New Homebrewer here brewing first batch

[BigRingBrew]

Hello All,

I have my first batch fermenting (a Nut brown ale, specialty grain and extract kit from Northern Brewer). I am using a carboy and bucket from a friend to see if i liked it before I purchased anything major. I have enjoyed it so far and I am really anticipating tasting that first batch (I hope it turns out well). I am bottling this first batch, but might like to keg some in the future. My question is this, if I can find several 5 gal ball lock kegs, do I need to buy a carboy? I have read where you can ferment in them (they are actually cheaper than carboys and not breakable). If they work as well, they would be dual use, fermenting and kegging. They also seem like they would store better and be easier to ferment a lager in the future, because they would fit more easily into a converted frige or freezer (I am a little excited, so I am sure I am getting ahead of myself).

Also, does anyone know where I could buy several 5 gal ball lock kegs around Chattanooga cheap? (I have seen them go on ebay, shipped for around $30 a piece)

Any input appreciated!

BigRingBrew

[tony]

Hey man,

The best deal I've seen (and where I bought all 12 of my kegs from) is Adventures in Homebrewing. http://www.homebrewing.org.

I've never tried to ferment in my kegs, but usually they are full of beer and I have to hold parties to make room for the beer that is fermenting.

If you do, make sure you cut 1/2" off of the end of the liquid line so you're not racking off a big mouthful of yeast during your transfers.

Let us know how it turns out, and definitely try to make it out to a meeting! (April 25th at my house....)