First All Grain Batch

[MTBfreak03]

Hey All,

So I just got done making a 10 gal mash ton last weekend. I am going to do my first all grain batch this weekend and I wanted to get confirmation on the process and water amounts.

Here are the batch stats:

Grain: 19.25 lbs
Shooting for 75% efficiency
6.5 Gallon pre-boil size


So it seems most people say 1-1.25 quarts per pound of grain and 1/2gal sparge water per pound of grain.

So does this seem right?

24 Quarts (6gal) Mash water
9.6 Gal Sparge water

This seems like an insane amount of water.. I don't know how much water the grain absorbs but I only have a 7.5 gal kettle. I can get a few side pots going to get this much water.. but the grain better be absorbing a ton of water if I'm shooting for a 6.5 gal batch pre-boil.

Additionally, I am kind of lost on the temperatures i should be shooting for. I was going to mash in at 160 and leave for 60 mins. Then sparge with 165. Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[MTBfreak03]

Humm.. Just saw this. Seems to answer my questions.. http://www.brew365.com/mash_sparge_water_calculator.php

6 gal mash
4.5 gal sparge
168 strike temp for a 154 target mash temp.

Correct me if I'm wrong!

 

[Mysticmead]

measure the amount you get with the first running's and subtract that from your desired pre-boil volume.. that will tell you how much you'll need for the sparge.