Double checking the OSG

In making my first batch today, I followed the directions of the beer kit I purchased. On the label they list the OG at 1.043. When I took the reading with my hydrometer, I got 1.04(the balling reading was at 10).

So I'm guessing I will take the second reading after the 7 days. Am I looking to have the final gravity at the same reading as my first? Should I check it any sooner?

Thanks in advance.

dave

The final gravity should be much lower. If it's the same, you didn't get any fermentation.

Congratulations on your first brew! It seems that your numbers were pretty close and that is a good thing. After a week you should see a significantly lower hydrometer reading. After the yeast eat up all those sugars they produce alcohol and C02. Alcohol has a lower gravity than water so your hydro reading will go down. Again, congrats and welcome to the addiction.

One other thing, well ok 2, resist the urge to take a bunch of hydro readings. It is a waste. Check it after about 1.5 weeks and then let it sit in that primary for another 2 weeks and let those yeasties clean up after themselves.