afterwards, that will sterilize it. If it is something you are adding to the fermenter after the boil, then yeah.

jakndbx · Post by **jakndbx** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 4:08 pm

I used glass etching paste to permenantly mark my carboys every .5 gallons. This makes it easy to see, and it will not wash off with any cleaner or sanitizer.

backyard brewer · Post by **backyard brewer** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 4:17 pm

jakndbx wrote:I used glass etching paste to permenantly mark my carboys every .5 gallons. This makes it easy to see, and it will not wash off with any cleaner or sanitizer.

Great idea

BrewMasterBrad · Post by **BrewMasterBrad** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 4:45 pm

That is a great idea.

Rezzin · Post by **Rezzin** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 5:07 pm

jakndbx wrote:I used glass etching paste to permenantly mark my carboys every .5 gallons. This makes it easy to see, and it will not wash off with any cleaner or sanitizer.

That is a great idea. How exactly do you use glass etching paste?

jakndbx · Post by **jakndbx** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 7:50 pm

you can get the etching paste at a craft or hobby store. then you just follow the directions. I jjust added 1/2 gallon at a time, let things stop sloshing, then carefully masked off a thin strip at the water level with 2 pieces of masking tape. You probally want to leave a thin strip of exposed glass about 1/8" wide x 2-3" long. Once you have all the levels you want etched masked off you clean the exposed area with rubbing alcohol. Once the area is clean and dry you carefully apply the etching cream. (be carefull not to get any cream on any areas you don't want etched). Avoid getting it on your skin, as it is a pretty powerfull acid. you let it sit for 5 min and then rinse with plenty of water. Once you remove the tape you will end up with frosted lines for each 1/2 gallon. If you want to go one step further, you can even get number stencils and mark each line.

jakndbx · Post by **jakndbx** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 7:53 pm

Regarding the etching paste...a little goes a long way if you are just etching carboys. I have plenty left over if any of you local guys would like to borrow mine. I have stencils too. Just let me know.

kevinham · Post by **kevinham** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 8:15 pm

Yeah, that really is a great idea, I need to get some of that to do my carboys.

spkrtoy · Post by **spkrtoy** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 9:33 pm

thanks for the great tip.

I've got about 10 to do, so if you like beer, let's talk!

kevinham · Post by **kevinham** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 11:04 pm

spkrtoy wrote:thanks for the great tip.

I've got about 10 to do, so if you like beer, let's talk!

Make that 12 Lyn, let me know and I'll be by

Rezzin · Post by **Rezzin** » Thu Apr 03, 2008 7:58 am

I've got a few myself - carboy etching party at Lyns!