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Author Topic: False Bottom  (Read 1582 times)

Offline foxbrew

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False Bottom
« on: August 31, 2014, 08:32:09 pm »
Hey all.  Been searching the site, but can't seem to find a previous conversation to answer my question.  I have a false bottom in my MT that requires about 1.5 gallons of water to fill the dead space below. When I drain out my MT, I leave behind about .5 gallons of wort. My question is how should I calculate strike water and sparge water amounts? 

What I've been doing in the past is just adding 1.5 gallons of water to whatever my the recipe calls for (so I don't mess with the grain/water ratio during mashing). However my efficiency seems consistently low, and I'm starting to think it could be related to this.

Should I not be adding that extra 1.5 gallons?  Any advice/direction would be greatly appreciated.

Also, I have beersmith, but I'm not sure how to account for these numbers. I was just clicking on the "account for dead space" button, but I'm pretty sure that's not solving my problem ...


Offline klickitat jim

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Re: False Bottom
« Reply #1 on: August 31, 2014, 09:41:22 pm »
I would calculate dead space as what gets left behind. In your case, a half gallon. But that may not fix your efficiency. If it does, supper. If not, let's hear all the details of your process and the guys/gals will help you out

Offline morticaixavier

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Re: False Bottom
« Reply #2 on: September 01, 2014, 11:47:57 am »
yeah, the 1.5 gallons foundation water is still going to mix with your grain and mash water. you are probably mashing way too thin which is hurting your efficiency.
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Offline klickitat jim

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Re: False Bottom
« Reply #3 on: September 01, 2014, 12:09:21 pm »
Frankly, water volume is something I still struggle with at times. Like with a new recipe for a grain bill size I'm not familiar with. For me, keeping it simple is key. I know how much dead space I have (leftovers), I know my boil off rate, grain absorption is tricky to be absolutely precise with because I think different grains absorb differently. But ive got it pretty close now and I don't sweat the small stuff. I shoot for 6 gallons and im happy with 5.5-6.5 end results and within a brix or so of my target.

I have a no sparge mild coming up. That will be another new challenge. But I know what I want my pre boil gravity to be so I'll just have some DME and distilled water available to tweak it if I miss.

Offline foxbrew

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Re: False Bottom
« Reply #4 on: September 01, 2014, 12:47:58 pm »
Thanks guys. I'll adjust my volumes on my next brew and see if that makes a difference. Appreciate your feedback.

Offline duboman

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Re: False Bottom
« Reply #5 on: September 02, 2014, 05:30:34 am »
By any chance do you have a pick up tube under your FB? That could help reduce your lost volume
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Offline foxbrew

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Re: False Bottom
« Reply #6 on: September 03, 2014, 11:11:44 pm »
I have a 90 degree elbow pointing straight down under my FB ... It gets pretty close to the bottom. I think??? it's good enough ...