Initial Hydromete Reading

[bigbullyweedave]

Started my first brew 6 days ago (Coopers Sparkling Ale). Things generally going okay.

I took my first hydrometer reading a few hours after I added the yeast and it came in at 1035. I now realise I should have taken it just before I added the yeast. Has it made much difference waiting a few hours (think it was around 5 hours)? Do you think it would have been close to 1044 before the yeast? When I added the yeast temperature was around 25C (according to the kit that's okay but I now realise closer to 20C might have been better).

It's still dropping - 1014 yesterday and 1012 today so getting there! My temperature seems to be a consistent 22C.

Been a fun process regardless of how well the beer turns out in the end. Already bought my second kit :)

 

[Hollow Legs]

Hello,

not sure on the SG before you added the yeast as this depends on what was added i.e. sugar malt etc etc.

Why are you checking gravity every day? you are running the risk of contaminating your brew every time you open it up.

Leave it sealed up for a week to ten days then check the gravity, if the gravity is the same two days later then put it into your secondary or leave it for a further two days to clear down, the less you mess around with it while it's fermenting the better.

I hope you don't think I'm having a go but just trying to help. :

 

[bigbullyweedave]

Thanks for the reply and advice.

I left it sealed for the first 5 days and started checking the gravity after the bubbling had died down. Had been reading that fermentation for a beer takes 5-6 days.

Will leave it (im)patiently for another few days! :)