Testing Acids & PH Options??

[Grancru]

Does anyone have an inexpensive yet accurate method of testing the acids and Ph of must to balance the wine?

What methods do you use?

Brix is easy but what about these two?

 

[LoveTheWine]

PH meter:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Digital-Pock...pt=US_Garden_Tools&hash=item2ed5659e70&_uhb=1


using the PH meter, you can determine your acidity using this method:

http://www.winemakingtalk.com/forum/f71/how-take-acid-test-ph-meter-11244/

 

[olusteebus]

PH meter:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Digital-Pock...pt=US_Garden_Tools&hash=item2ed5659e70&_uhb=1

will that give accurate readings. How long will it last?

 

[djrockinsteve]

A good ph meter calibrated is fine. Hannah makes good inexpensive meters. Here is a tutorial on taking your acid readings with a ph meter.

http://www.winemakingtalk.com/forum/f71/how-take-acid-test-ph-meter-11244/

For about. 100.00 you are all set. Watch for sales or buy a used one. Easy to use.

 

[LoveTheWine]

will that give accurate readings. How long will it last?

This meter has stood up for 3 years and it does ok for now. You can and should calibrate it with buffer solutions before each use and it only goes to (1) DECIMAL PLACE.
Because I only make from 12-24 gallons of wine a year (2-4 carboys), it didn't make economical sense to purchase an expensive one at the time. I've used it for winemaking, cider and beermaking.

If someone wants to get highly accurate readings, spend 90$ or more on a Hanna or similar. One that will read to (2) decimal places is better for sure.

However, with that being said, if you are on a super tight budget and can't afford a fancy one, this will get you in the ballpark and improve your wine dramatically.

 

[spaniel]

Having 2 degrees in biochem and molecular biology (BS,MS), I will tell you not to waste your money on any meter under $60-80. The one linked above for $7, I can't believe that is worth anything. The Hanna meter (which I own) is the bargain basement lowest option I would spend my money on.

pH meters are sensitive and non-cheap equipment.

Buy several sets of calibrating solution, re-calibrate every time you use it. Store the electrode wet. Keep a gallon of distilled water around for rinsing.

As for acid testing, one is well advised to invest in a real titration buret and a stand. If you titrate with a syringe, like comes with the kits, it is a rough approximation only.

 

[Norton]

Anyone know how one decides that it is time to change the electrode wand in a ph meter?

 

[ibglowin]

For the most part when you can't get a stable reading even after soaking it in electrode storage solution or buffer solution.