Using a haemocytometer

I've been getting some questions on how I do cell counting, so here's a quick documentation. It also serves as a quick reference for me to go back to, if I forget my calculations. My cell counts are done using a microscope at 400X magnification, and using a haemocytometer - i.e. manual cell counting. A good hemocytometer can set you back by hundreds of dollars, but I managed to get quite a decent one off eBay, even if it's made in China.

This is the central grid of the haemocytometer.

Mystery of the Missing Body

No, this isn't about some murder scene. If you noticed on my last stout recipe, my efficiency was set to 65% - that's way less than the usual 70-75% efficiency I've been getting. Of late, too, I find my beers to be lacking body unless I add some crystal malts or the like. Finally, I solved the mystery during the last brew session. (I'm sure by now you'd have guessed what's wrong, and probably laughing your ass off at me ..)

Tap upgrades!

This one's been long overdue! I decided to ship myself some supplies for my birthday this year, and top of the list was this Perlick flow control faucet.