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**Thunder_Chicken** · 02-03-2013, 09:47 PM

Is anyone aware of a small (short length) hydrometer that might be placed in the small carboys (1-gallon)?

I have a hydrometer but it is 9.5 inches tall. I could use it but I'd have to draw a sample representing a considerable fraction of the total volume which makes me worry about contamination. I thought I remembered there being shorter hydrometers (~4 inches) that one could just toss into the carboy.

**aiptasia** · 02-03-2013, 09:48 PM

Nope. Let us know if you find one.

**FermentNEthinG** · 02-03-2013, 10:49 PM

They make 5 inch hydrometers. I had a few of them but they break so easy.

**Thunder_Chicken** · 02-03-2013, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FermentNEthinG

They make 5 inch hydrometers. I had a few of them but they break so easy.

Do you know who makes/sells them? That would work.

**FermentNEthinG** · 02-03-2013, 11:40 PM

I will have to check and see in the morning for you. I will report back when i get into work and have a look at them.

**jsguitar** · 02-03-2013, 11:56 PM

Looks like Bells has a 5" one here. The range is also a bit narrower.

**Thunder_Chicken** · 02-04-2013, 12:53 AM

Thanks jsguitar and FermentNEthinG.

Is a SG range up to 1.080 on the Bell likely to cover most low SG beermaking? I'm really interested in making good basic IPA/APA sorts of beers, not stouts or such. I'm really more interested in determining the end of fermentation in primary, ABV calculations would be nice but not mandatory.

**jflongo** · 02-04-2013, 10:31 AM

That looks similiar to the one I can get at a liquor store by my house. Yes it does go that high, but doesn't go below 1.000 for wine/cider, not too big of a deal. But I'm not going to use these anymore, I have broke 3 of them in 2 months. Yesterday, i "barely" bumped it, and it still broke.

**Photopilot** · 02-04-2013, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thunder_Chicken

Thanks jsguitar and FermentNEthinG.

Is a SG range up to 1.080 on the Bell likely to cover most low SG beermaking? I'm really interested in making good basic IPA/APA sorts of beers, not stouts or such. I'm really more interested in determining the end of fermentation in primary, ABV calculations would be nice but not mandatory.

1.080 is by no means low gravity. I like big beers and have few over this, but use a refractometer for OG, hydrometer for FG. Someone sells an FG hydrometer that has a more detailed scale in the sub 1.020 range.

I usually use a wort thief to pull out samples, to test and taste, as I don't want to risk glass breaking in primary.

**Thunder_Chicken** · 02-04-2013, 02:34 PM

I'm somewhat surprised that plastic ones don't exist, though I know the principle of operation and the float volume must be rigid.

I can see why pulling the samples out is the accepted procedure - breaking these things in primary would be sad. It would be great if you could just toss one in a glass carboy and monitor SG at will.