I've used Bru'n Water spreadsheet in the past (3-4 brews) to get an idea of what additions to add to my mash (full volume BIAB) and where my PH level should be. Now I have a PH meter and would like to use it to make sure I'm where I should be. With that being said, do I take the readings a few minutes into the mash and then again towards the end of the mash? Do I take a sample reading after the mash and before the boil? Do I take another reading after the boil (after the wort is chilled)?
When I take these samples, should I use a turkey baster to pull the sample? Or can I use my drain valve at the bottom of my brew pot? Or does it not make a difference?
I have Calcium Chloride, Campden Tablets, Gypsum and Lactic Acid to help raise or lower the PH level as needed. Is there a good guide/reference to use if I need to adjust the PH level? i.e. add 0.5 grams or 1ml per gallon depending on if it needs to be raised or lowered?
Lastly, I have been using RO water and building my water profile based off that. Monday I plan to mail out a sample of my tap water to Wards Lab to get a report. So I send in a sample from my sink? Or should I send in a sample from my water dispenser in my fridge that has a charcoal filter? I assume the sink, since it is faster and easier to refill my water jugs. This way I don't have to keep running out to the store to refill my water jugs and save me the headache of always running out and dealing with the crowds (especially this time of year).
Thank you all in advance! I really hope by doing this I can step up my brews to the next level.
When I take these samples, should I use a turkey baster to pull the sample? Or can I use my drain valve at the bottom of my brew pot? Or does it not make a difference?
I have Calcium Chloride, Campden Tablets, Gypsum and Lactic Acid to help raise or lower the PH level as needed. Is there a good guide/reference to use if I need to adjust the PH level? i.e. add 0.5 grams or 1ml per gallon depending on if it needs to be raised or lowered?
Lastly, I have been using RO water and building my water profile based off that. Monday I plan to mail out a sample of my tap water to Wards Lab to get a report. So I send in a sample from my sink? Or should I send in a sample from my water dispenser in my fridge that has a charcoal filter? I assume the sink, since it is faster and easier to refill my water jugs. This way I don't have to keep running out to the store to refill my water jugs and save me the headache of always running out and dealing with the crowds (especially this time of year).
Thank you all in advance! I really hope by doing this I can step up my brews to the next level.