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I put a Coopers Heritage Lager in today with 1.5kg malt. Topped up to 21 litres (read somewhere that you get a better brew with a bit less water). Checked the SG before putting in the yeast and the hydrometer read 1080. Thought this was a bit much so I put in another 2 litres and ended up with SG 1042.

It's a bit late now, but what would the result be if I hadn't added the extra water?

What was the temp when you took the reading, hydrometers are usually calibrated to 20*C

Had you stirrred the wort thoroughly? Sometimes you get the extracts sinking to the bottom to give a false high reading.

The tipping in of the extra 2 Litres probably mixed it all through. 1042 sounds about right.

Cheers,
Greg

Thanks for the replies - you're both right. 24deg and hadn't stirred it up yet.

I always boil my ingredients in a big pot on the gas stove to dissolve .Malt will not dissolve in cold water,and especially the technique the kit manufacturers recommend.The old hot water in the fermenter technique does not work.

Remember that the tap in the fermenter always holds the syrupy wort before you dilute with water. High SG's can be very misleading.

To conteract these problems, plus the problem of airation of the brew I pick up the fermenter and give it a good shake before taking the OG. Be careful of your back when doing this!!!