Troubleshooting/hydrometer questions

[Mk010101]

I brewed up an Irish Ale Kit from AHS today. After following the instructions completely I had an OG of 1.045 when it was supposed to be 1.052. This is the second kit I have done that was shy the target OG over 4 points. I have re-read the instructions to see if I missed anything, but found nothing. OG was measured at approx 76-78 degrees.

To see if my hydrometer is calibrated, I got some tap water at 44 degrees and it came to exactly 1.000. I am trying to find the temp conversion info, and any link would be helpful. Also, our water is very hard which should have something to do with it.

 

[homebrewer_99]

Your hydrometer should be calibrated for 1.000 at 60F (I know, some are 59F).

Let's assume your hydrometer is correct. Your OG was 1.045 and your temp was 76-78F. Firstly you have to correct the reading by adding 3 points (0.003 actually) raising it to 1.048.

This is closer to the gravity recommended by the recipe, but another factor is the amount of water. Was it 5 gals? If it was 5.5 gals then the sugars would be more diluted and give you a lower reading...less water a higher reading.

This is one reason why some brewers who care about hitting the exact gravities will not fill to 5 gals right off. They will fill up to 4.5 gals then take a gravity reading. If the projected gravity is still a couple of points off they will add a bit more water until the gravity is met regardless if the volume is 5 gals or not.

Check the calibration of your hydrometer and go from there.

Good luck.

 

[Mk010101]

Ok, I will check the water gravity at 60 degrees and see what it comes to.

The amount of water is about 5 1/4 gallons. However this is what the recipe calls for and says to take the gravity reading after it is up to 5 1/4 gallons.

I guess I am not too concerned about hitting the exact gravity, it just seemed odd that I was 7 points off. Well the good thing is, it is bubbling quite nicely now, eating all those sugars up.

 

[RichBrewer]

Another thing to consider. Did you stir the wort sufficiently to insure the malt was completely mixed with the water? This is a common problem for new brewers.

 

[Mk010101]

I would guess I did. I boiled it for an hour after stirring it in. Should a gravity reading be taken before aerating the wort before pitching the yeast? I think that wouldn't matter, but I wanted to ask.