I too have re-started enjoying water kefir... my last 2 attempts were not very successful :(
Mine looks (and tastes) like coconut milk tho a bit sweeter. After 2 days the surface has quite a few bubbles and the "crystals" are bobbing up and down.
One of the batches I had to get rid off, had a film on the surface and since I was´nt too sure if this was mold, decided not to take a chance.
Here are a few suggestions (which you probably already know?):
Wash every 2 days.
One day after a wash, stir very gently with a wooden or plastic spoon, so there´s "movement" and no stagnation.
I think I "did in" my first batch by not giving ém the Sugar they needed... so now I´m hopefully giving them the right amount, even tho I prefer getting the Sugar in other forms.