Water Filters

[JackoNZ]

What's peoples thoughts on water filters for home brewing? Having a look around the web and on trademe there are so many different types to choose from. One that could be hooked up to the hose outside would be good. Is 0.5 micron all you'd need for water filtration?

[Chris Banks]

Suppose it depends on what you are trying to filter out ? - I was going for chlorine and odour/taste reduction myself and went for 2 micron nominal super activated carbon filter (2"x10")and a 1 micron nominal pre filter (4"x10") to reduce any possible sediment loading on my carbon filter.

If you are going to use a carbon filter it is important to follow the recommended flow rates to allow it to do its job properly the recommended flow rate increases with the bigger filters - my 2"x10" has a 0.75 G/min max rating 

In my smell/taste tests I have acheived my goal of a nice neutral water which is nice to drink also.

I have mine hooked up via potable water hose quick connects and valves at either end so filter unit is quite portable.

[JackoNZ]

Hey Chris, really just looking for something to clear out the Chlorine. As an aside rule out any potential area for off flavours in the end product. I think my water is probably fine, I usually leave it overnight in the pots but looking for something a bit more reliable. So a 1 micron filter is good enough then? Out of interest can you use the same filter system for the beer, post fermentation to clear the yeast out?

[Chris Banks]

1 micron is fine Chlorine isnt really somthing that gets filtered out there is a chemical reaction that takes place between the chlorine and the activated carbon so its more about getting all of the water exposed to the carbon - having a good pre filter leaves the water clear of sediment so the carbon filter is free to its most important job.

You could in theory use the same filter housing if you got a decent sized one to filter beer post ferment but you would need an excellent sanitising procedure and a seperate filter cartridge (non carbon) not exactly sure how fine (in microns) or what design of sediment filter (pleated,wrapped?) it should be for yeast but I imagine 1 micron would be in the ballpark here also . Being washable/reusable would be a distinct advantage.

Im sure theres someone on retard me selling beer filter setups - and a few people on here Im sure use filters for beer ?

[Mark Jackman]

I'm looking into the same thing at the minute so stumbling on this thread was a stroke of luck for me.  I'll keep an eye on here and post any advice that I get from elsewhere.

[David Malpas]

Does anyone have any good suggestions as to where I can purchase a water filter in Auckland? I'm really only looking to get rid of the chlorine. Thanks in advance for your help!

[TIm Boyd]

Taylor in Mt Wellington is the best place for filtration that i can think of in Auckland. Taylor Purification

What are others doing for filtration, if anything?  Noticeable results?

[Doug Phillips]

I have a 3M filter unit.  The cartridge holder will take a range of elements including an activated carbon one. Found theses at Bunnings but be careful as help is hard to find.  New cartridges are around $38 - quite reasonable compared with everywhere else I tried. 

[Ralph]

I have a water filter for home brewing - I use it to make sure I dont get bits of hops into my keg when doing big hoppy beers! Just using a 20 micron filter for this purpose, but I did wonder about trying something down at 1 or 2 micron to filter yeast...

I think you can use sodium metabisulphate (Camden tablets) to easily get rid of free chlorine in water? Dont need much and it is cheap from brew shops.

Ah... a quick google later https://byo.com/stories/issue/item/902-it-was-suggested-that-adding...