Campden Tablets?

NicotineRush · 04-27-2009, 05:56 PM

My water has a lot of chlorine and I want to use campden tablets. The directions say 1 tablet per gallon. Anyone have any experience with these?
Thanks,
Tom

**GilaMinumBeer** · 04-27-2009, 06:08 PM

I am not a Vinter but I think the 1 tablet per Gallon is for that purpose to ward off infections,etc..).

For dechlorination it is 1 tablet per 20 gallons whether hot or cold and the process happens nearly instantaneously but, I always make sure to stir for a minute. For more info; look up Sodium Metabisulfite or Potassium Metabisulfite..

flyangler18 · 04-27-2009, 08:22 PM

Campden works very well for getting rid of chloramine where boiling will volatilize chlorine. One tablet crushed treats 20 gallons.

NicotineRush · 04-28-2009, 11:37 AM

Thanks. So, I could use 1 tablet for 6 gallons with no harmful effects, or do I need to cut them into quarters/halves?

pizzaman · 04-28-2009, 01:04 PM

That'll work just fine and dandy. Be sure you crush the tablet up somehow, I stick it in between two large metal sanitized spoons and squeeze them together to make a fine powder.

**GilaMinumBeer** · 04-28-2009, 01:20 PM

I used an old coffee grinder and obliterated them into powder. Prior to that I weighed a tablet and found that a tablet was equal to 1/8th teaspoon.

NicotineRush · 04-28-2009, 04:03 PM

Thanks. So how long do I need to have the campden in the water before I can start my steeping/boiling?

pizzaman · 04-28-2009, 06:08 PM

24 hours, according to these other threads....
http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f36/do-campden-tablets-de-chlorinate-water-59467/
http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f13/campden-chlorine-66937/
http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f25/sterelising-campden-100299/
http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f13/anyone-use-campden-tabs-chloramine-23293/
Campden tablets - Home Brewing Wiki

flyangler18 · 04-28-2009, 06:21 PM

24 hours is unnecessary when knocking out chloramines and free chlorine. The reaction is nearly instantaneous and the resultant sulfites are driven off by the boil. Campden tablet in the strike water, heat and go.

If you are using Campden to stun wild yeasts like vintners do, then 12 -24 hours is kosher.

**bull8042** · 04-28-2009, 06:58 PM

When I used it prior to my current filtration, I would use 1/4 tablet, stir a couple of minutes, then go with it. The long wait is UNNECESSARY AS HAS ALREADY BEEN MENTIONED FOR YOUR NEEDS. (sORRY....Damn, stupid caps-lock)