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One study showed that optimal growth was observed in [http://www.neogen.com/Acumedia/pdf/ProdInfo/7406_PI.pdf MRS media] with an initial pH of 6.7, and a final pH of 4.14, which occurred naturally from fermentation. The addition of bacteriological peptone, MnSO4, and Tween 80 also increased activity. Maximum cell densities of ''P. damnosus'' are around 1-2 billion cells/mL in MRS media of a pH of 6.7 <ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11851822 Growth optimization of Pediococcus damnosus NCFB 1832 and the influence of pH and nutrients on the production of pediocin PD-1. Nel HA, Bauer R, Vandamme EJ, Dicks LM. 2001.]</ref>, but this is only in optimal conditions. Maximum cell density varies based on the conditions of the propagation with pH and nutrient demands being two of the main limiting factors <ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/Homebrewing/comments/3qp7b7/advanced_brewers_round_table_neva_parker_white/cwh7iqq Neva Parker, Reddit thread. 10/29/2015.]</ref>.
Although more experiments and are probably needed, agitation is believed to be an important factor for any species of microbe (yeast and bacteria). Gentle stirring on a stir plate or orbital shaker, or frequent gentle manual agitation leads to faster growth and a higher number of organisms. Agitation keeps the microbes in solution. It also maximizes the microbes' access to nutrients and disperses waste evenly. In a non-agitated starter, the microbes are limited to the diffusion rate of nutrients, leading to a slower and more stressful growth <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1168024059892473/?comment_id=1174865305875015&reply_comment_id=1176092372418975&total_comments=1&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R9%22%7D Conversation with Bryan Heit about starters and agitation. 11/09/2015.]</ref>. Although ''Pediococcus'' are aerotolerant and oxygen usually does not negatively affect their growth, it is also generally not needed. Therefore, it is generally best practice to seal the starter with an airlock.
==="Ropy" or "Sick" Beer===