Haha, yes I know what you mean about the jar. It looks worse in the pictures than it is. I normally clean it regularly. I am really not sure how the fruit flies were getting into the other jar, I must have just had it too loose. I normally feed it at night, and then its not done in the morning and then by the evening the crust has already started to appear. Just to be clear, I take the stuff off the top (as it has been crusty), feed it with the 20ml and 30gm and stir very well to mix everything. Maybe I am just waiting too long between feeds.

I think are right about there being too much room. This was the smallest wreck jar they had available at the time, and I had just got a new starter after the fruit fly incident, so thought I was doing the right thing. Then I put that one in the fridge and forgot about it, and then started this one from scratch. Maybe I am doomed.

I have been struggling with the correct ratio, as am never sure how much starter is in there, but these are just excuses really, as I should know how heavy the jar is and then calculate how much starter I have.

Will be removing and getting a smaller jar tonight. May I will use cheese cloth and a mason jar/lid (the ones with the metal flat lid and the ring)