OVHA Chat

I use a filtration system similar to the one Jeff Smith uses and was wondering if I should add anything back to my mash/sparge water? Gypsum or other additives not sure what this system is filtering out. http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?par ... &cId=PDIO1

The most important thing you need to do is get some test strips to monitor pH. Then you can use a variety of stuff such as gypsum, salts, or other balancers to get the proper range for mash.

I googled a little bit on that system, it's hard to find out what it's designed to remove, beyond sediments like rust.

I'm not sure what filter you are using in the housing, but the Model #:149010 will remove the Sediment and
some Chlorine Taste and Odor .
The other paper type will only remove Sediment.

Either way you are not removing any salts with these filters. You want to get rid of the Chlorine for sure...
If you have your water breakdown from the local water company it will give you a list of the salts. Most brewers make great beer just my filtering out the taste and odors, remember if you can smell or taste it in your drinking water, it will be in your beer.

Until you spend the BIG $$$$ and get a RO system you water will be fine the way it is, you are not removing anything that is needed.
If you want to make a beer that is inhansed by more or calk / or the other salts. that is when you want to start adding. But until you know what is in your water (or you buy RO / distilled / spring) water don't go adding anything.
Store bought spring water has sulfates / Chlorides/ Mg ets... you can write to the company and they will give you the amounts.

Remember KIS.....