Batch Volume + Yeast Starter in Beersmith 2

[HopHead73]

So I usually shoot to brew a batch to get 5.25gallons in my carboy.
I do a partial mash with late extract additions. I do 3.75 gallon boils (stove top kettle) and top off my carboy to reach my desired levels.

My question is related to my batch volume that I calculate in Beersmith and the volume of my yeast starter.
So on the "water volume" tab of my recipe, at the bottom I'm putting in my "Batch Size" as 5.25gallons and my "measured batch size" as 5.25gallons as well.
If I'm using a 2L starter, .5gallon, I'm only topping my carboy off to 4.75gallons and then adding the .5gallon starter to reach a final carboy volume of 5.25gallons.
Am I calculating this correctly in Beersmith?
I'm not selecting "add starter to bottling volume" because to me the starter is more like top up water. Am I thinking of this in the wrong context? Should I be topping my batch all the way up to 5.25gallons and then adding the starter?

 

[Golddiggie]

Cold crash the starter overnight, decant almost all of the spent wort and use what little remains to turn the yeast back into a slurry. Then don't add any volume for the slurry.

If you're not using a stirplate yet, I highly recommend getting/making one and use it for all starters. That way its finished within about 24 hours. Makes it easier to plan a brew day and when to make the starter. Once I started using a stirplate I could make the starter Thursday evening, cold crash it Friday evening and then pitch Saturday evening. You will also make smaller starters with a stirplate (bonus! ).

 

[HopHead73]

Cold crash the starter overnight, decant almost all of the spent wort and use what little remains to turn the yeast back into a slurry. Then don't add any volume for the slurry.

If you're not using a stirplate yet, I highly recommend getting/making one and use it for all starters. That way its finished within about 24 hours. Makes it easier to plan a brew day and when to make the starter. Once I started using a stirplate I could make the starter Thursday evening, cold crash it Friday evening and then pitch Saturday evening. You will also make smaller starters with a stirplate (bonus! ).

so essentially I am calculating my batch volume correctly with the .5G starter?
And by decanting my starter I can then fill my carboy up to the desired 5.25G level and then just pitch the yeast slurry?

 

[Golddiggie]

so essentially I am calculating my batch volume correctly with the .5G starter?
And by decanting my starter I can then fill my carboy up to the desired 5.25G level and then just pitch the yeast slurry?

I never add any amount to the specs for starter volume. I made a 3L starter for Saturday's batch but since I decanted it I left that field blank (always do) or don't check the box.

Make sure you have enough head space in the carboy/fermenter. You can also use fermcap in the starter, batch boil and fermenter. It actually gives your brew better head and head retention.

 

[HopHead73]

Make sure you have enough head space in the carboy/fermenter. You can also use fermcap in the starter, batch boil and fermenter. It actually gives your brew better head and head retention.

I use a 6.5G carboy and always use fermcap in the fermenter. Love that stuff!
Haven't had a blow out since I started using it

 

[Golddiggie]

I ferment about 6.75 gallons in 7.75 gallon sanke kegs. I still add fermcap in the boil and fermenter. Even when i boil ~9 gallons in my keggle.

 

[beerguy52]

Fermcap is truly one of the wonders of the modern world!!