When to take my first hyrometre test?

[cmason561]

I started my first HB on 16/01/2009 and i was just wondering when i should take my first reading? It's still a bit frothy. Am i right in thinking when the froth has nearly gone i should take a reading?

[boingy]

I tend to take my first reading 3 to 4 days after the froth has gone. It depends on temperature and on the yeast strain. In your case I'd wait another couple of days at least. Also, remember to sanitise anything that comes into contact with the main wort.

There are 2 common ways to take the SG:

1. Remove a sample jar quantity of wort from the FV (about 100ml) via the tap and measure it with the hydro. Advantage of this is you get to drink the sample after measuring.

2. Float a sanitised hydro in the wort. Advantage of this is your ale quantity does not diminish by 100 ml each day!