Stupid Question - Gravity Measurment

[pyrocyz]

Is it ok to leave your hydrometer in your carboy throughout the process? Getting ready to do a long brew (double IPA) and want to make sure that the fermentation is done before I dry hop.

 

[BierMuncher]

Probably not. The krausen will gunk up the hydrometer so much it will make it impossible to read. Plus...CO2 bubbles will accumulate on the glass and cause false readings. Plus...too much chance for it to break.

When you are ready to take a reading, just scoop out a half cup or so using a sanitized measuring glass or ladle.

 

[MadHopper]

I haven't used these myself, but saw an ad in the Zymurgy magazine, you can probably use these specific gravity balls: http://brewballstore.com/

They are a set of balls that float or sink depending on the specific gravity of the wort. Don't know how the krausen would affect them.

 

[pyrocyz]

Thanks for the input.

 

[Ezekielsays]

I tried this once. It didn't work. Waaaaaaay too much gunk, made it unreadable.