DIY Stir Plate:

[Ciderhead]

Very fancy

Last time I saw something with a vortex like that it was off the east coast of the US!

[Shane Phelan]

So tell me - what OG beers require a 3L starter?

Say I want to make my imperial stout again, it as a OG of around 1085 and if I bang in into Mr. Malty:


I'm aware that the algorithm he uses for yeast viability is very pessimistic so I'm being optimistic and assuming that I have a full vial of yeast at almost 70% viability. If I go any smaller than a 3L, then I need a 2nd vial of yeast which I'm not willing to do. I could make multiple starters but I would prefer to do it all at once.
Lagers usually require much larger starters than ales. 

I don't always make beers this strong but I'm really looking forward to needing it for one. 

[DEMPSEY]

3L starters are often when you want to make a lager,because you are going to ferment at a cooler temp you need alot more yeast cells.

[Hop Bomb]

Cheers for that. Am I right in saying that the amount of starter wort determines the amount of yeast cells you get? More wort = more cells?

This is the project box I used:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Large-Project-Box-Plastic-Case-Electronic-Circuit-Enclosure-with-Feet-Type-Z1-P-/251181533153?ssPageName=ADME:L:OU:US:3160

[Ciderhead]

Cheers for that. Am I right in saying that the amount of starter wort determines the amount of yeast cells you get? More wort = more cells?

This is the project box I used:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Large-Project-Box-Plastic-Case-Electronic-Circuit-Enclosure-with-Feet-Type-Z1-P-/251181533153?ssPageName=ADME:L:OU:US:3160

It looks really sweet can we see some pics of the gubbins?
Do yourself a favour, drill a couple of ventilation holes in as although I think those fans are fairly heat tolerant, that polystyrene box isn't flame retardant and would go up a treat 
Mine has slots in the side for ventilation.

[Hop Bomb]

Cheers. Gubbins? Is that the insides? Il take a pic when Im drilling air holes

[Hop Bomb]

[Hop Bomb]

The Galway one didnt anyway but I didnt flick through their catalogue or ask. Just browsed the store. I usually only go there as a last resort as I think they're a rip off. I had to buy my power supply there (12.50e) & the rubber washers/spacers & fan screws which were 4.50e p/pack. Ive enough of those for 20 more stir plates so if anyone needs any Ive loads to trade.

[Shanna]

Hi Hop Bomb,

Would you mind posting the link for the power supply and the fan that you bought?

Declan

Bought everything I needed last night. Decided to go with ebay UK for everything over dx.com. A bit more expensive but I should get the stuff a lot quicker.

Next on the list is a sight glass/thermometer combo for my HLT (converted 50L guinness barrel) & a diy sparge arm. I also need to insulate it. Whats that bubble wrap foil insulation stuff called that I see here?:




One other gear related question:

Im using my boil kettle (converted 50L guinness keg) to heat sparge & strike water. I have a small 12v pump here (moves 8 litres p/min) which I plan to use for moving my heated sparge water from the boil kettle on the ground to my HLT up high (I figure its much safer & quicker than trying to lift a keg full of near boiling water above my head) (il also be using the pump to whirlpool my wort)

Would you expect me to lose much temp in the sparge water on the journey from the BK to the HLT? I know there are many variables but just said Id ask in case someone here is doing similar with their set-up.

Thanks & Happy New Year!

[Hop Bomb]

Speed controller for fan (sold out on dx.com)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280990050226&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:3160


Fan: (again can be got with free p&p from dx.com but takes longer to get to you)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261117329705&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:3160


Earth Magnets: (cheaper on dx.com)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350551089505&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:3160


I cant find my power supply on Maplins site but it was the cheapest switchable voltage one they had.