ctfsh9

Recipes 

I am trying to figure out how to take a hydrometer reading. I know the formula but am really trying to figure out the best way to take a reading. I know I don't want to contaminate the wort and fermenting beer by sticking the hydrometer in it but what is the best way to take a reading. Thanks for any help and good brewing to all!!!

passedpawn

Recipes 

Get a wine thief, or use a turkey baster to suck out some of the beer. Sanitize first!

Don't return the sample. Pitch it or drink it.

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brycelarson

Recipes 

use the storage tube that came with the hydro. Use a sanitized wine theif or cup to pull some beer out - fill the little tube and check the reading. Dispose of this beer appropriately (drink) don't add it back.

If you're fermenting in a bucket with a spigot it's even easier to take a sample.

ctfsh9

Recipes 

Thanks for the help

Squirrels

Recipes 

I would second the wine thief - lower risk of contamination and you wind up wasting a lot less. I loved getting mine for Christmas a couple years back! Very easy to use.

I've even dropped to doing a reading only twice. Once before pitching and again when bottling. I haven't found a need to do it more than that.

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Mad Cow Brewery

Hang Glider

Recipes 

test jar is $3.99

caber2615

Recipes 

+1 on turkey baster. Dont forget to sanitize!!

Best part is drinking the sample!

Kingfish

Recipes 

Please do not give this advise to a new brewer.

duboman

Recipes 

I agree although I will assume he meant that when preparing to bottle to verify FG with at Least 2 readings

If my assumption is wrong then new brewers should not take his advise

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Nothing Left to do but smile and drink beer.....

The Commune Brewing Company-Perfecting the "art" of beer since 2010

new2brew1221

Recipes 

I use a laddle that holds just the right amount for the tube,sanitized, of course.