1gallin yeast starter - cant tell if spinning

[beerdragon]

I just started a 1 gallon yeast starter in a homemade spin plate with my lager slurry collected from a last batch. It's in a 1 gallon glass carboy but I can't tell if the bar is spinning. I managed to feel the fan going but I don't see the tunnel. I know for sure if its not by morning, then ill just do the shake method, but does anyone have pointers how I can tell if the bar is in fact spinning?

 

[beerdragon]

Here is a picture

 

[LabRatBrewer]

Turn the power off and listen for the bar to catch. If you hear it then it was probably not spinning.

 

[beerdragon]

I should mention that I'm deaf so any methods involving sound would be out of the window

 

[LabRatBrewer]

Well, then disregard my first suggestion. Okay, if you have a laser pointer pen, shine it on the top surface. The red dot should be stable (minus hand shake) if it is not spinning.

 

[beerdragon]

That is a great idea. I have one ...... somewhere. Thanks! I'll update if that works

 

[GilSwillBasementBrews]

You could always use a magnet on the outside bottom of the container to pull the bar to the center then carefully place it over the center if the stirplate to ensure you have contact with the stir magnets.

 

[beerdragon]

Well I thought it was spinning but I woke up this morning, there was a large puddle on the counter and it looks like there was krausen activity. I'm going to make another yeast starter but in my 6gal as that's the only vessel I have available right now. I will just decant the spent wort and pitch the beer on top of the yeast cake.

 

[Mithranbeer]

If your 1 gallon Carboy has a concave bottom, the bar will probably slide to the edge and not spin. I know both of mine have that, which is why I ended up getting a 2L flask.