How accurate is the Brix calculators that account for fermentation/post-fermentation?

[eddiek85]

I made a huge mistake with my first batch. I did not know that the brix meter would only read out accurately for unfermented wort. After primary fermentation I was reading unusually high degrees plato and it stayed high for several days before I read online that the degrees plato would have to be ran through a calculator in order to find out gravity during and post fermentation.

I have been this calculator on Northern Brewer and was just wondering how accurate this is in comparison to a hydrometer. I don't have one of those and would rather not buy one since I already spent a good chunk of change on this Brix meter. However, if I must I will fork over the change and get one.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Silver_Is_Money]

This refractometer calculator (when used with a wort correction factor of 1.040) is generally considered to be the best one available.

http://seanterrill.com/2012/01/06/refractometer-calculator/

 

[doug293cz]

This refractometer calculator (when used with a wort correction factor of 1.040) is generally considered to be the best one available.

http://seanterrill.com/2012/01/06/refractometer-calculator/

Agree. This is the one I use. It's usually within 0.002 SG of my hydrometer readings; close enough for me.

Brew on

 

[eddiek85]

Agree. This is the one I use. It's usually within 0.002 SG of my hydrometer readings; close enough for me.

Brew on

I'm a bit confused. Is there a certain amount of time that the wort has to ferment first in order for this calculator to be used? Or does it not matter as long as you know the original degrees plato and the current?

Thanks for the reply! Offtopic but my sister lives in Renton! lol

 

[Silver_Is_Money]

The program asks specifically for OG and FG values, so for readings taken before the FG is reached it is best that you message Sean Terril directly for his guidance. Hit the "contact" button and send him your question.

That said, my initial "guess" is that it will also be valid for samples pulled throughout the progression of the fermentation cycle.

 

[hottpeper13]

How much does a hydrometer cost? I have 4. Get the set up from Williams brewing with the stand that can mount on a wall, I love it and so do my buddies that brew with me. If anyone wants to buy my refractometer PM me.

 

[Nebraskan]

I work at a winery in Michigan and use several brix hydrometers and have a refractometer. There is a page that can convert Brix to S.G. and Plato -> http://www.straighttothepint.com/specific-gravity-brix-plato-conversion-calculators/
I know quite a bit about winemaking but learning about beer brewing. Interesting words used in brewing. Anyway, in wine making, because alcohol EtOH floats lower than water for hydrometers, we generally get a negative brix reading when the wine is dry. EG starting at 24.0 brix and ending at -1.8 and then we check with a clinitest pill to see if there is any Residual or (reducing) sugar left. I can run a "Gold Coast" reading on reducing sugar if we want to stop at the fermentation and leave say 1.2% sugar but just wondering if beer wort has similar conditions? Can one figure a negative on the hydrometer for finished beer? What about using Clinitest RS sugar analysis?