Leaving hydrometer in FV after 1st reading..

[neilos]

Just read a post where I got the impression that the author left his hydrometer in his FV after taking his first reading. I've been taking my first (technically 2nd I suppose) SG reading after about 4 days with a sanitised hydrometer. Could I just leave it in the FV so that I can take a reading every 24 hours or so?

[jonnyhop]

Could I just leave it in the FV so that I can take a reading every 24 hours or so?

I do. just give it a spin to make sure it re-reads the gravity. If it has gunk on the top from fermentation I always take it out and give it a wash with boiling water to re-sterlise. Not sure if this is a necessity but seems like good practice.