Hydrometer conundrum!

[Vinotinto]

Here is a weird one but I am sure you guys will have an answer.

Just pulled a sample of a Beaverdale Shiraz into a trial jar for hydrometer reading. 0.994 and no activity in the airlock. Excellent. Time to press on. Pop downstairs. 5 mins later return to trial jar and it now reads 1.002. Mmmm. Give it a spin. - 0.994. 5 mins later 1.002.

Is this a bubble attaching thing maybe? All gear at room temp.

 

[engineer]

Most likely air or C02 bubbles. I don't use a trial jar anymore just sterilise the hydrometer and drop it in the fermenter.

 

[chewie]

Give your sample a dam good shake before you put the hydrometer into it.

 

[Vinotinto]

Most likely air or C02 bubbles. I don't use a trial jar anymore just sterilise the hydrometer and drop it in the fermenter.

Suspected this. Have to use trial jar on this one as it is in the 5 gal glass dj. Small neck. .

Often test straight into the fv but find there that the bloody bubbles attack the hydrometer there too. Clear a space and before you know it they are back.

 

[Vinotinto]

Give your sample a dam good shake before you put the hydrometer into it.

Thanks Chewie, will try and remember that.