hydrometer

[Devildog32]

Are there any tricks to using these thing and is it complicated? I ferment in a five gallon carboy and have just been waiting 3-4 weeks before I carbonate.

 

[freisste]

The liquid will try to climb up the side (water tension). You don't read where the beer bends to, you base it on the top of the beer.

My explanation sucks, but if this is confusing, someone probably has a picture.

Also, use the scale that goes from 0.990 to 1.120 (or similar). Don't use the percentage one.

 

[darrenbrews]

I always have a hard time reading the numbers so I use a magnifying glass.
Also pour into the jar very (very) slowly to avoid foam.

 

[stvo]

It's not hard just insert into your test jar, some people use the container it came in also I know people who just put it in their bucket all ways will work here is a pic gravity of 1.019 (scale thats in increments of 10) wow I hope that moves down some!?!? If its hard to read give it a little spin to get rid of the bubbles and disregard the other scale it is for potential alcohol.