Using RO water in calculator

[Bodeki]

Hello!

Not new to brewing but new to using a water calculator. Can someone let me know...if I am using RO water, do I set the water calculator dilution to 100% (or 100) to represent total dilution properly? Am I understanding that correctly? My water tester on my RO system is reading 0 - 10 PPM on the output, so I am basically using distilled water. Never used a water calculator before, this is a fantastic site!

Thank you!
Chris

 

[Josh Hughes]

I put my water in as the source and ignore any residual ppm of anything.

 

[Donoroto]

Hello!

Not new to brewing but new to using a water calculator. Can someone let me know...if I am using RO water, do I set the water calculator dilution to 100% (or 100) to represent total dilution properly? Am I understanding that correctly? My water tester on my RO system is reading 0 - 10 PPM on the output, so I am basically using distilled water. Never used a water calculator before, this is a fantastic site!

Thank you!
Chris

Dilution is used when water with minerals is used with RO water. The resulting mixture is ‘diluted’, having less minerals as a ppm.

If you use RO water, assume all zeros as the mineral content, then add brewing salts to reach your desired values.

At the very least, the mash will need some calcium. Pure RO water is not ideal for brewing unless some minerals are added. It’ll make beer, but minerals are beneficial, just like salt and spices are when cooking.

 

[Craigerrr]

This is what I set my RO water ion values at, you could set them all at zero, but this was an existing profile for RO in the software that I use (not Brewers Friend).

 

[Yooper]

This is what I set my RO water ion values at, you could set them all at zero, but this was an existing profile for RO in the software that I use (not Brewers Friend).
View attachment 32083

That’s what my RO water is, basically too. I did an aquarium test kit to get the HCO3 (I used to keep fish) and that’s where mine is. It’s really close enough to 0 or 5, or whatever, so it’s not that important.