FV too small, too late to split?

[BruinTuns]

Hello everyone
I Finally got my first brew on this afternoon, the Bulldog 'Evil Dog Double IPA' kit.
I'd bought "25 litre" buckets (they're factory marked as such) but found out too late that they don't even hold 21 litres!
Must be measured at USA volumes, which I only just now found out are less than UK.
The kit instructions call for 23 L H20, (several HBF members actually brew this one long; 24 litres is common) but with only 20L added my FV is brimmed. The wort almost touches the lid, and the bottom of the bubbler is virtually in the soup, even though it's only just through the grommet.
Oddly, even at this unplanned concentration, my OG was only @ 160 - it was difficult to be precise due to froth. Reviews typically report significantly higher OGs..

My question:
Should I go stick with this situation? Is it too late to split it (and dilute a bit) between this and a second fv? No bubbler activity as yet..

Any advice greatly appreciated..

[Wekslap]

I'm not an expert but I would maybe split and dilute to 23 or 24 litres like you said. I'm sure someone more experienced will be along soon.

John

[cellone]

Other than put the FV in something like a builders trug leave it if it's started fermenting. At 20l you've only brewed it short by 3l, many people brew as short as 18l for more flavour and a higher alcohol content. It will taste good and be strong.

Get a bigger FV for the next one.