Great input from everyone. I appreciate you guys taking the time and going into such detail. I can tell you that from your responses I am now considering: investing in a magnetic hot plate, reducing solvent levels and definitely making Cyp at 200mg instead of 250mg. I don't mind the extra volume of Cyp if it increases my chance of brewing it successfully. Once I get the hang of things and start going with bigger batches, then I'll ditch the syringe filters. I haven't brewed before but I have used those little bastards enough times to know they are a pain in the ass! Hopefully I will hear from some more brewer's. I'll take all the advice/knowledge I can get.