Sani Clean PH Quandary

[bob downe]

Hi Folks,

I've been thinking about using some Sani Clean or Star San and have been told that your water needs to be PH 3 or lower!

I've heard that Water Authorities keep PH to around 6.5-7.5 to avoid pipes rotting.

I've checked and my water is PH 6.5.

Can I use Sani Clean?

And whilst on the subject, for normal Cornie cleaning which is best to use Sani Clean or Star San?

Sani Clean is much cheaper.

Thanks,

[Kev888]

Most people's tap water isn't really suitable - its the PH of the mixed solution thats important but yours seems to be unlikely too. Instead, there are certain types of mineral water that are good (I forget which), or DeIonised, Reverse Osmosis, or Distilled water are also excellent - car battery top-up water, aquarium suppliers, dehumidifiers and so on can be sources of those.

For normal cornies I'd go for starsan as it foams and clings to the sides - a bit annoying when filling but it isn't actually any problem and it improves the contact time and coverage of a small quantity. Saniclean is also good, but best for cleaning pumps and so on where foaming would get excessive.

The cost difference isn't an important factor at homebrew scales in my opinion: you use saniclean at a higher rate so its a little deceptive but also you use so little of either that its mere pence in practice - not to mention it also being re-useable whilst the PH is okay. I took well over a year to use half a 16oz bottle!

Cheers
Kev

[bob downe]

Fair comment about the cost issue. Star San would probably be better for me.

It's a shame that I can't use may tap water.

Thanks for the info.

[keith1664]

Tescos Ashbeck mineral water is the recommended one, I used that until I found a work colleague with his own reverse osmosis rig
I did wonder if you could use CRS to reduce the hardness of your water prior to mixing but I've never seen that method mentioned.

[bob downe]

Well,

I've just ordered some Star San and a pack of PH papers from ebay.

I'll make up a solution first with my tap water. If it's not acidic enough I will get some Tesco water!

Cheers.