Hydrometer IN the fermenter

[Mylo]

Get yourself a refractometer, and a small wine thief. You only need a few drops for a measurement, and you can taste the other ounce to keep track of how well your beer is conditioning.


Mylo

[BigNastyBrew]

I've seen a lot of people bitch about them on this and other forums. If I remember right, others have suggested that alcohol screws with it?

I don't know. If you say it works, then I'm good with it.

[Grist Licker]

Mylo, you just reminded me, I have one of those thiefs (thieves?) that has a bottling wand type valve in the end. You can drop your hydrometer into the thief then dip it in the fermentor and take your reading. It doesn't need very much beer for a measurement. It's made by the same people that make the autosiphon. The thief kicks ass. Autosiphon is a piece of crap NJMPOAIRDS (Not Just My Personal Opinion Actually It Really Does Suck). I'm still learning all this internet jargon. Laugh Out Loud (exclaimation Point).

[Mylo]

I've seen a lot of people bitch about them on this and other forums. If I remember right, others have suggested that alcohol screws with it?

No bitching necessary - there are formulas built into BeerSmith and Promash for this purpose. If you don't have one of those programs, then you can use the excel sheet from B3.


Mylo

[BigNastyBrew]

Bitching averted....

I use beer smith. Right on bro. Thanks.

[ziggy]

You could also get one of these: http://www.sheeninstruments.com/products/miscellaneous/digital.htm

I think they are about $2000 but they only need a 1 mL sample and they are uneffected by alcohol like a refractometer.

[ipaisay]

I have put the hydrometer in the beer at times too and left it there. Just remember to pull it. I have broken a few hydrometers when cleaning out the carboy.

Best is to use Mylo's theft. When I do this I get to sample and tasting it gives you any idea of the process as well.