Did I goof up my starter?

[Snyder]

Here's the story. My Belgian wit smack pack came already activated. I put it in the fridge for a couple of weeks till I got around to making a starter to be on the safe side. I pulled it out last night, and today it bulged a bit more. The directions I found for a starter were:
2/3 c. LME
2 1/2 c. water
2 hop pellets
I cooled to 70, and dumped it together with the yeast. I noticed after the fact that my gravity topped out my scale. I thought the gravity should be in the 1.040 range. Was that because of the hop sediment, or were starter directions wrong? I'm hoping that this is my first RDWHAHB moment

 

[JMSetzler]

I have never put hops in a starter. Just let it sit for at least 24 hours and you should be fine...

 

[schweaty]

The gravity should have been around 1.040 based on the 2 cups water to 1/2 cups DME starter theory. It might have been a bit higher but not by much. Yes, this is a RDWHAHB moment. Your starter will be fine.

As far as hops are concerned, its not a necessity to put them in. It's optional.

 

[Schnitzengiggle]

I wish more people knew about MrMalty.com.

Here is the link: Mr Malty

has pretty much everything you need to nkow about starters, along Wit some other great info!

 

[Snyder]

Thanks for the link. It seems to be working, I've got 1-2 inches of foam on top already.

 

[Schnitzengiggle]

Excellent, however, many starters will not krausen, so if you make one in the future and don't notice a whole lot of activity, just smell it; if its got that good yeastie smell, more than likely it is growin.