Stuck MLF using Wyeast 4007 on Melbec

[From_LV]

I started MLF using Wyeast 4007 on Melbec on June 1st. I ran paper Chromatography tests on July 18, August 30, and Oct 13 and they’re still not done. By October, 2 of them appeared to be infected, so I had to rack them and add sulfite to safe them. So far, none of them has completed MLF. I now have VP41 on hand. Can anyone please advise what to do next?
July 18 test results:

August 30 test results:

October 13 test results:


Thanks in advance.

 

[Johnd]

I started MLF using Wyeast 4007 on Melbec on June 1st. I ran paper Chromatography tests on July 18, August 30, and Oct 13 and they’re still not done. By October, 2 of them appeared to be infected, so I had to rack them and add sulfite to safe them. So far, none of them has completed MLF. I now have VP41 on hand. Can anyone please advise what to do next?
July 18 test results:
View attachment 67484
August 30 test results:
View attachment 67485
October 13 test results:
View attachment 67486

Thanks in advance.

If they’re sulfited, you’ll have a pretty hard time getting them restarted, even with VP-41, enjoy them as they are. . Use VP-41 in the future, and consider co inoculating to enhance your chances of success. Lots of folks have problems getting the Wyeast product to complete.

 

[From_LV]

If they’re sulfited, you’ll have a pretty hard time getting them restarted, even with VP-41, enjoy them as they are. . Use VP-41 in the future, and consider co inoculating to enhance your chances of success. Lots of folks have problems getting the Wyeast product to complete.

Thank you. I sulfited 2 of them out of 4. The other 2 are still sitting on a seedling mat. From time to time, they still release bubbles.

 

[From_LV]

If they’re sulfited, you’ll have a pretty hard time getting them restarted, even with VP-41, enjoy them as they are. . Use VP-41 in the future, and consider co inoculating to enhance your chances of success. Lots of folks have problems getting the Wyeast product to complete.

Also, will I run into any problem with re-fermenting when MLF is incompleted if I were to bottle it? Thanks.

 

[mainshipfred]

I agree with John, after 5 months they should be sulfited to their proper levels and which will not allow the VP41 to work. If you're concerned about restarting get some lysozyme as a precaution.

 

[From_LV]

I agree with John, after 5 months they should be sulfited to their proper levels and which will not allow the VP41 to work. If you're concerned about restarting get some lysozyme as a precaution.

Thank you. I’ll rack and sulfite the rest tomorrow.