I dropped and broke my hydrometer the other day just as I was going to take a reading. Ordered new one which now is delayed in shipping. I have a batch of DB day 10 in primary. I removed the fruit bag and quit stirring a couple days ago. There is still some slight bubbling going on. Am I safe to wait 3 more days to check with hydrometer or should I go ahead and rack to secondary? My past two batches I racked on day 10 when SG was .988
Broke my hydrometer, help.
- Thread starter Newbie Mel
- Start date
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Wine is very forgiving! ,,,, the yeast need oxygen when they are actively budding new cells. Budding stops at about 1/3 sugar reduction and the fermentation could be moved to a carboy any time after that.
Wine is very forgiving.
Wine is very forgiving.
You could also go by taste. If it has any bit of sweetness, leave it be until you get the hydrometer. If no sweetness, you can rack.
And I suggest ordering a 2nd hydrometer ASAP! They are cheap enough to always have a backup.
I always have at least two or three on hand. I’ve only been doing this for two years and I’ve already broken three of them! Sometimes I’m all thumbs 
FlamingoEmporium
Senior Member
I always have at least two or three on hand. I’ve only been doing this for two years and I’ve already broken three of them! Sometimes I’m all thumbs
Go ahead and rack. The slight bubbling will be insurance against oxygen in the new carboy. And as suggested, never buy only one hydrometer. The peanut butter will hit the fan at the most inopportune moment.
Well, yeah! Gotta be nice. This is a family blog.Peanut butter? I want to have your problems. At my house it’s always!
Go ahead and rack. To check fermentation activity, take a wine thief sample. When full, tilt the tube at about 45 degrees. Not critical! Check how many bubbles are slowly rising to the top. A small stream of small bubbles means things are getting close. I would say leave it for another week and recheck. By then, your new, shiny hydrometer will arrive. As stated above, wine is very forgiving. And fermenting is supposed to be a fun hobby. I wouldn't get bogged down in tiny details. My opinion.
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