dirtbikejunkie wrote:Any guidelines for stepping up a starter? For example if I first make a 1000ml starter
1 does it need to go through all phases of fermentation before I step it up
2 to step it up do I just drain off the wort and pour the slurry into new larger wort.
3 how much can I step up each time?
Perhaps this post is a bit late but i thought i could add some input on this and then pose an additional question.
1. Your starter should not technically be fermenting. Fermenting takes place in the absence of oxygen and main goal of a starter is to grow in numbers in the presence of oxygen (aerobic respiration).
2. From what i have listened and read so far from jamil, the step-up is performed by decanting liquid off your original starter and adding additional starter wort. My question is, if you had the capacity in your flask, could you make the original 2L starter, wait until completion and then add another 2L of 1.065 to 1.075 ish wort on top of it for a total of 4L and a new mixed SG of about 1.035/1.040 assuming your initial starter dropped below 1.010. I have done this twice so far for lager starters - 2L 1.040 wort, then another 2L of 1.065 wort on top of the original for a total of 4L.
