Pure O2 = Long Lag Time?

[bigtreydaddy]

So I've got my sixth AG batch done, a Pilsner (second lager I've done). I just bought a refractometer, which is already a great investment, and an O2 kit so I was anxious to use my new toys. I was under the impression that using pure oxygen would reduce lag time, but I'm approaching 24 hours with no visible activity. I've read a bunch of threads about signs beginning in 24-72 hours, but on all my previous batches—without O2—my airlock was bubbling within 12-15 hours. So was I misinformed about O2?

Here's the recipe/info:
Recipe Type: All Grain
Yeast: White Labs WLP838
Yeast Starter: 3100ml
Batch Size (Gallons): 5
Original Gravity: 1.053
Est Final Gravity: 1.011
IBU: 36.4
Boiling Time (Minutes): ~80
Color: 3.5

Ingredients:
------------
Amount Item Type % or IBU
8.0 lbs Pilsner (2 Row) Ger (2.0 SRM) Grain 80.0%
2.0 lbs Cara-Pils/Dextrine (2.0 SRM) Grain 20.0%
0.5 oz Magnum [14.00 %] (60 mins) Hops 23.8 IBUs
1.0 oz Perle [8.00 %] (10 mins) Hops 9.9 IBUs
1.0 oz Saaz [4.00 %] (5 mins) Hops 2.7 IBUs
1 Pkg Southern German Lager (White Labs #WLP838)

Mash Name: Single Infusion, Light Body, Batch Sparge
Mash Water: 3.12 gal
Step Temp: 148.0 F
Step Time: 75 min
Sparge Water: 4.85 gal
Sparge Temperature: 168.0 F
Total Grain Weight: 10 lbs

I chilled the wort as much as I could with the chiller and then put it in the fermenter and ferm chamber overnight. I also put the starter in there to get everything the same temperature, ~50º. The only thing I've done differently this batch is hit the wort with about 60 seconds of O2 before pitching.

 

[acidrain]

Were the previous batches (that you are comparing to) also lagers with the same yeast?
I've only done one lager, so I may be off here, but aren't lagers a little slow to start because of the cooler temps?

 

[bigtreydaddy]

The previous one I did was my first lager, the rest were ales. This is also my first time with this yeast. That first lager took off after ~12 hours but like you said, I was expecting a longer lag time.


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[j1n]

For me, when i use liquid yeast with a starter and 02, i get the least amount of lag time before it kicks off.

Maybe you didnt make a big enough starter and under pitched..... Your OG isnt that high though..... hmmm idk just give it more time and dont stress over it.

 

[bigtreydaddy]

So I had no bubbling in the airlock at all (still don't) but I pulled the airlock out, peered in the hole, and I can see krausen. Don't have a clue when ferm started but ¯\_(&#12484_/¯


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[hawktrio]

+1 to glass carboys

 

[BBL_Brewer]

If you're using a bucket it's not unusual to have a batch ferment out without any airlock activity whatsoever. Sometimes bucket lids don't seal up tight. If you've got krausen, you're good. Nothing to worry about.

 

[j1n]

+1 to glass carboys

ummm no, plastic carboys are much better. There is no benefit with using glass over plastic and glass introduces more risk.

 

[acidrain]

ummm no, plastic carboys are much better. There is no benefit with using glass over plastic and glass introduces more risk.

Agreed

Before going Sanke fermenters I would run some tape around the bucket-to-lid joint just so I could see the activity. I miss the bubbling

 

[Thesomeguy]

ummm no, plastic carboys are much better. There is no benefit with using glass over plastic and glass introduces more risk.

Not trying to derail the thread or start an argument but how does glass introduce more risk... At worst glass and plastic are equal in fermentation with proper care and handling..


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[hawktrio]

+1 only for the visual benefits in this particular case which would have made it easier for OP to see what was happening.

 

[hawktrio]