Preparing for my second batch

[drummerguy]

I am hoping to brew my second batch this weekend (an extract hefeweizen of my own creation), but I have a few questions before starting.

My first question is about the stir plate, as I have never used one before. Do I make the starter and let it stir until I'm ready to add it to my wort? Do I still smack the package before making the starter? I've also read a little about decanting before pitching the yeast, but I think I'll save that for a future batch.

Also, is it a bad idea to put a 5.5 gallon batch into a 6.5 gallon fermentor? I had planned on using a blow off tube for this, but made a mistake when ordering the tube. I will attempt to remedy this with a trip to Lowe's. Would I be able to attach a blow off tube directly to the airlock (three piece) if I remove the top part? I read about this somewhere, but have since lost the article.

 

[edb]

You want to time your starter out to finish up around when you're brewing if its done before hand really not a big deal. I've made starters that had to sit for a few days before dumping them in my wort.

Nothing wrong with 5.5g in a 6.5g carboy, lol I have 3g sitting a 6.5g carboy. My hefe yeast was pretty mellow had 5.25g in a 6g carb and it didnt need a blow off. I harvested the yeast from Ale Asylum - Unshadowed and used about a 1/2 liter starter.

If you really need to put a blow off on there yeah some ppl put theirs on the top of their airlock, I just have blow off tube with a smaller piece of tubing inserted at the end of the tube that lets me fit it into my standard carboy stoppers and I run that vs an airlock if I think I need it.

 

[johngaltsmotor]

As for the stir plate, it is as simple as turning of the stir motor 10-12 hours before pitching. (You can refrigerate to speed falling out but not 100% necessary for 1st time). The yeast falls to the bottom by gravity and you can pour off 90% of the liquid. Leave a little to stir and get all the yeast to unstick from the walls before pitching.

I always do 5.4-5.6 gal batches to account for loss/trub/etc in a 6.5gal fermenter bucket. Unless it's a very vigorous fermentation you'll be fine. To add a blowoff you just need a piece of tubing that fits in the stopper. For a glass fermenter that means inside the rubber stopper hole, for a plastic bucket it needs to go in the rubber grommet. If you use a blowoff just eliminate the 3pc to start with, then add it once the majority of fermentation is complete (5-7days).

 

[flars]

With 5.5 gallons in 6.5 gallon carboy you will need a blow off tube if you are using WY3068.

Smack the yeast smack before making the starter. This will release the yeast nutrients. For your next brew begin your starter three to four days in advance. This will give you time to chill the starter and decant the starter wort on brew day.

A starter will often finish in 18 to 24 hours on a stir plate. Extra time at low speed will not hurt it.

I have a blow off tube assembly made up with the tube attached to the bottom of a three piece airlock. Cut off any taper at the bottom of the air lock tube. The taper will restrict flow and possibly cause the assembly to be blown out.

 

[drummerguy]

Thanks for all the information. I will probably try to get my starter made tonight so it can be ready for brewing this weekend.

For a glass fermenter that means inside the rubber stopper hole, for a plastic bucket it needs to go in the rubber grommet. If you use a blowoff just eliminate the 3pc to start with, then add it once the majority of fermentation is complete (5-7days).

I will be fermenting in a bucket. I thought about just sticking a tube in the rubber grommet, but that seems like it would have to be a very small tube. Would that not present issues with clogging? Also, does the length of the tube play a part in this? I know tubing is pretty cheap if purchased by the foot, so that shouldn't be a big deal.

With 5.5 gallons in 6.5 gallon carboy you will need a blow off tube if you are using WY3068.

I am using that particular yeast, so I guess I should plan on using a blow off tube of some kind.


One other question: Should I use distilled or purified water? I want to buy bottled water this time just to be on the safe side. Plus, the stores around here usually have it on sale and it can be purchase at 10 for $10.