water kefir asleep?

[Guest guest]

I've been wondering if something's wrong with my water kefir. I've had

problems in the past with 'feathers' starting to grow from the grains - some

alien bacteria. This time the grains are fine, although they're rather

small.

I began with half of the grains you sent me, Marilyn, with 2 cups of spring

water, 1/4 cup of sugar (started with more but it seemed to need less) and

1/2 of a coral calcium capsule.

What's odd is the time it takes for the sweetness to go. Occasionally in

the past 4(?) weeks it's taken the usual 2 days, but mostly it's a bit

longer, and this time there's been almost no change at all since last

Friday - almost a week! I'm so relieved not to have the 'feathers'

appearing this time, but is there something else wrong with what I'm doing?

I'm trying to keep it very simple this time, no fruit (in case of

bacteria)... Should I forget the coral calcium and try straight water and

sugar? (You and I weren't sure that my soft water had many minerals in it,

Marilyn.)

When my water kefir was working well, I was using the same water, same amt

of sugar, and 2 slices of dried apple - I had no problems at all for a few

years, and great kefir.

Any suggestions very welcome!

Thanks,

francie