Stir plate starters

[Harleybrews]

Hi gang. I've been using starters for some time and now I considering the use of a stir plate. Currently I use growlers and the "shake" method. After reading some of the posts on the use of stir plates it looks like a lot of brewers here cover the flask or starter vessel with foil and put it on the stir plate.

1) Doesn't the vortex suck in o2 thru the flask opening?
If so, wouldn't covering the opening with foil this from happening and greatly reduce the amount o2 being introduced?

2) I've seen somewhere, I think B3 where a sanitary filter with a ruber stopped is used. Seem like a great idea. Does anyone have thoughts on this?

[Bugeater]

When you use a piece of foil, you don't stop all air flow. You simply block the nasties from falling into the flask. I normally just drape a baggie that I dipped in StarSan over the top of the flask. When I can find it, I will use a foam stopper that will let air flow without letting other stuff in. I got mine here. http://www.williamsbrewing.com/_9_FOAM_ ... 30C108.cfm

Wayne
Bugeater Brewing Company

[DannyW]

I had one of those stoppers once. "Had."

Whatever you do, don't soak them in bleach water. They get brittle and turn a nasty yellow/brown color!

Yeah, yeah, I know - no bleach in the brewery. Well, flufah. The only place I use it is to soak scummy starter flasks and jugs, and the foam stopper was right there...