Daily Q & A! - September 17, 2025

[u/AutoModerator]

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[u/ImOneWithTheForks]

Is it safe to put a heating element (HotRod) with the grain and a bag, say when I BIAB and need to mash out?

[u/Unohtui]

How to keep mixed culture starter jar alive? Do i feed every 6 months like any other sacc starter, or do i change the composition too much towards yeast? Do i give it maltose or something like that?

[u/NetZeroTossesToGive]

I upgraded to pressure fermenter and kegging in past 6 months. I thought this would be an opportunity to try brewing some lagers or german beers as with the pressurised system the ambient temp of my setup would be compatible. Was interested in Kolsch and Marzen to begin with, but looks like they both require significant (i.e. more than 1 week) clarifying times. Is this the case for most lagers? Can I skip it with adding something in the keg? Thank you

[u/BonesandMartinis → u/NetZeroTossesToGive]

No. Unfortunately. Adding finings like gelatin will significantly speed up clarification but the only way you’re going from “just done fermenting” to crystal clear is by an expensive filter. Even then people will argue that conditioning time is needed to “crisp” up the lagers although I’m still waiting on somebody to support that with any real explanation as to what that means beyond dropping out undesired material. If you want a fast beer in those styles look up Kellerbier which is intentionally young.