JoyrexJ9 Posted December 31, 2011 Share Posted December 31, 2011 Hi, I'm new here! I've just started my first brew with my new Coopers DIY kit, and really enjoying it so far! I've just been taking some SG readings with the supplied plastic hydrometer, then I checked the reading with room-temperature tap water, I was a little surprised to see it read so far under 1.000, about 0.995. I've taken a picture Is this OK? Even if it is out does it matter? As the AVB calculation is just the difference between the OG and FG readings (which will be both be out by the same amount - canceling the error out?) Thanks, and sorry if this seems like a silly question! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CliffH1 Posted January 1, 2012 Share Posted January 1, 2012 I'm new to beer making, but I've made LOTS of wine. Here is my experience with hydrometers. First, most of the ones I've seen had the scale printed on a piece of paper slid into the glass tube. This paper can slip if the hydrometer is hit and give false readings from then on. For this, you can just adjust your readings. I had one though that just kept getting further and further off. I finally noticed a tiny crack in the base. This was causing the hydrometer to float lower and lower as some water (wine) creeped inside. The only answer here is to replace it. I ALWAYS keep a spare hydrometer around because you WILL break one sometime, right when you need it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoyrexJ9 Posted January 1, 2012 Author Share Posted January 1, 2012 Thanks But this is a plastic hydrometer - the markings are printed directly onto the outside of it. There's no paper and nothing that can slip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hairy Posted January 1, 2012 Share Posted January 1, 2012 The hydrometer should read 1.000 at 20 degrees. You can make allowances for the variance as you suggested ie. add 0.0005 to your readings. Alternatively you could contact Coopers Customer Service; I'm sure they could help you out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 1, 2012 Share Posted January 1, 2012 As you said, the calculation between the OG and FG is irreverent because you are only trying to find the difference which would obviously be the same if the Hydrometer was accurate anyway. Nevertheless, mine is .004 out and I just make the necessary adjustments and as Hairy said, you can contact Coopers Customer Support. They are generally pretty helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wayne (Captain Yobbo) Posted January 1, 2012 Share Posted January 1, 2012 Hi, I'm new here! I've just started my first brew with my new Coopers DIY kit, and really enjoying it so far! I've just been taking some SG readings with the supplied plastic hydrometer, then I checked the reading with room-temperature tap water, I was a little surprised to see it read so far under 1.000, about 0.995. I've taken a picture Is this OK? Even if it is out does it matter? As the AVB calculation is just the difference between the OG and FG readings (which will be both be out by the same amount - canceling the error out?) Thanks, and sorry if this seems like a silly question! I also got a DIY kit for xmas and mine reads the same as yours Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PB2 Posted January 2, 2012 Share Posted January 2, 2012 There's been the odd hydrometer that takes on fluid and sinks over time - we replace them without question. [biggrin] You might like to follow one of 3 options: 1. adjust every reading by 5 points 2. calibrate it to read closer to 1000 in your water source at 20C by snipping a few bits off the red tip - this was originally how we planned to calibrate them at manufacture but decided they looked a bit ugly [pinched] 3. ask for a replacement - contact us at customerservice@coopers.com.au and we'll forward your details to the UK distributors. I like options 1 and 2 but that's partly because I'm filling in at Customer Service this week [innocent] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hairy Posted January 2, 2012 Share Posted January 2, 2012 I had the opposite problem. My old glass hydrometer that I got with the microbrew kit was always out. I checked my new plastic one in water at 20 degrees last night and it read 1.000. Perfect! Paul, you won't get an email or call from me this week and there is also no reason to snip off my end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 2, 2012 Share Posted January 2, 2012 I like options 1 and 2 but that's partly because I'm filling in at Customer Service this week [innocent] So we all should flood Customer Service now to keep Paul employeed [bandit] ... or the next time he'll be in the mail room. [pinched] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muddy Waters Posted January 3, 2012 Share Posted January 3, 2012 ..and there is also no reason to snip off my end. My wife threatens me with that sometimes [innocent] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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