water treatment?

[Tim Gregory]

I have to admit I never really pay much attention to my water. But I've noticed my hoppy beers just don't have the oomph I want, so I wonder if maybe the water could improve them. What would you guys do to your water for a hoppy pale ale?

[amartin]

I use gypsum. 2-3 tsp for 5 gallons is enough for me.

[IanCompetent]

Agree with amartin. B Brian Boogie told me that he's figured out that 4g of gypsum does the trick (per 6 gallons), which I'm sure he derived from reading a water profile of Halifax water. I've been going by that ever since and have been happy with the hop flavours in my beers. Now if I could just get my carbonation right...

[Tim Gregory]

Thanks guys.

I went with about 2 tbs of gypsum.

[Jimmy]

According to Mr NASH, 2g per gallon of water...as per this post:

Oh and add 2g per gallon of gypsum to the brew. 10 gallon batch - use 20g or so, that will get you up around 300ppm sulfate and 130ppm calcium if you are using city water. Add 1/3 of it directly to the mash as you are adding the last of the grains and stir it in. Add the remaining 2/3 directly to the kettle immediately after you hit a good rolling boil, best to hydrate it first in a bit of water for the boil addition too, it helps with dispersion since it's not very soluble.

[KMcK]

Keep in mind that Halifax water and Dartmouth water have different geochemistries.

[pet lion]

JOHN PALMER ON "RESIDUAL ALKALINITY & BREWING WATER"

Haven't started messing with my water yet myself but those do, or want to, might be interested in the video linked above.

[McGruff]

http://www.breweq.com/Home.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here is an option to take the guess work out of water calculations.

[Jayme]

http://www.breweq.com/Home.html

Here is an option to take the guess work out of water calculations.

You would need to use RO or distilled water for those salt treatments is the only catch. If you use Promash or Beersmith you can enter your water report and adjust your water that way. John Palmer also has some free spreadsheet calculators, and others do too. None of these systems are perfect, but they will get you quite close.

[McGruff]

I use RO water. I also use that excel program you can download for free.
Google EZ water calculator. I like this one the best.

[sleepyjamie]

does noble grape sell gypsum?

[Jayme]

does noble grape sell gypsum?

Yes - it's expensive though. IIRC ~$2/100g.

[sleepyjamie]

does noble grape sell gypsum?

Yes - it's expensive though. IIRC ~$2/100g.

icky.

where are you guys buying it from?

[Jayme]

That's where I've been getting mine, but I need to order a few bits and pieces from Morebeer soon and I'm going to get a pound for $2.95. I suppose NG likely would sell a larger amount for a better price too - just not something I've looked into yet.

[mr x]

There's a place in Burnside that sells chemicals. Search here or PM Nash.

[McGruff]

You shouldn't need a lot of it though.

[Jayme]

You shouldn't need a lot of it though.

I would say it depends on how much you brew...