I could have been more specific. Dissolved solids (sugars, etc) do affect SG. Suspended solids (yeast,etc) may affect SG. There would be a slight change when the suspended solids settle out. Solid solids wouldn't affect the SG.
how to use a hydrometer for newbies
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When my wine is finished, whether it's 12.3%, 12.7% or 13.1 % ABV really doesn't matter to me. It sure doesn't matter enough for me to invest over $100 in a hydrometer. 
Personally , if I should happen to forget to take a beginning SG check, I revert to the Honneyman method at Fermcalc. As the saying goes, close enough for state work. And if I do have both readings, I use my Flip phone calculator. SG - FG X 133. Or 131. Still close enough. As bstnh1 says, no big deal.
Holy heck, that's more expensive than almost all of my equipment put together. It's a cool concept, definitely something I'd buy if I was a professional or had a money tree in my backyard.
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I think it had to do with the ease to determine the Potential Alcohol given the Brix. As in 22 Brix gives about 11% abv. Slight higher, I think the factor is 0.555 not 0.5 (which gives about 12.1%abv), but close enough. Most (maybe I should say many) start with kids, which tell you the expected sg is 1.090 or so. Either works.
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Refractometer gives you a quick brix while checking juice or must prior to fermentation, but will not be accurate after fermentation starts, alcohol throws it off. So using a hydometer to measure starting and finishing SG is needed for accuracy.
thank you, I'm very much aware of the limitations of a refractometer. Most hydrometers have both the specific gravity as well as Brix scale.
Hydrometers are not $100. They're $8-10 bucks and essential to have. http://www.keystonehomebrew.com/shop/hydrometer-3-scale.htmlWhen my wine is finished, whether it's 12.3%, 12.7% or 13.1 % ABV really doesn't matter to me. It sure doesn't matter enough for me to invest over $100 in a hydrometer.
I was referring to the post that recommended a TILT wireless hydrometer that runs about $135.
But if I were to place a neutrally buoyant marble into the solution, would that affect the SG?
No, it would not. (I assume by "neutrally buoyant," you mean that the marble has a SG that matches the SG of the solution?)
Ajmassa
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“Suspended solids” that come in contact with the hydrometer , even bubbles, will affect the reading, like skins and seeds.
At least that’s what I read this to mean initially.
At least that’s what I read this to mean initially.
I was speaking about a liquid that has solid particles in suspension. In my example, these solid particles could be denser than the liquid. They will eventually settle out, but may not fall out of suspension quickly. (Think muddy water, for example.)
In this case, even though the particles are not dissolved, they do raise the density of the liquid. Look at it this way: If you want to insert a hydrometer into this liquid, you will need to raise the average height of some of the liquid and suspended solids. This will cost energy that depends on the density of the liquid, irrespective of whether the particles are dissolved or merely suspended. Further, it does not matter if said particles touch the hydrometer or not.
Here is a useful Wiki page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suspension_(chemistry)
In this case, even though the particles are not dissolved, they do raise the density of the liquid. Look at it this way: If you want to insert a hydrometer into this liquid, you will need to raise the average height of some of the liquid and suspended solids. This will cost energy that depends on the density of the liquid, irrespective of whether the particles are dissolved or merely suspended. Further, it does not matter if said particles touch the hydrometer or not.
Here is a useful Wiki page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suspension_(chemistry)
Gerry Congleton
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I'm trying a 1 gal. kit of Pinot Grigio.
I'm hoping I didn't measure the first SG correctly, I recorded it as 1.020. I started a 1 gal. kit for my first attempt and I am 6 days in.
Could this SG measurement be correct? If so, what will the wine probably taste like?
Thanks for any comments.
I'm hoping I didn't measure the first SG correctly, I recorded it as 1.020. I started a 1 gal. kit for my first attempt and I am 6 days in.
Could this SG measurement be correct? If so, what will the wine probably taste like?
Thanks for any comments.
That does seem exceedingly low. Take a look at this video and see if it jibes with your measurement technique:
Hi, i've just started my 1st wine kit and have a few basic questions about the Hydrometre.
Do you put the sample back, drink it, or chuck it?
I'm a few days into the 2nd fermenting stage and havent taken a sample yet, do i take my 1st reading now or is it to late?
Thanks
Ste
Do you put the sample back, drink it, or chuck it?
I'm a few days into the 2nd fermenting stage and havent taken a sample yet, do i take my 1st reading now or is it to late?
Thanks
Ste
If you are making a small batch and have sanitized the equipment, put the wine back.You might take a sip and see how things are progressing. Since this is your first (of many!) attempts, consider that baseline information. Otherwise, pitch it.
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