Expert: John Snyder - 11/23/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi John, it's me. You mentioned the use of a microscope to determine bacterial colonization in my siphon hose. Well, that got me thinking that I've unconsciously wanted one of those since I had one as a child. So I ordered one. It'll be here any day now. What do I look for and how do I go about this? Any other beer-related uses? Or any other interesting use you can think of? I'm really looking forward to this.       
         Thanks, and happy Thanksgiving to you!    -Jim S.

PS- After my next batch (with a new hose)I'll be ordering again from MoreBeer. They have the brush you recommended: 3 feet long for a 1/4" line. They also have a nice bottle brush I think I'll also get. How would you clean a nylon fine-mesh bag meant for dry-hopping with pellets?

ANSWER: Thanks for the Thanksgiving kind words.I will put together a list tomorrow,for you to look at in the scope.I'm too full of turkey now.Here is 1 now:

     scrap a sample,or smear,if in paste or liquid state
     dilute in a little water,and put a drop on a slide,and cover with a cover glass
     focus in until you see something
     EX:----,____   ____,either in straight lines,or angled would signify long and short rod bacteria,that could be acetic or lactic acid bacteria

a yeast cell would be oval,with granulation,within the cell wall,and if bacteria is also noted,the yeast would be infected

A scope can also be used to identify extraneous hop material,grain fragments,& crystals that could cause gushing beer

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Glad you had a good meal!   The scope probable won't come until Monday. It goes to 400x and also has a top light for opaque viewing.  I don't have a nylon hop bag. I wanted to ask about cleaning before I ordered it.  Take your time on that list.

         Thanks, -Jim S.

Answer
Rinse the bag,after use,then clean in the washing machine,followed by soaking in a sanitizing soln,until the next use,then rinse.If using a chlorine solution,keep a weekly check on the chlorine strength.Ideally it would be great if you were able to back flush the bag,after use,before cleaning