Diy stirplate with little vortex....

[Kmcogar]

My DIY stirplate doesn't have a big vortex. Does this matter? As long as it moves the yeast around, should it be fine?

I'm about to make a 7% abv IPA. How big should my yeast starter be? I have some white labs california ale yeast. I have a 1000ml flask. Amounts? Time?

 

[theonetrueruss]

I'd definitely do the full 1L.

 

[The_Mad_Scientist]

I have found a nice steady smaller vortex is preferred. And do a full 1-2l starter

 

[jbaysurfer]

go to mrmalty.com. Starter sized calculator right there. Length? For an ale yeast, if you're going to pitch the whole starter (rather then cold crash and decant) 24 hours ahead of time works best for me. YMMV.

And a large vortex is not required. The idea is basically to move the surface constantly for O2 exchange and to keep the yeast in suspension. A dimple will do.

 

[kh54s10]

Since you have a small flask I suggest that you use yeastcalc.com and look to making a step starter. 1 liter is likely to be too small.

I also agree that a big vortex is not necessary.

 

[Kmcogar]

Ok, I have a 1/2 gallon jug too. Should I just use that to start? How much DME and water do I use?

 

[jbaysurfer]

1L, 1 vial of 001, 1.065 OG, 5G batch...is fine. Run it through a calculator anyway OP, you'll learn from it.

http://www.mrmalty.com/calc/calc.html

Important thing is to not get analysis paralysis on the yeast starter. Make it, brew beer! I got way too hung up on this step and put off my first brew for like 2 weeks while I perseverated over it.

Edit: Your jug won't work on your stirplate in all likelihood. Stick with the flask. You need a flat bottom.

Use 100grams of dme per 1L of water. That's roughly a half cup if you don't have a scale. If you do, measure by weight, not by volume.

Edit 2: I strongly recommend you spend 15 minutes on the site I linked. It tells you all this. You know, teach a man to fish kinda thing.....

 

[mikescooling]

How much IPA are you making? 5 gallons? The 1/2 gallon jug would work, size wise.

 

[jbaysurfer]

I'm going to post for the last time in this thread. OP. I have checked my work. Your 1l flask and the stir plate are perfectly sized to start the IPA you're brewing.

I have given you the tools to check my work as well. GL. LOL...

 

[Kmcogar]

Nuff said, thank jbay