fermentator size

[altim]

First timer here. Starting small, using a Mr. Beer for primary fermentation. Then, can I use a 3-gallon Better Bottle Carboy for secondary fermentation? or is the half gallon gap too much? i.e. does the carboy have to be mostly full? to what extent? And should I also get another 3-gallon with a port so I can transfer to it before adding the corn sugar? Seems like if I second ferment in the same carboy I'm to bottle out of that adding the priming sugar will disturb the sediment defeating the whole purpose of secondary fermentation. Thanks!

[grapeadmin]

You are on the right track. Airspace is a bad thing. However, if the beer will only be in the secondary for a short time (say 3-5 days) with air space it will not hurt. I think racking it into the 3 gallon better bottle would be a good idea. Once the beer falls clear in a few days rack it back out and into your primary. Then prime and bottle it out of the primary as you suggested so you don't have any yeast to disturb.

thanks
john