Hydrometer reading below 0- Brett dosing

Systems, Gear, & DIY
1

I just transferred a Saison to secondary, took a hydrometer reading and it read off the paper chart, below 0.  I read maybe the paper “slipped” inside the hydrometer.  Is there any other possible explanation?  There are no off flavors or smells in the beer.

On a second note, I was going to bottle this beer with Brett- would there be enough sugars for Brett to do its thing?

2

Take a hydrometer reading of distilled water to see if it’s still reading accurately (zero).

3

Remember that after alcohol is in the beer you are reading the apparent attenuation, not the actual attenuation because alcohol is lighter than water. That said, agree that you should calibrate your hydro.