ok so I use the hydrometer to take the gravity of my cider and dosent sink enough to even reach the scale. I add a cup of sugar and it goes to the same spot. Am I not knowing how to use it or is it defective?
Dumb question.... but what kind of vessel are you using to take the reading? Not to insult your intelligence, but is it deep enough to drop as far as it should?
Maybe the cider is at an astronomical gravity? Try using a quart of room temp water and a half cup of sugar or so, dissolve and then test that? ...Maybe a note to self to have two hydrometers for co-witnessing!