Is Fermentation Complete

[Mattb1969]

i have been brewing a Dark Rock Brewing West Coast Pale ale and I am not sure if I am over thinking this as I am still very new to it all (this is my second brew), but the recipes talk about “when Fermentation is complete “ after a week.
So at 1 week I measured SG, I think I got about 1.010, I figured I’d leave it a day or 2 to see if it had really finished. Second reading of 1.008, third reading 2 days later 1.006.

when I check my SG on water I get a reading of.998, so I know my hydrometer reads a little low.

I’ve attached the photos, so I’d appreciate others options of my readings and whether I should add my dry hops yet? Does it actually matter, won’t the yeast continue to process the sugar with the dry hops added, even if it’ll be in a cooler room?

 

[RichardM]

Fermentation is complete when the hyrdrometer gives the same reading for a couple of days running. It doesn't matter if it is out a bit.
It won't hurt to dry hop a day or two before fermentation is finished.

 

[sifty]

Are temperatures the same for each reading?

 

[Mattb1969]

Pretty much, temperature has been around 20, possibly a little higher at the start and only 18 this evening.
Does that make that much difference

 

[RichardM]

Pretty much, temperature has been around 20, possibly a little higher at the start and only 18 this evening.
Does that make that much difference

It won't make much difference but you can use a calculator such as this Hydrometer Temperature Calculator | Brewer's Friend (brewersfriend.com) to correct the reading. You have to know what temperature your hydrometer was calibrated at, often 20 centigrade.

 

[sifty]

Yep more than 3-4 degrees difference can affect gravity readings. I use that link above when measuring warm samples...

 

[Thebiggestal]

I absolutely cocked this kit up so I’d love to hear how it tastes

 

[Mattb1969]

I absolutely cocked this kit up so I’d love to hear how it tastes

So far, from the gravity samples, it tastes nice and light. I’m loving the Amber Ale they do, it was my first ever and is very pleasant!