Beer Forum

I have just made my first starter using a propagator. Usually I use the bigger activator and it seems like the fermentation is going really slow. Is this just because there is less yeast or is something else possibly wrong? It has just been going for about seven hours and there is about two bubbles a minute. Any help would be appreciated.

Could you post a little more information? Like, what size starter did you make. Is the starter growing slowly or is your beer fermenting slowly? What was is the OG of you wort?

There is less yeast in the propogator pack. For that package you should make at least a 1L starter for ales. If you did underpitch, you may get some off flavors from the yeast.

I use propogators all the time, on a stir plate with a 1L flask and foil over the top rather than an airlock. Usually it is all milky by 7 hours and done by 12 or so. Are you giving it a good swirl once in a while? Is it in a warm enough place?

I do not have a stir plate, but i am swirling it every half hour to an hour. it is about 72 degrees where it is. Maybe i just expected more activity in the air lock. do you think that the foil works better?

Firekja wrote:I have just made my first starter using a propagator. Usually I use the bigger activator and it seems like the fermentation is going really slow. Is this just because there is less yeast or is something else possibly wrong? It has just been going for about seven hours and there is about two bubbles a minute. Any help would be appreciated.

Can you clarify this?

Are you talking about your starter or have you PITCHED your starter?

If so, into WHAT? How big was the starter?

Basic answer based on the info you provided = "Don't worry. It sounds okay. Drink heavily."

Cheers,
Push E.

No I haven't pitched it yet, it is a 1 liter starter. It seems to be picking up now so I think it should be ok.