How big of a starter?

[Bewbzout]

Well im sorry if this is a noob question but im trying to figure out how to do all this . I plugged in all my data in mrmalty pitching rate calculator and its telling me that i need 2.84 liters for my starter. After reading many threads most were saying they were just making 1 liter starters for most beers and that is the same advise i got from the owner of the LHB. I am trying to make NB's dead ringer IPA with a OG 1.064. Sorry again if this is a stupid question just want to get everything figured out.

 

[SilverZero]

It's not essential to have a starter in the first place, so just making one will get you ahead of the game, although it is a good idea for any higher gravity beers (1.060 and above). I've heard 1L is a good volume especially if you're stir-plating (like I am right now) as that gets a really good oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange going and can increase the cell count density by 50% (so that one liter is as good as a 1.5L starter without stirring). By the numbers, assuming live healthy yeast, the Mr. Malty calculator will tell you how big of a starter you need to get enough cells in the wort. If you go with a 1L starter, make sure to aerate it by shaking it up well every few hours or so, and let it grow for 24-48 hours before you pitch.

Of course, if you're using dry yeast, this whole discussion is out the window.

 

[Bewbzout]

Thank you. I just realized the drop down menu so when i put it on intermittent shaking instead of simple starter it dropped to 1.46 liters so that makes me feel alot better. I will more then likely spend and hour or so tomorrow making a stir plate.

 

[kh54s10]

The diy stirplate project is a lot of fun if you have even a little tinkerer in you. I did mine a couple of months ago and was able to scrounge all but a rheostat, a knob and 4 screws. Total cost $4.75. I saw a big difference in how soon the fermentation started.

 

[bratrules]

The diy stirplate project is a lot of fun if you have even a little tinkerer in you. I did mine a couple of months ago and was able to scrounge all but a rheostat, a knob and 4 screws. Total cost $4.75. I saw a big difference in how soon the fermentation started.

+1 stir plates are the way to go and as stated above are fun to make also radio shack has everything you need. lol but stir plates are really good for making starters mine are done fermenting overnight!!!

 

[Bewbzout]

Ya i will be building one tomorrow. I am a big tinkerer so this is a must do. I was going to build a crazy "tool man" style one but just read a few posts that say not to get a big fan as you dont want high speed. Damn i guess that ford taurus fan wont work < (if there is any car fans you are probably laughing now)

The ford taurus had cooling problems so they put a 2 speed cooling fan in there that flows 4000 cfm. Your typical import cooling fan flows about 1000 cfm.

I get a funny picture in my head thinking about a 6 Gal carboy as a starter with a huge vortex in it LOL

 

[bottlebomber]

I get a funny picture in my head thinking about a 6 Gal carboy as a starter with a huge vortex in it LOL

Someone on here has done that... I can't remember where the thread was but it looked pretty bad@ss

 

[squirrelly]

I do starters for all my beers, even those little session beers. I do this simply to get fermentation underway, and make sure my yeast is "the big bug on the block." I usually get much better attenuation when I use a starter as well.

Stir plates are cool, and quite useful. Even if you are not a tinkering little gnome, you can find a pretty professional one on ebay for about 100.00. Plus, it just makes me feel that much nerdier when I set the flask on the stir plate.

 

[DarkPhyre]

DiY still plates? any good links?

 

[djfriesen]

search "DIY stirplate" in the DIY forum. Results abound.