Using RO water in my future kits/brews

[GTATTY]

Hi all

Just a quick thought.

I used to be into marine reef aquariums and in order to get perfect water quality I used a Reverse Osmosis water filter.

I havent set up all my equipment yet since I moved to West Midlands and I'm unsure whether I will but I still have the RO unit and Water storage butt sitting in the garage waiting to be used. The Unit will produce 35 Gallons per day.

Now does anyone know if RO water is ideal or recommended for Homebrewing?

I believe the PH of this water is approx 5.5-6 once filtered. I'd like to give it a go in the future.

Regards

Graham

EDIT Sorry if this is posted in wrong section, I was unsure!

[mysterio]

It's fine as Daab says but you'll be wanting to add yeast nutrient, and if you're doing all grain brewing you'll need to introduce some calcium. Some styles such as Pilsner is ideal for RO water.

[Garth]

Graham, when we went on a tour of Camerons Brewery in Hartlepool, the head brewer told us they use RO, it's so they have a blank canvas, and then they put back into the liquor only what they want/need in there, ie salts/calcium etc.

I was surprised by the range of 'other' peoples brews they actually do, Mackesons sweet stout being one of them.

[GTATTY]

Hi Guys

Thanks for the replies

Garth, your answer was one I was expecting. I'm thinking, strip the water of all contaminents and then add to it your requirements to harden/soften, nutrient, acid/alkali etc

This would get away from using the dreaded Campden tablets which seem to be a common denominator for many a failed brew!

Regards

Graham

PS there are some nice RO Units going on E&ay these days!

[johnmac]

I seem to get better beer from RO water than straight tap water.

If your system is claimed to produce 35 gallons per day, expect 20. So I'd start collecting water at least a day before.

[johnmac]

What's a bacteriostat?

[J_P]

A bacteriostat if I remember correctly is something which inhibits the growth of bacteria but doesn't kill it outright (bactericidal) . I believe honey is bacteriostatic.