Help...Too much Kmeta

[danpshack]

I’m not sure what I was thinking. I added 7.5 tsp of Kmeta to 30 gallons of cider. I did 1/4 tsp per gallon instead of the 1/4 tsp per 5-6 gallons. I’ve stirred and stirred and it’s still killing the yeast in test starters. Guys, how much ppm did I actually add? Should I just dump? Can I added hydrogen peroxide? Can’t believe I did this...All help is greatly appreciated!

 

[Blacksmith1]

It will dissipate with time. @RPh_Guy knows a lot more than I on this subject, and now that we have invoked his name he will will be forced to make an appearance by the magic of the forum.....
K-meta will out gas from your must but I don't have any idea how long it will take. Don't waste any more yeast for now, it will just keep dying out.
In the mean time stir it, and keep a towel over it. Do not seal it.

 

[RPh_Guy]

now that we have invoked his name he will will be forced to make an appearance by the magic of the forum.....

Can I added hydrogen peroxide?

I wouldn't use H2O2 without knowing how much sulfite is currently in the must.

I added 7.5 tsp of Kmeta to 30 gallons of cider. I did 1/4 tsp per gallon instead of the 1/4 tsp per 5-6 gallons.

Next time I suggest to:

• Measure pH with a properly calibrated pH meter.
• Calculate the appropriate amount of sulfite based on the pH.
• Measure the sulfite with a scale.

30 gal is a lot of juice; you may as well do it right.

how much ppm did I actually add?

Survey says 1/4 tsp gives 50ppm sulfite in 5 gal. (I'm not sure I believe that)
Sooo... 0.25 tsp / 5 gal * 30 gal = 1.25 tsp, the amount you intended.
50ppm / 1.25 tsp * 7.5 tsp = 300ppm, the ppm you added.

That's indeed quite a lot. For what it's worth, 350ppm is the legal limit for total added sulfite in the US (most other countries have lower limits).

All help is greatly appreciated!

I imagine aerating 30 gallons is difficult.
I suggest you cover it with a towel to keep out insects (but let in oxygen) and try another yeast starter in a week. It'll work itself out eventually.

Or if you want to get a kit to test sulfite level, that's a lot more scientific.

 

[Blacksmith1]

Just an idea, if you have an aquarium air.pump around get new hose and a stone and let it aerate your must?

 

[ten80]

Just an idea, if you have an aquarium air.pump around get new hose and a stone and let it aerate your must?

yes! This is the $15 solution. You can get a sulfite test kit from many homebrew stores that carry wine supplies. The test kit will give you an idea of when you can pitch yeast, somewhere around 25 ppm or maybe a little less.

I shoot for 50 ppm in my juice to get "clean" fermentation profiles without "funk" from bacteria and wild yeast. I let the juice sit for 24-72 hours before pitching my wine yeast, and even then, the yeast is slow to start.

 

[danpshack]

Ok boys, I’ve been stirring this with a drill for 4 days now. I re-hydrated some dv10 and slowly added some cider from the tank. I’ve got life! Lots of activity in the starter and it’s starting to rise. Should I drop it in?

 

[RPh_Guy]

Should probably be OK. I would aerate it again when pitching.