Stir plate/starter advice please

[Duzdisluk Infektid]

Fermcap is a good idea, as well

Holy crap, I didn't realize I would have so many questions!

Are you advising to use this specifically in the starter, or were you just saying to expect quick/violent fermentations after pitching?

I actually just picked some generic LHBS anti-foam up to reduce the risk of boilovers, although I'm pretty sure this is the same thing as fermcap and can also be used to reduce the risk of fermentation blow outs. So if I used it in the boil, will it still be active for the ferment or do I need to add more?

[Duzdisluk Infektid]

You are going to want speed control regardless.

Will do. I priced a Hanna Instruments stir plate from my LHBS today. $100. DIY is definately the way to go.

[brewinhard]

I brew 5 gallon batches at a time and have only ever used and needed a 2L flask for my starters on a stirplate. As stated above, if a larger quantity of yeast is required, I will brew a lower gravity batch of beer first to build up my yeast. Not only does this get more beer in my house but allows me to hone in on my session beer recipes for those nights during the week I can't totally imbibe thoroughly.

[snowcapt]

Fermcap is a good idea, as well

Holy crap, I didn't realize I would have so many questions!

Are you advising to use this specifically in the starter, or were you just saying to expect quick/violent fermentations after pitching?

I actually just picked some generic LHBS anti-foam up to reduce the risk of boilovers, although I'm pretty sure this is the same thing as fermcap and can also be used to reduce the risk of fermentation blow outs. So if I used it in the boil, will it still be active for the ferment or do I need to add more?

Put it in the flask. It boils over pretty darn quickly.

[Duzdisluk Infektid]

Oooh, I get it now. You're talking about boiling in the flask. Just a wee bit slow this evening.

Coincidentally, I happen to be listening to you on a SS from 2011 where you were on Brew's Line and won DOTW. Cheers brother!

[spiderwrangler]

If you are boiling in the flask, weigh/portion out your DME in a metal mixing bowl, get the water to a boil and dump it in, whisk it together, and pour through a funnel back into the flask. If you add water to malt and try to boil, DME will get stuck on the bottom of the flask.

[Duzdisluk Infektid]

Great tip Spider. I'll do that.

[snowcapt]

Oooh, I get it now. You're talking about boiling in the flask. Just a wee bit slow this evening.

Coincidentally, I happen to be listening to you on a SS from 20 11 where you were on Brew's Line and won DOTW. Cheers brother!

And I won them BOTH!