Description
Calcium carbonate (chalk) 50 g – raises mash pH
Calcium carbonate (CaCO3), also known as chalk, is used for water treatment in brewing. It is one of the most common salts for raising mash pH, especially in dark beers where dark malt pulls the pH down a lot. The ideal mash pH is 5.2–5.6.
Calcium carbonate needs an acidic environment to dissolve, so it belongs in the mash, not in the sparge water. Mix it with the malt when you mash in.
Dosage
- 1 g per 10 litres of water gives 100 mg/l calcium carbonate, which is about 40 mg/l calcium and about 60 mg/l carbonate
- Calculate the amount with a water calculator, for example in Brewfather
Frequently asked questions about calcium carbonate
When do I need calcium carbonate?
When the mash pH is too low, typically in dark beers such as stout and porter where a lot of dark malt lowers the pH. The target is a mash pH of 5.2–5.6.
Can I add it to the sparge water?
No. Calcium carbonate needs an acidic environment to dissolve and should go in the mash. Mix it with the malt.
How do I know how much to use?
It depends on your water profile and grain bill. Use a water calculator such as Brewfather, and check the mash pH with a pH meter or pH strips.
Related
Betaling
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