airlock on starter

[malt20]

i going to make my first yeast starter tomorrow and i wanted to know if I use a three piece airlock with no liquid in it isnt that the same as putting foil over it, just a little more sanitary??? allready have the stopper for the flask and an extra airlock

and how big of a starter should i make for a 5 gallon batch? i only have a 1000ml flask

 

[Seven]

i going to make my first yeast starter tomorrow and i wanted to know if I use a three piece airlock with no liquid in it isnt that the same as putting foil over it, just a little more sanitary??? allready have the stopper for the flask and an extra airlock

Use foil as you want there to be a gas exchange when making a yeast starter. An airlock will prevent oxygen from entering the starter.

and how big of a starter should i make for a 5 gallon batch? i only have a 1000ml flask

The required starter size will depend on the OG of your beer. Check here for starter sizing information.

 

[TrainSafe]

For starter sizes, check out the calculator on mrmalty.com

Sanitized foil is way easier than an airlock. It provides equal protection and saves headaches.

 

[OneHoppyGuy]

+1 on foil
that's what our yeast grower (aka SWMBO) uses

 

[audger]

a three piece airlock with no liquid in it isnt that the same as putting foil over it, just a little more sanitary???

i dont think foil is any more or less sanitary.

Use foil as you want there to be a gas exchange when making a yeast starter. An airlock will prevent oxygen from entering the starter.
.

while the starter is producing CO2, there would be no oxygen entering unless you remove the foil/airlock. the outwards CO2 pressure would prevent that.

 

[Jester]

It is funny how things change over time... The starter is one of them. I bought the NB start kit about 6 years ago and it came with a stopper and airlock. Now it comes with a foam stopper that can breathe, which resembles the foil technique. I have personally always used an airlock, but i do not normally put the airlock on till the wort has cooled and use foil during cooling. The benefit of the foam stopper per NB instructions, is that you put it on while the wort is cooling and it prevents any dust/particulate from entering the starter during cooling.

The foam stoppers are only a few dollars at NB. I have been thinking about ordering a few....

 

[OldBunny]

I use foam stoppers that I buy from Williams Brewing. Work great. cycle through the dishwasher and then soak in sanitizer before using.

 

[corkybstewart]

For starter sizes, check out the calculator on mrmalty.com

Sanitized foil is way easier than an airlock. It provides equal protection and saves headaches.

Unfortunately where I live foil does not provide any protection from fruit flies so I'm pretty much forced to use an airlock. I tried a thick (4 or 5 layers) cheesecloth cover once but the dirty bustirds still got in.

 

[Baldy_Beer_Brewery]

I put foil on mine when I boil it and the heat takes care of any infection risks.

 

[BrewThruYou]

I use foam stoppers that I buy from Williams Brewing. Work great. cycle through the dishwasher and then soak in sanitizer before using.

Does the dishwasher get rid of the yellowing? I have two foam stoppers that started off brilliantly white and now are both yellow as can be. I mean I still sanitize them and everything, but the color is annoying/concerning to me.