Why foil not airlock?

[Rudedawg]

Just started doing starters. What is wrong with using an airlock on a starter?

 

[Shooter]

A starter needs oxygen so the yeast can replicate. An airlock defeats that.

 

[Shooter]

Loose foil over the top is a better option. Lets in air, but nothing can drop down into the starter.

 

[Catt22]

A starter needs oxygen so the yeast can replicate. An airlock defeats that.

I agree. It's especially important to permit the gas exchange during the initial reproduction stage. I use an open cell foam stopper designed for this purpose, but foil works just as well.

 

[Pivzavod]

I put foil and make a few small holes with a toothpick. Have a starter going on stir plate for 18 hours and the yeasties are happily bouncing all over the place.

 

[EvilGnome6]

I agree. It's especially important to permit the gas exchange during the initial reproduction stage. I use an open cell foam stopper designed for this purpose, but foil works just as well.

I've been using the foam stoppers for a few months now and they work great.

 

[hier]

I pressure cook my flask with enough pillow stuffing (polyester batting) to use as a stopper, it lets air in and out but not the nastys. Just wrap it in foil, cook, and then when ever you unwrap it then it"s ready. wait, foil sounds easier....

 

[brettg20]

When using a stir plate my starters are ready within 12 hours easily

 

[schristian619]

I use to use an airlock with my starters, and didn't see anything wrong with it. I switched a while ago to using foil loosely over the top and immediately noticed quicker reproduction and less initial lag time in my starters.

 

[Rudedawg]

Well, it sounds like foil is the way to go. Thanks everyone.

 

[RedGlass]

How loose is "loose" for most folks? (that's what she said)

I think I'm still in the process of retraining my brain (like learning not to fear the foam) and crimp it too tight. Anyone got a good photo of "loose" foil?

 

[brettg20]

How loose is "loose" for most folks? (that's what she said)

I think I'm still in the process of retraining my brain (like learning not to fear the foam) and crimp it too tight. Anyone got a good photo of "loose" foil?

Just fit your fingers around the neck of the flask with the foil in-between. Doesn't have to be super tight, but snug so the foil won't fall off and so air can get in the flask at the same time.