Lactic acid powder addition

[Nick Freshney]

As an inexperienced brewer trying to improve my water profile how much lactic acid powder would you need to lower the mash for example if it was 7.0 down to 5.4

TIA Nick

 

[The Baron]

I would try 5ml as a estimate in 20 litres

 

[Nick Freshney]

I would try 5ml as a estimate in 20 litres

As a powder how does that equate

 

[The Baron]

Never used powder I use 80%lactic liquid, maybe somebody else can give a conversion or equivalent powder amount

 

[conorm]

I've just started monitoring pH of my mashes. I've found that 3-5ml in a 15l mash gets the ph down in to the zone for me. All depends on your other additions and your water profile.

 

[RichardM]

You really need to understand your water profile and then use one if the many available calculators

 

[RoomWithABrew]

Are you sure you don't have Lactose powder?
Lactose is a non fermentable sugar.

I've never seen lactic acid powder. I do use ascorbic acid powder but not for pH adjustment.

 

[foxy]

As an inexperienced brewer trying to improve my water profile how much lactic acid powder would you need to lower the mash for example if it was 7.0 down to 5.4

TIA Nick

There isn't just a simple answer it depends on what you are brewing and how you are brewing. The buffering capacity of the grains alone will take the mash to a pH of around 5.6. If brewing a dark beer it will go down lower, you really have to understand water chemistry before adding anything to your water.
You need to understand your brewing water profile, what minerals the grain is going to introduce to the mash then use a calculator to achieve the profile to match whatever you are brewing.

 

[MashBag]

You really need to understand your water profile and then use one if the many available calculators

I tried the lactic route. Gave up.
AMS & DWB is much more straight forward.

Is this your first gig with water treatment?