Hyrometeter Questions

[gonzoflick]

So I am taking my first hydro reading today when I rack my brown ale into secondary. I've never used one before but I get the basic principle. My question is, what do you all use to put the beer into. My hyrometer came in a 1inch plastic tube kinda like a cigar holder. Should I just pour some beer in there at the tail end of my racking and test that?

 

[david_42]

Yep! The keeper is also the test tube. Use enough to float the hydrometer, but don't overfill. I generally let it sit until the bubbles are gone or pour the sample back & forth until it's flat.

 

[gonzoflick]

so fill like half way up you think? oh and it would be ok if i drank the sample afterwards right?

 

[Glibbidy]

yes drink it. This is your safest bet to prevent contamination.

Now as far as a vessel to use for floating your hydrometer, I would recommend a graduated cylinder if you can get your hands on one. I have heard, but can't dig up the facts right now the storage container for your hydrometer not being the best thing to use for floating your hydrometer.

 

[the_bird]

Now as far as a vessel to use for floating your hydrometer, I would recommend a graduated cylinder if you can get your hands on one. I have heard, but can't dig up the facts right now the storage container for your hydrometer not being the best thing to use for floating your hydrometer.

I was working under the assumption initially that the storage container would also hold the sample, but mine doesn't really work like that. Mine is capped at both ends, but neither really holds tightly enough to hold liquid without leaking. Grr, felt like a total tool, taking a hydrometer reading as quick as possible as the precious brew leaks over my palm. Almost broke the hydrometer, too, as it doesn't hold tightly enough to be able to pick it up without the hydrometer falling through.

The solution? A $4 cylinder at the HBS specifically designed to hold the sample. It's even got a base, so it can hold itself upright!

I'm learning, I'm learning - unfortunately, it seems that what I'm learning is that I'm an idiot.

 

[Monster Mash]

I have one of those cheap tubes with the orange bottom. If you buy one make sure it stands straight and blow in it to see if it leaks.

Take your hydrometer readings at 60 degrees so it is accurate. Also if you give it a spin it will give you a more accurate reading because it will remove any air bubbles.

 

[bikebryan]

I have one of those cheap tubes with the orange bottom. If you buy one make sure it stands straight and blow in it to see if it leaks.

Take your hydrometer readings at 60 degrees so it is accurate. Also if you give it a spin it will give you a more accurate reading because it will remove any air bubbles.

You don't have to take hydrometer readings at 60 degrees. You just need to correct the readings you take based on the temperature conversions YOUR hydrometer specifies. Not every hydrometer is calibrated for 60 degrees, although most are.