Focal

Recipes 

So my first brew, a Midwest Sierra Pale Ale, has been in primary for just over a week, and since I forgot to check the gravity when I put it in the fermenter, I thought I'd check it now, since bubbling has more or less stopped in the airlock.

Gravity reading was 0.006, which I thought seems low. SG for the kit should be between 1.042-1.046 and FG should be 1.010-1.012. I tasted the sample I used for the reading (not supposed to add it back in I know), and it tastes more or less like flat beer, but a little watered down.

Skeptical, I checked the hydrometer in plain water, and it read 0.994, which is .006 low, so if I add .006 to my reading for the beer it would be 1.012.

Any ideas? I plan to check it again in 3 days, as per everyone's recommendations, but should I be worried about my beer, my hydrometer, my eyesight, or just RDWHAHB?

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Primary: None

Secondary: None

Bottles: Sierra Pale Ale

shecky

Recipes 

Well, I'd get a new hydro because it appears to be off. Check it again in 3 days, as you said you will. Beyond that, RDWHAHB.

Nurmey

Recipes 

Don't worry about your beer. Green, flat beer tastes watery. Don't judge your beer until its time (bottled, carbed, aged).

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Batch 1 Brewing
The American Revolution would never have happened with gun control.

Focal

Recipes 

Thanks for the advice guys. Since I just got the hydrometer with my kit right before I brewed, should I call Midwest to see about sending it back, or am I just out of luck and need to order a new one?

Also, no homebrews to enjoy, but I did pick up some Anchor Steam, Bell's Oberon, and a Sam Smith Oatmeal Stout at the store today, so I will relax with one of those.

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Primary: None

Secondary: None

Bottles: Sierra Pale Ale

double_e5

Recipes 

Your hydrometer is fine. Just remember that it reads .006 low.

LooyvilleLarry

Recipes 

I'd use distilled water AT the temp that the hydro is calibrated (68* is common). Then note the amount that it is off, and write it on the cover

Joos

Recipes 

stupid question but was the water at 60 degrees or whatever your hydrometor is calibrated for?

Focal

Recipes 

The water was at *room* temp, which felt about the same as my fermentation tank, which is 69, and it is calibrated at 68, so I figured that was close enough. It says it only changes .001 when going down to 59 degrees.

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Primary: None

Secondary: None

Bottles: Sierra Pale Ale