Secondary fermentation vessels must be made of food grade materials. Glass carboys are the traditional choice for homebrewing beer. The use of a secondary fermenter is the single best thing a homebrewer can do to improve their beer recipe. One or two weeks of aging in a carboy gives the beer plenty of time to clear, called brighten. Glass is easy to clean and sanitize and will last a life time if cared for. Remember safety first. Never put boiling water into a glass vessel. The high temperature will cause the glass to expand quickly and break.