National Homebrew Club Ireland

Brewing Discussions => Equipment & Chemicals => Topic started by: Will_D on February 03, 2013, 02:31:45 PM

Title: Water testing kits
Post by: Will_D on February 03, 2013, 02:31:45 PM
We will be running some water chemistry lectures in TOG in the foreseeables

Also water is popping up in a number of threads.

So I thought to start this thread about the best testing kits available for a reasonable cost.

So anyone can post up some info with links, approx cost of the kit, sugested accuracy and what it is they measure.

Now for tap water as a minimum we need to know:

pH
Calcium
Magnessium
Total Hardness
Free Chlorine
Chlorides
Sulphates

Less interesting:
Sodium
Potassium

I don't want to get into well water as really that can be so varied that a proper lab report is needed if there's any doubt about coliform bacteria, nitrates, agro chemicals etc
Title: Re: Water testing kits
Post by: Dr Jacoby on February 03, 2013, 09:35:33 PM
I use Salifert test kits (mostly just calcium and alkalinity kits). I think they're usually about €10 on ebay. There's a video on youtube that discusses the options here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tim5MOJJlgw).
Title: Re: Water testing kits
Post by: Padraic on February 03, 2013, 10:03:51 PM
I like the idea of the hanna ones, but I have no doubt that Will has something very interesting up his sleeve!

I can see the Davis Brewing Water Analysis Lab is being set up as we speak!
Title: Re: Water testing kits
Post by: Will_D on February 03, 2013, 10:39:28 PM
Are you feckin psychic or wot??

Seriously tho', 

IF I did get a bit of kit together I, Might just offer a service at cost !!
Title: Re: Water testing kits
Post by: Will_D on February 05, 2013, 10:47:47 AM
Just Bumping this!

@Dempsey - I believe you do some testing??
Title: Re: Water testing kits
Post by: DEMPSEY on February 05, 2013, 12:12:11 PM
Yes I have a Caco3 test kit and a calcium test kit. I think that you can get a magnesium test kit for fish tank test as well.
Title: Re: Water testing kits
Post by: Will_D on February 05, 2013, 01:39:33 PM
What make? Have you a link?
Title: Re: Water testing kits
Post by: DEMPSEY on February 05, 2013, 01:50:27 PM
quick check and all 3 available on amazon
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=salifert+test+kit&tag=googhydr-21&index=aps&hvadid=15524629070&hvpos=1s1&hvexid=&hvnetw=s&hvrand=1764674627981914025&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&ref=pd_sl_4454igb9ru_e
Title: Re: Water testing kits
Post by: Cathal O D on February 07, 2013, 03:34:39 PM
When do you plan on doing the talks Will?