OG Reading question

[bj2387]

somewhat noob question. I have a theif that i put the liquid into a big test tube for getting my OG after the boil. When i put the hydrometer in there is usually an inch or 2 of trub that eventually settles to the bottom. Should i filter this out before i take a reading. the hydrometer seems to be floating above what settles. but just wondering. thanks.

 

[Gavin C]

Totally normal. No worries

 

[snow16]

It's best to have as clean a sample as possible when taking readings. Too much trub and it will definitely throw off your reading.

Generally speaking, if you're having trouble getting a reading without a bunch of suspended yeast and trub in it - there's no reason to even take a reading yet. Things are obviously still happening in there. After 5-7 days, things should settle down nicely - and that's when you want to take your first reading.

 

[snow16]

I posted before I saw that picture. You'll get an accurate reading with that.

 

[Conan]

I disagree with snow. You're measuring the density of the fluid, not the particles suspended within it. unless the sample is thick with sediment I don't see it being a problem. Still, a cleaner, clear sample is easier to read and gives you certainy nothing has settled on the hydrometer. Yours is just fine. Kyle

 

[unionrdr]

Yeah. suspended material doesn't effect gravity. Only what's dissolved in the liquid. In this case sugars versus lighter alcohol.

 

[snow16]

I disagree with snow...unless the sample is thick with sediment I don't see it being a problem. Still, a cleaner, clear sample is easier to read and gives you certainy nothing has settled on the hydrometer. Yours is just fine. Kyle

Pretty sure we agree entirely.

 

[snow16]

If it's just a few floaters, I'm sure it won't make any difference whatsoever. When I first read the post I pictured a wine thief full of trub.