Large space under false bottom

[Locklearmj]

I recently upgraded from an Igloo cooler to a 20 Gallon Concord kettle with a [Jaybird false bottom](http://www.norcalbrewingsolutions.c...9fc&ss_parm=Ab0b1a72c8d136e47da331b3b02c7fa6b). The false bottom sits pretty high, with about 1.5-2 gallons below it.

I used it this past weekend for the first time, and had a problem because although I'm recirculating the mash, the amount of liquid that stays below the false bottom makes the mash really thick. I had to continuously adjust the hose inside the tun to ensure the entire mash stayed wet.

Tomorrow I will be doing my 2nd batch on this system. I plan on increasing my mash water from 1.25 to 1.5 qt/lb, so this may help a little, but how else can I adjust my mash in order to fix this?

[Here's](http://i.imgur.com/8FA4YXu.jpg) my Beersmith equipment profile. I have a dip tube, so my actual deadspace is only .5 gal compared to the 2 that stay below the false bottom. Should I increase the deadspace setting to 2 gallons?

Thanks!

 

[cowboy1]

I have the same issue. Example that I would use if I have 22 lb of grain and want a 1.4qt/lb. ratio. And have 5qt under the false bottom. 22x1.4 =30.8 qts.+5qt=35.8. I take that and divide it back by my grain weight 35.8/22=1.63qts/lb so that is what I put in for water to grain ratio. Kind of tricking it but it works.

Hope this helps.

 

[Locklearmj]

Thanks I'll try that and see how it goes

 

[augiedoggy]

I increased my beersmith deadspace setting

 

[FuzzeWuzze]

Just fill your pot up with the false bottom in it until its right at the false bottom height, pour it out into a bucket or some other measuring device and always add that much water to your mash in volume that your tools give you. If it says to add 5 gallons, i add 7.

I stick with 1.25qt/# and just add that in, atleast in my head this does not really count as making a "thin" mash because that 2 gallons isnt really in contact with the grain...not that it really matters because your recircing the entire time anyways.