Using a Secondary for the first time, some questions.

[Zak]

I'm transferring my Stout to Secondary latter today to add some additions and I have a couple of questions.

1) Should I take a hydrometer reading for FG now or after it's done in the Secondary
2) Can I use the same lid and airlock as I had in Primary or should I use a new one.

 

[Calder]

1) Take a gravity reading now to ensure the beer is done. You do not want to transfer the beer if it is not close to the expected final gravity. Drink the hydrometer sample; it will give you an idea of how the beer is coming on.

2) You can re-use them. I generally clean and sanitize equipment before re-use.

As noted in (1). Make sure the yeast have finished their job before transferring. I usually go at least 2 weeks before transferring my beers.