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how to tell when lag phase is over

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beekind

beekind

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Nov 14, 2008
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hey everybody. i am mighty perplexed about the lag phase. the big question is: how can i tell when the lag phase is over and that i need to pitch my fermaid k/dap mix?

what i've been doing is rehydrating the yeast with go-ferm, then pitching when the temps of the must and yeast are close to the same temp (within 10F). then, generally, i go to bed (most my mead making is in the evening). when i wake up, i assume that i am post lag phase, so i through in the fermaid k/dap mix. sometimes there is obvious airlock activity-but always pretty dern slow.

is this a poor system? is it better to pitch the mix as soon as the lag phase is over? what are the physical signs of lag phase being over (airlock activity and/or gravity changes, etc.)?

thanks for any help,
dave
 
W

wayneb

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Feb 7, 2007
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Rather than airlock activity, I watch for small bubbles of CO2 being released from the liquid surface. If you look carefully and listen carefully, you can see the bubbles popping and you can hear a faint "fizz" sound.

BTW - I don't do primary fermentations under airlock until after the 1/2 sugar break. The yeast need O2 early on, so I find that covering my fermenter with a sanitized towel (or a loose bucket lid) to keep out airborne nasties, is as effective as a tight cover with a lock at preventing spoilage, and it both gives my yeast a little more O2 and makes inspection, stirring, etc. that much easier.
 
wildoates

wildoates

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Mar 22, 2009
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I don't have the courage to do that, Wayne...

/Picturing a cat with no tail investigating that buzzing sound, and SPLASH!
 
beekind

beekind

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Nov 14, 2008
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thanks, for the answers. that's pretty much what i've been thinking-that it's the point when the yeasts get comfortable in their new surroundings and get to work.

how 'bout for the second question: should i be pitching the fermaid k/dap mix as soon as i see that they are working, or is my lazy man style okay? does a couple of hours make much of a difference?

wayne, thanks for your advice about open(ish) fermentation. i've only done that a couple of times, with great results. but living in washington state, the walls seem to breed fruit flys and that makes me nervous (they can seem to get everywhere). basically, i do that when i'm feeling a bit more bold.

-dave
 
akueck

akueck

Certified Mead Mentor
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Jun 26, 2006
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I don't think a few hours are going to make a huge difference. Try to catch it as best you can, but don't rework your life around it.
 
Medsen Fey

Medsen Fey

Fuselier since 2007
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May 23, 2007
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akueck said:
I don't think a few hours are going to make a huge difference. Try to catch it as best you can, but don't rework your life around it.
Click to expand...

Heresy, I say! Heresy!

It is essential to mark to end of lag phase. One must stay up all night if necessary watching the fermenter and waiting for it to give it's first little burp. How can one expect to make great mead without sacrifice and commitment! LOL. :rolleyes:
 
beekind

beekind

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Nov 14, 2008
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well, i have an eighteen month old, and have become quite accustomed to getting by on about four hours of sleep a night. i'm sure i can do fine with a little less :eek:. there goes the coffee budget.

i am so glad y'all approve of my laziness. if you said (seriously) that i needed to pitch the nutrients right at the end of the lag phase, i was going to have to tell the wife that i need to get one of those 47 gallon fermenters so i could really make it worthwhile to stay up all night. (wait...maybe i should tell her that, anyway.)
 
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