using tap water...

[Enki]

How important is it to stand your water over night or drop in half a campden tablet? (is that the correct dosage?)

If you don't do this is there a noticable diffrence in the end product or is it more of an old wives tale.

just wondered becouse if it was that important why isn't it a step that is included in manufactures kit instructions.

[Ditch]

Due to the mandatory Chlorine in tap water? Just try making a brew without the camden. Then taste it and chuck it down the sink.

That experience will teach ye more than mere words can express.

[Enki]

I'll take your word for it then. How much do i put in for 5 gallons then?

Cheers

[Shoit]

I use half a crushed campden tablet per 5 gallons. That seems to be the agreed wisdom but i'm sure that someone will correct me if i'm wrong.

Kevin

[alefric]

Yep half a tablet for five gallons.......swimming pool beer otherwise!

[StrangeBrew]

How important is it to stand your water over night or drop in half a campden tablet? (is that the correct dosage?)

If you don't do this is there a noticable diffrence in the end product or is it more of an old wives tale.

just wondered becouse if it was that important why isn't it a step that is included in manufactures kit instructions.

Quality of tap water differs depending on your locality and water authority treatment.
You can do a simple test by letting some tap water stand over night/24 hours and then compare the taste to freshly run water from your tap, I'm sure you'll notice the difference!

The water in my area isn't too bad and I prefer to store over night in a cleaned and sealed barrel before brewing.
Adding 1/2 a crushed campden tablet is another option and is sufficient for 5 gallons.
If the chlorine content of your water is that bad then bottled spring water can be used instead.

Manufacturers kit instructions vary from kit to kit, some are better than others and in general are a basic step by step guide and as such, they are not a comprehensive guide to kit brewing. If they were we wouldn't need this excellent JBK forum.

[Damfoose]

Water around Preston is not that bad but after making a brew with it then a brew with asda cheep 17p water im sticking to the asda water from now on. I have done the campden half a tab but prefer the fresher taste of the bought stuff now tbh.

[Enki]

that sounds like a good idea using the Asda cheapy bottled water, probly only adds a few quid onto the brew pice.

Is it the same rules for brewing wine then? or is it ok due to diffrent ingredients?

[Curious Brew]

I tend to stick a teaspoon of sodium metabisulphate in a full 500ml PET bottle, shake and just glug a little into a full saucepan of water before pouring into the FV from height (to aid aeration).

I gauge it so that I use half of the bottle by the time the FV is full.

I guess that's about the same as half a Campden tablet?

Works for me.