NSMikeD
Well-Known Member
fwiw, I use the EZ_Water Calculator EZ Water Calculator spreadsheet using the mid points from my water report. Not 100% accurate but better than guessing, IMO. It's very easy to use. I do have RODI water (I have a reef tank and make from 5 to 10 gals a week ) so I can start with a clean slate ( 0 TDS), but I haven't gotten that anal yet ...... yet.
One thing I like is by doing this I can dial in some attributes, like favoring bitterness v maltiness.
I broke down and got a pH meter, calibrated it and used it for the first time yesterday. The pH was spot on. - so that was a bit of gained confidence that I hadn't had until now.
I think if your water report in fairly neutral (not too hard not too soft) you can make good beer and the pH will be fine with most grain bills. If you are seeking to dial in your beer, then water chemistry is another aspect to tweak. Water chemistry also plays a big part of certain beers where water chemistry lies out of the norm, like the very hard water in Guiness.
On a side note, EZ gives me different results than BeerSmith with identical inputs.
One thing I like is by doing this I can dial in some attributes, like favoring bitterness v maltiness.
I broke down and got a pH meter, calibrated it and used it for the first time yesterday. The pH was spot on. - so that was a bit of gained confidence that I hadn't had until now.
I think if your water report in fairly neutral (not too hard not too soft) you can make good beer and the pH will be fine with most grain bills. If you are seeking to dial in your beer, then water chemistry is another aspect to tweak. Water chemistry also plays a big part of certain beers where water chemistry lies out of the norm, like the very hard water in Guiness.
On a side note, EZ gives me different results than BeerSmith with identical inputs.
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