Aeration of stirplate starters

[pyro701n]

does anyone use a system of continuous aeration for thier starters on a stir plate?

i know continuous aeration will increase sterol formation and create healthier yeasts, but the vortex of the stirplate only aerates for so long.... then the co2 expulsion blocks out O2

i have an aquarium pump aeration system, but if i left that in my flask it would just bubble over. and i dont know of an easy timer setup to turn the pump on and of, so here is what im thinking

insert a small valve in between the pump and the hepa filter, restricting the airflow to a point where the flask does not bubble over.
does anyone do this, or something similar? what do yall think? any and all suggestions are welcome
thanks

 

[ajf]

I use an airstone fed by an O2 cylinder. I just introduce the O2 very gradually so bubbling over is not a problem. I would guess that your idea of a valve should work as well.

-a.

 

[chillHayze]

I use a stirplate with an e. flask and alum. foil on top - loosely. That way air can get in but particles are caught by the foil. No aeration needed!

 

[Yuri_Rage]

I use a stirplate with an e. flask and alum. foil on top - loosely. That way air can get in but particles are caught by the foil. No aeration needed!

Same here. My starters are usually so vigorous that they bubble over in a matter of hours.

 

[david_42]

There are also special foam corks that let air into the flask, but block the bugs. The constant stirring actually forces enough mixing that the CO2 doesn't block the O2.

 

[pyro701n]

but if there is a blanket of co2 ontop of the wort, how is any O2 getting down to the surface to get stirred in? cause the CO2 is heavier than the air

 

[ajf]

The CO2 would lay down a blanket over the starter if it wasn't being stirred. The continuous stirring also stirs up the gasses, allowing the O2 to reaach the starter.

-a.

 

[aekdbbop]

for those of you who have made your own stir plates.. can you point me to some tutorials on how to do it?

I have 80mm fans out the wazoo...

do you all leave the stir plate on the whole time?

 

[Yuri_Rage]

Read the DIY link in my signature - it's got a TON of info.

I leave the stir plate on for several days while the starter propagates.