More yeast or make a starter

[heavymetalmage]

I need to add more yeast to my lager and I'm wondering if it would be just as effective to add 2-3 smack packs, rather than buy one and make my own starter.

Opinions?

 

[jeffjm]

For lagers, I often make a starter from two packs using the calculator on mrmalty.com - that keeps the starter to a more manageable size.

 

[BigFloyd]

When you say, "I need to add more yeast", are you already fermenting this lager? If so, what's the situation that you want to add more?

I like to use a stirplate to try and keep lager starters to a manageable size (since you need about 2x the number of cells vs. a comparable ale)

 

[KeystoneHomebrew]

Like BigFloyd said, the situation is going to dictate what to do.

If you are noticing a problem, get yeast in there ASAP. If you just pitched, then you have the 48 hours or so to whip up a starter.