Question about using a starter

RiversC174 · Apr 9, 2006

This is the first time I will be using White Labs yeast (WLP004 Irish Red Ale Yeast) and I read that a starter is recommended. I'm making a starter using a pinch of yeast nutrient mix, 1/2 cup light DME, and 900 mL water. My question was whether I will need a blowoff tube. I have a 6.5 gallon carboy and the final volume of this brew is 5 gallons so I'll have 1.5 gallons empty space but I thought I read that starters usually yield a quicker, more violent fermentation. Should I rig up a blowoff tube to be safe or should I be cool with the 1.5 gallons of empty space? Its a Red Ale and the OG of the brew is going to be around 1.055. Thanks guys.

Joe

homebrewer_99 · Apr 9, 2006

Congrats on making a starter. I always recommend them.

With all that extra space you shouldn't need one.

The MOST violent fermentations are when you pitch on top of yeast cakes...then I recommend one!

Sasquatch · Apr 9, 2006

Yes the already-ready yeast cake is a treacherous beast. They go hard and fast.

Mudd · Apr 9, 2006

If you are set up to use a blowoff tube, why NOT use one??

I had one blow out of my fermentor that I did not expect.
Same recipie,
same yeast,

Big Mess!!

Not Again!!

:mug:

El Pistolero · Apr 10, 2006

Mudd said:
If you are set up to use a blowoff tube, why NOT use one??

Because it's a pain in the butt.

I just can't see using a blowoff tube every time, when you're gonna need it just once in awhile...but to each his own of course.

uglygoat · Apr 10, 2006

i think it's six of one, half dozen of the other ... as long as the water in the airlock or what ever you stick the blow off tube in, is sanitary then they're about the same... imho...