Conflicting SG readings

[MickD]

Hi,

I've just put a Coopers European Lager on, added the can, added 1kg of brewing sugar topped upto 23 ltrs. mixed thoroughly took a og reading in a trial jar of 1.026, I thought this was too low so put the hydrometer in the fv, got a reading of 1.042 which was much more like what i wanted, took another trial jar full took reading again.... 1.026 so now im at abit of a loss how the redings can be so different? anyone know why or what I could be doing wrong..?

One thing i dont have is a thermometer ( its next on my list ) so I dont know what the temp was, I put 4 pints of boiling water followed by the rest cold water, this is the method iv used in the past and not had ant problem fermenting.. although i have to admit to not taking readings as I shoud.

If anyone has any ideas would appreciate hearing them.

Mick

 

[mickeyt69]

Any possibility that you had cleaning water in the trial jar that you poured the wort onto? thats all i can think of. I wouldnt worry anyway if the gravity of the wort in the fv is 1042 happy days

 

[MickD]

Not sure Mick, drained the trail jar before I used it, but like you say all is good got the SG i wanted, just sems strange how I got two such different readings.... will check next time I put a brew on and see if I get the same...

Thanks for your reply.

 

[tubby_shaw]

My guess is that it wasn't thoroughly mixed, that malt extract syrup is tough stuff to dissolve

 

Another possibility is that in the trial jar you have bubbles clinging to the hydrometer.
Give it a sharp spin before taking a reading.