PH and adding Lactic Acid ?

[The Baron]

Just done a brew this morning and took my PH for the first time in a few brews. It was 5.9 at 20c my tap water was 7.3 at 7c and I calibrated the PH Meter to 6.9 as per instructions but the test fluid was at 7c also. My questions are is it possible to add the lactic acid to the strike water before or do I really have to do it in the mash also it is 80% Lactic Acid I have got how much should I add to 20ltrs to get it in the PH range. I do not have a problem with the reading being a bit high on this occassion but I would like to start and get it back on track. Any suggestions are welcome as regards how to add the acid and how much the lower fluid temp will of affected the calibration if at all

 

[strange-steve]

is it possible to add the lactic acid to the strike water before or do I really have to do it in the mash

Not only is it possible but it's preferable, because otherwise you're trying to retroactively fix the pH.

how much should I add to 20ltrs to get it in the PH range.

As is often the case, the answer is "it depends." Specifically on what the alkalinity of your water is. Not the pH of the water, which is mostly irrelevant, but the alkalinity as CaCO3. If you don't know this value then it'd be blind guesswork. Also relevant is the grain bill, particularly how much crystal/roasted malts are used.

how much the lower fluid temp will of affected the calibration if at all

I don't know how much of a difference it'll make but it will cause your meter to read higher than it should. Recalibrate at room temperature :thumba:

 

[Cowman]

I can't say about the pH readings but you can add acid to the strike water but preferably when its cold to get it in roughly the right area. Bru'n water has a free water adjustment calculator if you have a water report

 

[The Baron]

Not only is it possible but it's preferable, because otherwise you're trying to retroactively fix the pH.

As is often the case, the answer is "it depends." Specifically on what the alkalinity of your water is. Not the pH of the water, which is mostly irrelevant, but the alkalinity as CaCO3. If you don't know this value then it'd be blind guesswork. Also relevant is the grain bill, particularly how much crystal/roasted malts are used.

I don't know how much of a difference it'll make but it will cause your meter to read higher than it should. Recalibrate at room temperature :thumba:

Hi Steve my water report gives
Calcium Total 65.875 mg/l Ca
Chloride Total 28.125 mg/l Cl
Hardness Total 74.8 mg/l Ca
Magnesium Total 5.34
PH 7.28 ph units Hydrogen ion conc
Sodium Total 15.55 mg/l Na
Sulphate 79.975 mg/l So4
It does not give Alkalinity and when I rang them they say they do not do a test for it anymore

 

[Horners]

Hi Steve my water report gives
Calcium Total 65.875 mg/l Ca
Chloride Total 28.125 mg/l Cl
Hardness Total 74.8 mg/l Ca
Magnesium Total 5.34
PH 7.28 ph units Hydrogen ion conc
Sodium Total 15.55 mg/l Na
Sulphate 79.975 mg/l So4
It does not give Alkalinity and when I rang them they say they do not do a test for it anymore

@the baron - get a salifert alkalinity test kit

Think you can get them for about 6 quid and use more than once. When I did mine came in bang on the number in my Thames water report

 

[strange-steve]

As Horners says, get a Salifert KH test kit and you can check for yourself. Once you know that value you're ready to start adjusting. Your water looks pretty good though.

 

[The Baron]

Thanks Steve will order a PH kit many thanks

 

[strange-steve]

KH kit not pH :thumba:

 

[The Baron]

sorry meant alkalinity test kit