sdochughes

Recipes 

Hello,

Easy question here. When calculating my water to grist ratio, should I add the volume below my false bottom to my calculation?
i.e., I calculate 8 gal of strike water for the ratio I want, do I add the 1.75gal of volume below the false bottom to that?

stpug

Recipes 

Yes, and with such a large amount you might want to recirculate a gallon or two prior to closing the lid.

mabrungard

Recipes 

I agree that the foundation water below the false bottom should be included in the water volume for the water/grist ratio. That water definitely affects the water chemistry of the mash. Do recirculate that foundation water prior to closing the lid as suggested above.

__________________
Martin Brungard, P.E. D.WRE
Carmel, IN
BJCP National
Foam Blowers of Indiana (FBI)

Brewing Water Information at:
https://sites.google.com/site/brunwater/

sdochughes

Recipes 

so, to clarify,

is it part of my 8 gal which is the total water to grist ratio that I have calculated for efficiency sake. Or, is it 9.75 total? I think what your saying is its part of the 8 that I need, just recirculate to effectively homogenize.

stpug

Recipes 

Easy question my a$$

...and to add to that, I am NOT an expert, so take my advice as such

I would determine my required water amount based on my water:grist ratio (e.g. 8gal). To that, I would add my MLT deadspace, whatever that may be (may or may not be space under your false bottom). That would become my total mash water (e.g. 8gal + MLT deadspace).

Additionally, with such a large space under your false bottom I would make sure to recirculate prior to closing the lid to make the mash more homogeneous.

That's how _I_ would proceed, FWIW.

rdann87

Recipes 

I did a couple of batches without taking the dead space into account.

I read somewhere on here about how it can affect the batch, so now i fill up to my false bottom, then add the necessary amount of water from there.

I've noticed a slight difference in the finished product, but nothing too earthshattering. I also don't have a large dead space under mine though.

Not to saying my way is correct.... but just my experience on the matter.

RoadKing

Recipes 

I have a 2 gallon DEAD SPACE..(I always do 10 gallon batches) For mash thickness I use 1.33 qts. per lb. but when I factor in the water below the bottom, for a typical 10 G batch it's usually 1.67 Qts. Per Lb.
So yes, include it. ( I also have a RIMS system, so that water is always in play).

__________________
DIRTY GARAGE BREWING CO.

sdochughes

Recipes 

Thanks folks! This helps