Refractometer

[markephraim]

I have a refractometer as i have a marine aquarium. I was wondering if i can use it to get more accurate readings on SG for brewing. Will i be able to use this device effectively?

 

[krazydave]

if it's within the correct brix range, yes. 0-30 is usually a good range for beer readings.
Also, if you're measuring beer after it's begun fermenting, you'll need to do some calculations to get a proper reading.

 

[markephraim]

not too sure what you mean by brix range. it has an SG scale from 1.000 to 1.080. What calculations need to be done if i am taking readings after fermentation and why?

 

[krazydave]

Most refractometers read in brix, or bx. You can use the SG scale prior to pitching yeast but once its begun fermenting, the alcohol in it will throw off your reading. That's where the calculations come in. If you have the initial SG reading prior to fermentation, you can use that to calculate fairly accurately where its it during or post fermentation.

Morebeer.com has a handy spreadsheet that works well for doing the calculations for you.

http://morebeer.com/learn_vids/vids_refract

 

[VTBrewer]

That doesn't quite sound like a refractometer for brewing. Those (beer ones) have a scale from 0-30 and are measured in brix. Multiplying it by four will give you the equivalent of what a hydrometer would give you. But, not once there is alcohol present. Once there is alcohol present you need to adjust your future readings to figure out what your current SG is. http://www.clubhomebrew.com/refracto.xls is the spreadsheet you would use, but doesn't sound like a refracto i'm familiar with.

 

[krazydave]

Some refractometers do have SG readings, but all the ones I've seen also have a brix reading as well.

 

[markephraim]

Awesome, thanks for the help! The spreadsheet makes this work bang on.