What am I doing wrong?

[FrewBrew]

So I just started my second batch of beer tonight, and I came across the same problem I did last time, and can't figure out what Im doing wrong.

For the second batch in a row, my IG was about .007 - .012 below (this batch was 1.045, expected was 1.052-1.059). Am i boiling it too hard? adding too much water after the boil? Whats this going to do to my end product (besides lower alcohol %age)

Thanks guys ( and gals )

 

[homebrewer_99]

What's the temp when you take your reading?

 

[FrewBrew]

Between 80 and 90 (my bucket thermometer goes up to 82, my dial thermometer goes as low as 90) My hydrometer is ( I believe ) an 80 degree thermometer, and yes, i realize warmer wort is thinner, and therefore has a lower gravity... but, by that much for that small amount of temp?

 

[homebrewer_99]

Well at 84F add .003 and at 95F add .005.

Is that closer to what you're looking for as an OG?

You're not pitching your yeast at those temps are you?

 

[gibfried]

Where are you getting your recipe from? Kit? Book?

If it isn't a kit, what are the ingredient amounts?

 

[El Pistolero]

You may not be doing anything wrong...like HB99 said after temp correction your gravity is 1.049 - 1.050...much closer. Did you top off to 5 gallons, or a little bit over? If you topped to 5.5 gals, there's a couple more points there. Also, did you stir after topping off to make sure the wort was well mixed before you took your reading? Finally, did you check the hydrometer in water...one of mine is .004 off.