Evening all. I'm taking my first steps in yeast propagation. A few days ago, following Jim's instructions, I made a starter from a vial of WLP002 and decanted it into four bottles for future use. Tomorrow I'm planning to use one of them. The question is, should I get another starter going with it or can I bung it into the fermenter as it is?
By the way -- another question here -- was the amount of grey sludge meant to have increased? There doesn't seem to be any more of it in the four bottles combined than there was in the original vial. Fermentation definitely took place, however.
A second yeast starter?
Re: A second yeast starter?
Do a starter with one of your bottles of culture, aerate it every time you go past (shake it a lot) and don't commit yourself to using it unless you're getting significant foam on the top of the new starter.
Re: A second yeast starter?
Thanks, E1. I've done as you said, and my authentic Fuller's-style London Pride is bubbling away even as I write. 
Re: A second yeast starter?
Excellent news 
Re: A second yeast starter?
Horden Hillbilly has done a great guide on splitting liquid yeast here.
Re: A second yeast starter?
NB if you want to do another one fairly soon, you can save the sludge from the London Pride and stick it in the fridge in a sanitised container. The brave then just pitch it right into the next batch, the timid would acid-wash the sludge, and start it in a demijohn with a litre or two of wort to prove it's viable. Big starters are great!