[NorthernIke]

I finally got my home-made stir plate running.  A few questions:

• I've seen images of stir plate with this huge vortex that almost goes to the bottom of the flask.  How important is this for yeast growth?

• My stir plate just kept things in suspension with a very small vortex that extended maybe 1/2" below the surface of the wort.  What can I do to improve this?  I currently have a 2" stir bar.

Any input is appreciated.

[NorthernIke]

Oh...just did a search:

http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/forum/index.php?topic=57.msg169#msg169

I guess that answered my question.  Majorvices and Jamil agreeing in the same thread...must be some damn good advice!

[bluesman]

As long as the yeast is kept in suspension the stir plate is doing it's job. The yeast must not flocculate.

[Kaiser]

Yeast still flocculates on a stir plate. I see that with my lager yeasts. You can see small flocks of yeast and it's a sign that they are done. But you are correct in that the stir plate keeps them from laying on top of each other.

Kai 

[Matt B]

I just replied to the main thread that NorthernIke posted asking about aeration, as I had similar questions.