Are there different Hydrometers for Cider making?

[Jaxteller15]

Hi,

I am new to the forum and indeed brewing.

I started my first brew today of Bulldog Strawberry and Lime cider.

The Hydrometer I have has Beer/Wine making written on it, does that mean that I need to get a cider hydrometer?

Also how long should I be waiting to see some activity in the air valve?

Thanks in advance.

J

[oldbloke]

No, cider starting and finishing gravities are in the same range

[Jaxteller15]

Thanks

[Jaxteller15]

In terms of bubbling in the air lock how long should I wait before being concerned with no activity? It's currently at 24-26 degrees and has been fermenting for about 6 hours.

Thanks

[oldbloke]

That's a bit warmer than ideal but not so high as to be worth worrying about.
I don't do kits, I do turbocider. In clear demijohns I can see the yeast slowly multiplying and gradually making the liquid go opaque. Only when it's finished doing that does it start producing alcohol and gas. Proper bubbling doesn't start for several hours, as much as 9 or 10 sometimes, and that's in 1 gallon. In 5 it may take up to a day. Certainly not worth worrying about it before that.
Also, if it's in a bucket they rarely seal perfectly so the airlock may never do much.
Although - what temp was it when you chucked the yeast in? Too hot can kill it (35 or more)

[Jaxteller15]

Temp when I pitched the yeast was about 24, it's now sitting about 20.

How much bubbling am I looking for i.e. a continuous bubble or one every few mins etc

Can a bad sanitization affect it?

I submerged all equipment in VWP? For about 10 fiften minutes then thoroughly rinsed.

Thanks

[oldbloke]

Your sanitation regime sounds fine.
Bubbling rate... "It depends". It varies over the course of the ferment anyway, and as said earlier, in a bucket the airlock may never bubble as the gas finds it easier to get out round the rim. I've had brews that never got faster than a bubble every 5 minutes, and others that sounded like a cheap moped at low revs... It depends on so many things.
What volume? What's it in?
This is about a day on from pitching now? There should be at least a slightly foamy head on it. Sneak a look.

[Jaxteller15]

Had a look there is a layer of foam about 3mm thick and a nice smell!