Why small starters
You do not need to keep 500 g of starter. A 50 g seed fed 1:1:1 gives you 150 g ripe starter — enough for most home bakes with almost no discard.
Higher ratios (1:5:5, 1:10:10) slow fermentation, useful if you want to bake the next morning or keep it in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I discard before feeding?
If you already have more starter than you want to keep, discard the excess first, then feed the remaining seed.