Hello all! I used to use one of these cheap hydrometers: http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/beer-and-wine-triple-scale-hydrometer.html And always hit all my targets pretty much dead on (plus or minus 1 or 2 gravity points). Recently broke the hydrometer and replaced it with a lab grade one: http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/lab-grade-hydrometer-1-000-1-070.html Since then, I've been getting OG readings lower than expected (by as much as 0.010), and FG readings higher than expected (by as much as 0.005). I have not changed a single other thing in my brewing process. I've done dozens and dozens of brews on my system, and it's dialed in. The new hydrometer is calibrated to 60 F. My readings have been done very close to that (65 F max). I've made sure that the hydrometer shows 1.000 in water at 60 F. Any ideas? This is baffling. Cheers! Olivier
I don't know why you're getting unexpected results, but my understanding is that if you're dead-on 1.000 in distilled water, you will get accurate readings for any gravity. Unless there's something wrong with the printed scale.
Your lab grade model is what I use(d) and could not be more pleased with it . . . until the wine thief dropped it! You really want a second one around as a spare.
Use table sugar to make a 10% solution in distiller water. It should read 10 Brix, or 1.040. 10 grams sugar, 90 grams water.
I like the idea. I'd just have to multiply it by like 3 or 4 to get enough solution to fill the cylinder for the hydrometer.
Actually you want to follow the procedure here. 10 grams sugar, dissolve in 80 grams water, top up to 100 ml. http://www.sciencecompany.com/Preparing-Chemical-Solutions-W174.aspx
http://www.tutorvista.com/content/physics/physics-i/fluids-pressure/hydrometer.php Yeah, probably TOO much information. Guilty as charged. Disclaimer: most beer hydrometers have steel shot...not lead
