Aluminum HLT

[crawlspacestudios]

I purchased an aluminum HLT, because it had a built in heater which works great and no need for propane in the garage. However, it has oxidized, which I did before brewing to create the "barrier". What I am wondering is do I need to worry about the buildup in the tank? There is some white buildup and then the whole inside of the tank, is a dark/grey almost looks chalky. The water comes out crystal clear though.....any thoughts?

While I am on the topic also, should I add gypsum, and some of the other things into the tank, or straight into the mash?

Thanks in advance!:beard:

 

[Stealthcruiser]

I believe you want to "keep" the barrier you created, and "most" folks that venture into the water chemistry aspect of it by getting a water report, of which "Ward Labs" comes to mind.

I believe you would treat your water, before adding to the grist.

 

[crawlspacestudios]

Ward Labs... I will definitely look into that! Thanks for the help with this.

 

[fearwig]

As long as nothing is coming off and the water coming out tastes fine, you're good. The layer of oxidization is supposed to be desirable (though I haven't had any problems brewing without it, frankly).

 

[LordUlrich]

It will be just fine. Aluminum oxides are not harmful in small quantities (like what your water could dissolve) and is actually added at some water treatment plants. You also could be having hardness precipitate and that be the white powder.
I would add any water adjustments to the hlt gets it better mixed into the mash that way.

 

[Cyclman]

If you're talking about buildup on the heating elements, you can take it off with CLR, then rinse many many many times. Heating elements attract minerals from water, this is what ultimately kills your hot water heater.

 

[crawlspacestudios]

Perfect. Thanks so much for your help on this. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't something that was going to give me really bad flavors in the beer.