Using a hydrometer

[muse435]

I have always used a hydrometer test jar (tube) for taking readings and then discard/taste the sample. I have only once taken multiple day readings, i normally just let the beer sit significantly longer than needed. I currently have a one gal batch and don't want to waist any more than is necessary. I guess my question is: does anyone take readings directly from the jug/carboy by placing the hydrometer in it?

 

[vitrael]

It's not recommended because it can be really difficult to read the hydro inside a carboy, and it would be difficult to fish it out once it's floating in there.

When I'm feeling really stingy I use a Wine Thief (same company that makes autosiphon) to take a reading and drop the beer right back in the carboy. But nowadays I usually just take the sample with the Thief, read it, and then pour it in a glass to taste (if it's done).

I also don't take multiple readings despite forum wisdom. If it's done, it's done.

 

[snowydog]

I leave my thermometer and hydrometer in the primary. Just pop the lid to check it out every so often. When it's down to 1.015 I rack to a glass carboy and just wait until it clears, about 5-10 days. I rack it back to the primary and put the hydrometer in and note the reading before and after adding primary sugar.

 

[trevorc13]

For your situation I would thoroughly sanitize everything, take a reading as normal, and carefully place the sample back into your gallon jug. As long as you don't splash your sample back in your jug I think you should be able to avoid oxidation. Use a wine thief or turkey baster to replace the beer if you can.

 

[JonM]

There are plenty of horror stories about the hydro breaking in the fermenter too. Broken glass in the carboy is one of those rare circumstances where HBTers say "dump the batch."

On another thread, Uniondr suggested using the little tube that the hydrometer is packaged in as the sample tube, which is a great idea because you only need a tiny sample of beer in order to test it.

I've also seen these little balls that you drop into the fermenter. They're calibrated to sink when the beer reaches a certain gravity, so when you pass 1.040, the red one sinks, when you reach 1.020, the blue one sinks, etc.

 

[trevorc13]

I've also seen these little balls that you drop into the fermenter. They're calibrated to sink when the beer reaches a certain gravity, so when you pass 1.040, the red one sinks, when you reach 1.020, the blue one sinks, etc.

What are those???? Sounds interesting.

 

[Mikethepoolguy]

I don't always do multiday tests but be sure the fg is what you expected. Often fermentations will stop and then fire back up after a few days or weeks. If you bottle to soon it will overcarb.

 

[JonM]

What are those???? Sounds interesting.

... Or maybe they're calibrated to rise when you hit a certain gravity?

Anyway, they're called Brew Balls (*snicker!!*) I haven't used them myself and can't vouch for how well they work, but it's a neat idea.

 

[temptnmonkey]

There are plenty of horror stories about the hydro breaking in the fermenter too. Broken glass in the carboy is one of those rare circumstances where HBTers say "dump the batch."

On another thread, Uniondr suggested using the little tube that the hydrometer is packaged in as the sample tube, which is a great idea because you only need a tiny sample of beer in order to test it.

I've also seen these little balls that you drop into the fermenter. They're calibrated to sink when the beer reaches a certain gravity, so when you pass 1.040, the red one sinks, when you reach 1.020, the blue one sinks, etc.

You have to make sure the tube isn't so small that the hydrometer is leaning/touching the side of the sample tube. I'd imagine that would yield an inaccurate reading.

 

[shawnbou]

On another thread, Uniondr suggested using the little tube that the hydrometer is packaged in as the sample tube, which is a great idea because you only need a tiny sample of beer in order to test it.

That's what I do. I have to hold the tube in my hand to get it perfectly upright so the hydrometer doesn't touch the side, but it works. I can take a reading with a 3-4oz sample.

But when I make gallon batches, I'm pretty stingy with them. I don't usually measure gravity except at bottling time.

 

[Revvy]

I always start giggling like Beevis and Butthead when I hear about them, but they're called *giggle* Brew Balls come from.

http://www.brewballstore.com/

Heh Heh, You said "Balls."