How to take % readings while collecting from pails?

[67HEAVEN]

I gather that some of you take % readings at individual trees. This first-timer wonders which method you use. Do you use a sap hydrometer and adjust the reading for the sap temperature?

I'd appreciate knowing the step-by-step procedure you use and the type of hydrometer. Thanks.

[Shaun]

I found a 0-10 brix refractometer on amazon for $25. Seems to work real well and all you need is 2 or 3 drops of sap. Maybe not as accurate as a long hydrometer? Went to a bunch of trees and many read different. Needs calibration with distilled water which is easy.

[saphound]

I gather that some of you take % readings at individual trees. This first-timer wonders which method you use. Do you use a sap hydrometer and adjust the reading for the sap temperature?

I'd appreciate knowing the step-by-step procedure you use and the type of hydrometer. Thanks.

I just started doing this, 67...a long sap hydrometer at each tree. The Vermont state inspected one you can get off this site. It's a 38 degree hydro, but for 32-46 degree sap no temp adjustment needed.
47-56 degrees add .1 brix
57-61 degrees add .2 brix
62-64 degrees add .3 brix
65-68 degrees add .4 brix
69-72 degrees add .5 brix
73-75 degrees add .6 brix
Haven't had any sap over 46 degrees yet, but even up to 56 degrees you only add .1 brix. A refractometer would be nice too.

[67HEAVEN]

Thank you both.

Saphound, do you float your sap hydrometer in the tree pail before emptying it, take the reading, and record it for future reference?

Have you noticed much difference between trees? Also, much difference between collection days? Thanks.

[saphound]

No, I've been filling a 12" piece of 1 1/2" pvc pipe capped at one end for a sap cup. Sap has been so slow since I got it I haven't had a full enough bucket to float it in the pail. They are all running right around 2 now, give or take .2 brix. I had no way to test my first batch, but I'm pretty sure it was lower then, given the low yield I got. That's what led me to order the hydro. I haven't been recording it, but I prob should be......hmmm.

[Atgreene]

http://m.ebay.com/itm/like/311290737512?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_ref=http%253A%252F%252Frover.ebay.com%253A80%25 2Frover%252F1%252F711-117182-37290-0%252F2%253Fmtid%253D1588%2526kwid%253D1%2526crlp% 253D53601919689_324272%2526itemid%253D311290737512 %2526targetid%253D87946139769%2526rpc%253D0.18%252 6rpc_upld_id%253D45669%2526rlsatarget%253D%2526dev ice%253Dm%2526mpre%253Dhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fww w.ebay.com%25252Fitm%25252Flike%25252F311290737512 %25253Flpid%25253D82%252526chn%25253Dps%2526adtype %253Dpla%2526gclid%253DCj0KEQjw_9OoBRChj9vMo5CHrdU BEiQAJ6YRPd1vWCsCnIUH-JFc4R7yAdLCWRTrHdX5oiyQjJEr23waAjNp8P8HAQ%2526srcr ot%253D711-117182-37290-0&ul_ref=http%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%3A80%2Frover%2F 1%2F711-117182-37290-0%2F2%3Fmtid%3D1588%26kwid%3D1%26crlp%3D5360191968 9_324272%26itemid%3D311290737512%26targetid%3D8794 6139769%26rpc%3D0.18%26rpc_upld_id%3D45669%26rlsat arget%3D%26device%3Dm%26mpre%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F www.ebay.com%252Fitm%252Flike%252F311290737512%253 Flpid%253D82%2526chn%253Dps%26adtype%3Dpla%26gclid %3DCj0KEQjw_9OoBRChj9vMo5CHrdUBEiQAJ6YRPd1vWCsCnIU H-JFc4R7yAdLCWRTrHdX5oiyQjJEr23waAjNp8P8HAQ%26srcrot %3D711-117182-37290-0

We have a couple refractometers. If you buy them on eBay, they are cheap, sugar supply places gold plate theirs, right after they encrust them in diamonds. Nice to know which trees are producing and which one will be next years firewood. I have on running 8%. We have to cut it as its dying, needless to say, its getting peppered with taps before we take the stihl to it.

[67HEAVEN]

Atgreene,

Thanks for that link. On the choice between a sap hydrometer or a brix refractometer, what are the pros and cons to each for testing raw, cold sap.

Anyone care to offer an opinion? Thanks.

[Atgreene]

You drop a hydrometer, its done. Those refracts are pretty hardy and can be carried in your pocket. Also, it can be calibrated using condensated water off your evaporator.

[67HEAVEN]

Thank you. Sounds good. Hard to argue with 7 generations of maple syrup. http://i49.tinypic.com/30kg3fs.jpg

[Atgreene]

We're just stubborn enough not to give up.:lol: