Gravity reading question

[frecks10]

Currently brewing a Coopers real ale kit, used a box of beh2 and added an addition 200gs of light malt. I attempted to take an OG reading but couldnt track down my test tube so i attempted to do so with the tube the hydrometer came in. No dice got a whack reading of somewhere around 1.190. Now 10 days later with signs of fermentation other then no bubbling in my airlock (figured air was escaping through the lid.) I picked up another sample tube ans completed a test. Reading of 1.039 . Ive kept the temp at 19-21 degrees for the last 9 days was up around 22-24 in the first 24 hours. I really expected a lower reading. And i wish i had a good OG to compare it to. Just wondering if everything is going ok or is this completely unusal.

 

[meridianomrebel]

Getting an accurate OG reading from an extract kit isn't the easiest thing in the world (it's very difficult to get it all mixed up perfectly- so readings are generally off). But, that's the thing with extract - unless you didn't add the correct amount of water, then your OG should be nearly exactly what the kit says the OG should be.

One thing with fermentation - don't rely on seeing bubbles in the airlock. While you'll see a good bit of activity in the beginning, you'll still have some fermentation happening without seeing any bubbles in the airlock. Check the gravity, give it a couple days, check again, and if the gravity hasn't moved at that point, then you know you're done.

 

[frecks10]

Wouldnt a gravity reading of 1.039 be a high final gravity ? Thats the only thing im worried about. I always check for the gravity to stablize before bottling.

 

[meridianomrebel]

Wouldnt a gravity reading of 1.039 be a high final gravity ? Thats the only thing im worried about. I always check for the gravity to stablize before bottling.

Oh, I somehow missed that as you saying that was your FG. Yes, 1.039 is very high - did you notice any krausen at all during fermentation? Looking at these instructions, it seems that Cooper's kit should have a OG of 1.042 and a FG of 1.006. I am thinking that the yeast you pitched were old and unhealthy, or maybe you pitched them the yeast when the wort was too hot? Either way, I'd repitch yeast to it.

 

[frecks10]

I was thinking the same. I pitched the yeast at 25 which i thought was fine but figured i just got an old kit wasnt due to expire for a bit but i had it for a few months. Ive only ever dealt with coopers kits what type of yeast and how much can i use in place of the supplied coopers yeast ?

 

[meridianomrebel]

I would just use a packet of Safale US-05 (dry ale yeast).