Lager clarification

[duskb]

I just pitched my first lager yeast a couple of days ago (Wyeast SF ALE) and not only am I not seeing ANY activity in the airlock the top of the beer is glass clear. I know lager ferments at the bottom. Is this normal?

 

[The Pol]

Did you make a starter, like a large starter? What is the temp?

Well, cooling wort will make it drop clear... at lager temps, it will certainly clear. My wort is cooled to 57F before it goes to the fermentor and it is VERY clear. This is normal...

What about the starter?

 

[duskb]

Did you make a starter, like a large starter? What is the temp?

Well, cooling wort will make it drop clear... at lager temps, it will certainly clear. My wort is cooled to 57F before it goes to the fermentor and it is VERY clear. This is normal...

What about the starter?

Cant remember the yeast number but I had no starter though. It was a Wyeast Smack Pack. Last one I used the beer started to ferment within 12 hours. I also added Wyeast Nutrient at the last 8 min just to help kick the brew along.

The temp dropped slowly while cooling but I pitched at 78. It got as low as 60yesterday but presently it's at 64 in an ice bath. FYI its a Cal Common/Steamer. The ferment range is 55-65.

Did I go too cool on this? The temp strip is up at the top of the bucket and I know heat rises...maybe its too cold at the bottom of the bucket?