No action starter help!

[HillbillyDeluxe]

I've made two starters using smack packs. I've had no airlock action. Current starter is a cup of extra light dme and 4 cups water with a smck pack (smacked and sat 12 hours) then pitched @ about 80f and stored at 70f for 24 hours. I have no action at all. Cn i save by aerating and adding yeast nutrient? Any advice helpful.

 

[HillbillyDeluxe]

Pack was a pale ale yeast, sorry dont remember the # and trash has gone out.

 

[ShortSnoutBrewing]

Just as with your full batch, don't let the airlock be a determining factor of anything. In fact, most would say don't be an airlock on your starter. Check out this thread: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f14/stop-putting-airlocks-your-starters-104529/

And honestly, you won't see the same, intense activity with a starter that you will with a full batch. I never see much activity with my starters.

 

[HillbillyDeluxe]

I've read that thread too. I do this(airlocks) out of habit. I'm brewing tonight, i thinl i'll just throw some foil on it and to hades with it. I'll pitch around midnight i guess.

 

[Revvy]

Like other's have said...DON'T go by arilock activity for ANYTHING...

Besides that the ONLY thing to look for with starters is a line of creamy yeasts at the bottom of the flask...You can't even use krauzens to judge if it is done...Some the krauzen comes and goes mas rapidly, if it forms one at all...

This is ALL that matters.

 

[HillbillyDeluxe]

Thanks Rev, That i do have. Just no visible signs of action. No bubbles, CO2 smell, nothing. New to starters, not sure what to expect.

 

[woollybugger2]

Have you been swirling your starters often? That will tremendously help yeast propagation!

 

[HillbillyDeluxe]

Yep, swirl every 6 hours or so. I think i'm doing it right, just expected more off gassing. And i didnt aerate it before pitching either. Not paniking, i have a pack of dry notty here in case i get no ferm on the batch. Just warmin up to this starter thing. I've had great luck with the dry stuff for years, dont know why i'm even using a starter. I guess it just one of those things that brewers do and i dont wanna be left out. I'm sure you guys understand.