On Jan 1, 11:52*pm, wrote:
> Are CAMPDEN TABLETS , *SODIUM BISULFITE , POTASSIUM BISULFITE *all the
> same and / or will the do the same thing . I also noticed Sodium Meta
> Bisulfite What are the differences . Just getting started need a
> little help please .

They are all sources of sulfite. The use of the sodium forms are
discouraged in winemaking since sodium is not naturally present in
wine and sodium in food products in general can affect blood pressure
in some people.

Campden tablets are premeasured amounts and can be made with either
sodium or potassium, if used crush first. I prefer potassium
metabisilfite (K2SO4) as it is easier to use and cheaper. 5 campden
tablets = roughly 1/4 teaspoon K2SO4 as I recall which works out to
40 to 50 PPM free sulfite addition in 5 gallons (US) of wine.

If you don't measure pH you don't know how much to add since the
effectiveness of sulfites depends on pH level so some just add 1/8
teaspoon each rack and 1/4 teaspoon at bottling.

Joe