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Posted 34 days ago.
Okay, so let's figure this out.
What are your inputs? I.e. batch size, OG, yeast date, etc. What size flask do you have?
I'll run it myself and see if we can't find the issue.
Posted 34 days ago.
Batch Size = 5.5 gal
OG = 1.04
Overbuild = 100b
Initial Cells = 100b
Prod Date = harvested on 8/21/2014
Flask Size = 2L
The calculator suggests two 1L steps of 1.037G.
Here's where I'm confused. The calculator suggests that I pitch 0.658L and harvest 0.342L for a total of 1L. If I'm using two 1L steps, shouldn't there be more than 1L at the end of the second step?
Posted 34 days ago.
The calculator assumes you are cold crashing in-between. And you end up with a 1 liter starter. Sure, it would probably be a bit more than that since your slurry is a certain volume, but that would be almost impossible to capture.
Posted 34 days ago.
Yep, Kevin nails it. It's assuming you are cold crashing after each step and decanting the liquid, then pitching that slurry into a new liter of starter. At the end, you're going to be left with roughly 1 liter, not two.
Note that if your flask is big enough, you can just add another liter of wort at the second step and call it a day - but then, you'd need to apply those same percentages to harvesting. Which means you need a bigger jar or whatever to save your slurry.
I always cold crash and decant what I save, which I then store in soda blank vials (same thing White Labs ships yeast in).
Posted 34 days ago.
I was thinking in volumes not percentages. It makes perfect sense now. Thanks!
The wife would probably be much happier if I started using soda blanks instead of 8oz mason jars.
Posted 34 days ago.
Nice collection!
But yeah, soda blanks are the way to go (IMO). They easily contain 100B+ cells, plenty for a starter.
Posted 34 days ago.
Just to be clear, Snoballz, the calculator does it in volumes. But it's a fairly simple calculation based off percentages and whatnot.
Posted 34 days ago.