How long can a starter sit out?

[twbalding]

How long can a starter sit out before going in the fridge? I got one going on fri night expecting to brew on sun but now I'm delayed till this coming weekend. Is my starter okay just sitting out or should I refrigerate? And if so why...

 

[Hex23]

I don't think that a week at room temperature will hurt it much. But if you're talking about a large starter in a lighter/cleaner beer (usually a lager), you probably should be decanting it and in that case, you probably need to refrigerate anyway. I've see some advice that says anything greater than 5% volume of the beer should be decanted.

 

[Cyclman]

I would refrigerate, pour off all but 1" or so of the beer, then pitch directly from fridge.