Adjusting PH

[beelah]

I have a question about adjusting the PH of a wash as it progresses throught to completion.

This is my problem... I have noticed that as my fermination progresses to completion the PH of the wash gets more acidic,and has on occasion stalled out the fermentation with residual sugar in the wash.

My water normaly is on the acidic side - 6 to 6.5.

One wash I tested was at 2 - 2.5, using the ph strips you get for checking urine at the pharmacy.

I used good old soda bicarb, and the helped to return the wash to about 4.5-5 and the wash took off again.

But then I read here that you shouldn't add bicarb to your wash as you may end up with a blue wash. My wadh didn't turn blue but I want to knwo what I can use to knock down the ph if it gets too high.

I amdoing primarly a sugar/bran flake wash or else the DWWG. Both I like the end product.

I also add some nutrients which are 2 1/2 TSP DAP; one Vit B tab, crushed;1/4 tsp epsons salt; 2 tsp dried brewers yeast.

I alays invert my sugar, and usually added citric acid to the sugar and water as per the recommend amounts.

I just stated a new batch but didn't use the VIt B or cit c in the inverting process..
So far it is working like a hot dam. Any recommendations?

[Dnderhead]

with water that acid you should not add any acids, and your ok using bicarb as long as you do not make your wash alkaline.
tho I whould rather use calcium carbonate a bit more yeast friendly.

[beelah]

Thanks Dunderhead. So I was OK with the BiCarb.

As for the calcium carbonate, what or where is a good source of this ? Would I go to a pharmacy or some other place?

And when you talk about Alkaline, are you talking about a wash that is more then a ph of 7?

[Dnderhead]

rob a kid that writing on the sidewalk --
it is chalk , they do have it in brew shops, I think they use it in sports to dust hands ? I have even used egg shells
sodium is not the most yeast friendly.it does work but to me it seems to leaves a salty taste

[beelah]

RIght. Thanks for the advice.

[beelah]

I found a ready source of Calcium Carbonate and that is Tums, or rolaids, or othe similar product.

I crushed up two Tums and added them to my 20L suagar wash and move the PH up from 3 to 4 -4.5 wich is right in the zone.

The frement started up good after about an hour and a half of adjusting the ph.

The only thing is that all the Tums are flavoured, either with mint or some other berry flavour. I don't think it will carry over in to the distilate, as I couldn't detect it inthe wahs,but I will let you all know how this batch works out.

[rad14701]

beelah, the flavor from two Tums will have no effect on your distilled spirits...