Aerate after fermentation starts?

[ProfessorBrew]

My first yeast starter was a success and my Irish Red Ale has been actively fermenting for just over 24 hours. Should I aerate or do anything else to keep the fermentation going?

I don't have an aeration set up, so aeration for me is limiting to shaking, splashing or stirring.

 

[daksin]

Nope, you're good. The only beers you'd want to oxygenate after fermentations starts are HUGE Beers, like barleywines in the 1.100 + range. Even then, you want to add a second hit of O2 at 18-24 hours after pitching (not after fermentation starts) to ensure healthy yeast growth. Adding air at this point won't help and will probably hurt it by oxidizing your fermented beer.

 

[maida7]

Alcohol + Oxygen = cardboard flavor

So once fermentation has begun there will be alcohol in there and you should avoid all contact with oxygen.

oxygen prior to fermentation is good for the yeast.

oxygen after fermentation has begun is bad for the beer

 

[ProfessorBrew]

That's what I thought. Thanks for the replies!