Adding water to already fermenting wort?

[Lovers Lane]

Hey guys n gals

So when I was finishing off my current batch last night, I accidentally missed the 23L mark by 2L, as the family was trying to get ready for dinner at the time, and I got distracted!

My question is, can I add water to the wort today, to bring it up to the 23L mark, or should I just wait until its finished?

Airlock started around lunchtime today.

Any help appreciated

 

[user 37368]

I would go early as water has dissolved oxygen in it, even after boiling etc.

Earlier you have the chance of the yeast chewing into it, later you'll oxidise stuff.

 

[S.E]

If you added the yeast last night best to leave it 2L short. As above you don’t want to add oxygen more than 24 hours after pitching yeast.

 

[Lovers Lane]

Thanks!

 

[S.E]

Sorry I meant to say you would get away with adding 2L of boiled cooled water at that stage but I would just leaving it as it was.

 

[MaggieO]

Just leave it. At worst you're short a couple bottles. At best you'll have a slightly better flavored beer.