how much is too much CA

JSB · Joined: 17 Oct 2016 Posts: 123 Location: NE Ohio

From what I have read there is a required minimum for CA, it is a neutral flavor, and aids in clarity. But when I add salts to hit HOPPY I am way over on CA.

(Ca ppm) 224 vs 110
(Mg ppm) 18 vs 18
(Na ppm) 16 vs 16
(Cl ppm) 51 vs 50
(SO4 ppm) 276 vs 275

Is this acceptable? Or should I be using distilled/RO?

My starting water is 31.9 Ca ppm per Ward Labs.

Thank you,

**kal** · Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2022 1:39 pm Post subject:

What is your entire starting water profile? Ca is 31.9 ppm, but what about the others? (Mg, Na, Cl, and SO4).

Kal

JSB · Joined: 17 Oct 2016 Posts: 123 Location: NE Ohio

Starting Water (ppm):
Ca: 31.9
Mg: 9
Na: 11
Cl: 12
SO4: 33
HCO3: 0

**kal** · Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2022 5:06 pm Post subject:

I plugged your starting numbers in EZWaterCalculator (the spreadsheet I mention in my WATER ADJUSTMENT guide you're talking about) and am able to get to the following using only Gypsum, Calc Chloride, and Epsom salt for my last "hoppy" beer which had 10 gallons of mash water and 7.5 gallons of sparge water:

(Ca ppm) 130 vs 110
(Mg ppm) 22 vs 18
(Na ppm) 11 vs 16
(Cl ppm) 50 vs 50
(SO4 ppm) 275 vs 275

So just slightly higher on Mg (no big deal), we don't care about Na (keep it low as per my guide), and Ca is only slightly higher (130 instead of 110). Cl and SO4 are bang on but again, getting things bang on isn't cruxial.

Refer to the hints in step 3:
https://shop.theelectricbrewery.com/pages/water-adjustment#STEP_3_Calculate_salt_additions

Cheers!

Kal

JSB · Joined: 17 Oct 2016 Posts: 123 Location: NE Ohio

Cheers Kal! Mug

Thank you for your help/insight!

"slightly higher on Mg (no big deal), we don't care about Na" Thumbs Up

Going to brew the NEW ZEALAND IPA , so 20.5# grist and I calculated 7.2 and 9.2 gallons for mash/sparge and now get:

Ca: 129 (19 over)
Mg: 22 (4 over)
Na: 11 (5 under)
Cl: 50 (perfect)
SO4: 275 (perfect)

And as a bonus I will likely need less lactic acid

**kal** · Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2022 7:01 pm Post subject:

Looks good to me! Enjoy the beer!

Kal

morjim · Joined: 05 Jan 2023 Posts: 1

I am also going to brew a NEW ZEALAND IPA, I hope everything goes well Wink

**kal** · Posted: Thu Jan 05, 2023 6:37 pm Post subject:

Good luck and enjoy your brew day!

Kal