While both work, each has its own pro's and con's. Glass is durable, easy to clean and sanitize, can be used for vacuum degassing and is considered better for long term storage. However, glass is heavy and it breaks. Plastic is lightweight, has a larger opening and is cheaper. Plastic is less durable, can scratch and give bad things a place to hide and is not as environmentally friendly. For short term storage, or if the carboy must be moved frequently, plastic is probably a good choice. For longer term storage, and if the carboy does not need to be moved or lifted often, glass is preferred.

Various containers can work well - the important features are that they are: Food safe (glass or food-safe plastic are good) Large enough that the fermenting must doesn't spill out The gray Brute trash containers found at Menard's and other stores are food safe, believe it or not. Larger batches are often fermented in those.

While both work, each has its own pro's and con's. Glass is durable, easy to clean and sanitize, can be used for vacuum degassing and is considered better for long term storage. However, glass is heavy and it breaks. Plastic is lightweight, has a larger opening and is cheaper. Plastic is less durable, can scratch and give bad things a place to hide and is not as environmentally friendly. For short term storage, or if the carboy must be moved frequently, plastic is probably a good choice. For longer term storage, and if the carboy does not need to be moved or lifted often, glass is preferred.

There are several choices ranging from water, vodka, Everclear, StarSan or a strong acid solution. Airlock solutions tend to evaporate and should be checked regularly. Make sure that the solution you chose is wine friendly, antimicrobial, and that the airlock is not overfilled to prevent suckbacks. This is particularly a concern when using plastic carboys, as their flexible sides allow the volume in the carboy to fluctuate, which can cause airlock fluid to be pulled into the carboy when they are moved.

A pH meter has an electrode sensor (probe) at the end. This must be kept wet at all times, or the meter will no longer work. The storage solution that comes with your meter is formulated for long term storage of the electrode. If your electrode accidentally dries out, you can attempt to regenerate it by placing it back into the buffered storage solution for at least one hour. Check the probe by measuring the standards you use for calibration. Perform the recalibration process. If it cannot be recalibrated, replace the probe.