4
votes
Accepted
My first yeast starter with a stir plate, possibly a disaster
Smack packs contain yeast nutrients, and sugars nothing magical. Its just a mini starter in a bag for proofing yeast for direct pitching. Don't need it at all If doing your own starter. If you do all ...
- 18.5k
4
votes
Alternative to stir plate for yeast starter (and erlenmeyer flask)
I use a 750 ml bottle, sanitised aluminium foil and a rubber band. Keep aerated by stirring it gently, occasionally during the first 12h; I stir every 6th hour or so. After 18-48h I use it or ...
- 711
4
votes
Carboy-sized Magnetic Stirring
Yes you can. I've fermented apple wine this way on a DIY stirplate, 1 inch magnet, and a vintage arrowhead carboy (flat bottom).
It wasn't powerful enough to make a deep cone for oxygenating which ...
- 18.5k
3
votes
Accepted
Simulating a yeast starter for fine tuning a stir plate
I haven't noticed any difference in the performance of my home-built stir plate between water and wort/yeast with one exception. I often make two-stage starters and refrigerate the flask between ...
2
votes
Accepted
What is a realistic growth factor in large volume stir plate yeast starters?
'Is such a high growth rate (assuming that everything is optimal) actually possible[...]?'
It sure is. Yeast will pretty much grow indefinitely as long as there are no nutrient limitations or ...
- 6,417
2
votes
Accepted
Alternative to stir plate for yeast starter (and erlenmeyer flask)
You could build a stir plate - you probably already have most the stuff laying around.
Step 1: Gather a computer fan, power supply, stir magnet, and neodymium magnets and 2 L mason jars.
Step 2: ...
- 328
2
votes
Alternative to stir plate for yeast starter (and erlenmeyer flask)
A stir plate does two things. Both can be done manually by swirling your vessel.
Provides the yeast a good amount of oxygen.
Reduces yeast lost, from lifting out with krausen and drying on the sides....
- 18.5k
1
vote
Alternative to stir plate for yeast starter (and erlenmeyer flask)
I Use various size canning jars, I have the, from .5L up to Half Gallon.
I only fill them up Half way to 3/4 full. And when making the starter, I leave the lid partially screwed on.
Then during the ...
- 1,769
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