Does anyone put the hydrometer in the fermentation bucket to measure the specific gravity? Seems like its easier to do that then to take out some of the beer. Also doesn't waste any beer. Of course I spray StarSan on the hydrometer. I'm also considering leaving the hydrometer in the bucket so I don't have to keep taking it out, cleaning it, then sanitizing every day. Any issues with that?
Hydrometer in fermentor
- Thread starter urg8rb8
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How did you end up breaking your hydrometer? ???
hunter_le five
Sheriff Underscore
I always take my hydro readings direct from the fermenter. As long as you're careful with sanitation, it should be okay.
I don't favor placing a hydrometer in the FV for a few reasons primarily related to accuracy. These include.
1. Bubbles and yeast/hop debris will often obscure the view of the hydrometer's scale
2: Not possible to optimally view the hydrometer/meniscus interface at eye level
3: The wort temperature is not equal to the hydrometer's calibration temperature
4: The lid must be removed to take a reading increasing the potential for oxygen exposure
5: If leaving the hydrometer in the wort for prolonged periods as some do CO2 bubbles will adhere to the glass adding an upward buoyancy force. Also with leaving it in, any settling trub can settle on the shoulder of the instrument creating a downward force.
All small details but added up can lead to significant measurement error. If I am going to record data I want it to be as accurate as possible.
My process:
Very repeatable and accurate.
OG and FG (recent example)
Sample and hydrometer at correct temperature
Calibration temperatures vary depending on the hydrometer.
1. Bubbles and yeast/hop debris will often obscure the view of the hydrometer's scale
2: Not possible to optimally view the hydrometer/meniscus interface at eye level
3: The wort temperature is not equal to the hydrometer's calibration temperature
4: The lid must be removed to take a reading increasing the potential for oxygen exposure
5: If leaving the hydrometer in the wort for prolonged periods as some do CO2 bubbles will adhere to the glass adding an upward buoyancy force. Also with leaving it in, any settling trub can settle on the shoulder of the instrument creating a downward force.
All small details but added up can lead to significant measurement error. If I am going to record data I want it to be as accurate as possible.
My process:
- Pop off carboy top and airlock
- Collect sample with sanitized SS turkey baster in a test jar
- Replace carboy cap and airlock
- Place hydrometer in sample
- Cool sample and hydrometer to calibration temperature
- Remove and reinsert hydrometer once at the target temperature to remove any bubbles adhering
- Measure gravity and record.
Very repeatable and accurate.
OG and FG (recent example)
Sample and hydrometer at correct temperature
Calibration temperatures vary depending on the hydrometer.
Thanks for the tip on different hydrometers having different specs on temp. I had just assumed that mine was a 60 degree hydrometer and made my measurements at those temps. As it turns out, it was, but I'm glad I know now.
