r/KombuchaPros • u/kukac89 • 10d ago

Starter storage

Hi everyone, in few months I should start my own kombucha nano brewery. I have everything planned, but before buying any equipment I am not sure what type of tanks should I store starter? Are tanks with SS304 okay, or do I must use SS316 because of long exposure to 2,5-3,5 ph values?

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u/wetdog9 9d ago

316 is more resistant to long-term acid exposure. If you're in a position to "buy once, cry once," and the cost difference won't break the bank, then it's a sure bet.

That said, you'll probably be fine with 304. My old place ran 304 everywhere (well, except our starters were stored in glass). But we could hold liquid at pH 3.0-3.2 for months in our 304 fermenters. And I think the place where we sourced our first starter used plastic IBCs.

Just keep an eye out for pitting in the steel. If you're buying new, you're unlikely to see any for years to come, even if you choose 304.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81ebJgmk1kQ&t=28s

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u/Wonderful_Coach_4243 9d ago

Have you thought of storing/fermenting starter in HDPE buckets? A lot of small scale kombucheries do this and it's more cost effective than taking up your SS fermenters with starter. You can use those to blend, cold crash, and carbonate.

You can get 50 gallon HDPE drums or use IBC tanks.

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u/ChicksDigOrange 8d ago

We use SS304 tanks and it's never been a problem. Some of those tanks have been in constant rotation for close to a decade at this point. Just clean them properly and keep an eye out for pitting like the other commenter said. Our starter sits around pH 2.9-3.1