More noob questions here! (General/Hydrometer)

[Gent]

Thanks for clicking I know how painful it can be teaching us noobs the ropes haha, should I be taking my OG/SG readings before adding yeast? Because that's what I've been doing, and does it matter for beer/cider if there is a difference?

And last but not least, I've still not quite grasped how to read my Hydrometer correctly (at least I think I haven't) I've tested it and I should be reading from the top of the meniscus so this would be 1.014 right?

 

[MagnusTS]

Hello,
I also take the sample to measure OG before adding my yeast, but I think it probably doesn't make a difference.
You should read the hydrometer from the bottom of the meniscus. See attached from LoveBrewing.

 

[Fil]

1) Yes measuring pre pitching will give you your Original Gravity (OG)

2) Wot he said ^

 

[Gent]

So we're looking at 1.015 then for the Hydrometer?

 

[Strollon15]

No, i'd be thinking about 1.032...........:thumb:

 

[Linalmeemow]

Around 1015 for the top pic, 1032 for the bottom. To be honest it doesn't make much of a difference as long as the reading has stabilised for a few days before you bottle.

 

[MagnusTS]

Looks like you have more than one scale on your hydrometer.
Top image shows BRIX (I think)
Bottom image shows SG

 

[Grizzly299]

No, i'd be thinking about 1.032...........:thumb:[/QUOTE

1.032 would indeed be the correct answer.

 

[Gent]

Ahhh I get it now so ignore those tiny *** numbers, my Hydrometer is over 20 years old the company make incredibly accurate Hydrometers I guess it's another measurement for something, thanks for the help guys.

 

[terrym]

@Gent
I suggest you read this.
How to measure Specific Gravity using a Homebrew Hydrometer - The HomeBrew Forum
The conventional way is to take the reading at the bottom of the meniscus, but there are some hydrometers where the reading is taken at the top.
The easiest way of checking is to dunk your hydrometer in water at 20*C (or whatever the calibration temperature is) and then find out where 1.000 is located.

 

[Leon103]

Some hydrometers are above and some are below. Please follow the instructions that come with them

 

[MyQul]

As others have stated some hydrometers, the reading is taken from the top of the meniscus. This is the case with wilko hydrometers