How do I know when my corn mash is ready to run

[Limp]

How do I know when my corn mash is ready to run? It has been fermenting for about 6 days. I took a hydrometer reading, and it read 0. I was told this mean that there is no more sugar for the yeast to eat. Is this true? My mash is still bubbling. How do I know when it’s ready to run? Thanks in advance for your help

[Deplorable]

If the hydrometer reads 0, taste it. Is it sour or sweet?
The grain bed will continue to bubble up CO2 as it settles and the wash clears. If it's sour and reading 0, it's done fermenting. How clear you want it is up to you and your schedule.

[Demy]

When fermentation is over it will no longer be produced sparkling no bubbles and no fermentation noise, if tastings should not be sweet but a bit acid as Deplorable said, your hydrometer will mark a measure indicating that you are at the end (not necessarily 1,000 ).

[opus345]

When I think fermentation has finished, I take daily readings and if the SG has not changed in three consecutive days, fermentation has finished. I worry about scorching, so I like to let the mash have extra time to settle and clear before running.

[shadylane]

I took a hydrometer reading, and it read 0.

Sounds like you're using the wrong hydrometer.
The one you need has 1.000 near the top of it.
The alcohol hydrometers have zero at the bottom.

[Truckinbutch]

All good advice . I give my ferments 2 weeks+ to settle and clear once they are done before I distill .

[still_stirrin]

I give my ferments 2 weeks+ to settle and clear once they are done before I distill .

+1.

Once you’ve got some inventory, time isn’t as urgent. It’s the newbies who have “pants on fire”. Clearing a wash before running will help the flavor “in the bottle”.
ss

[Limp]

Thanks for all advice. I tasted the mash today, and it’s sour just like you guys said it would be. It’s also pretty clear. Nothing really floating on top. I’ll probably let it sit for another day or two just to make sure. Thanks again

[Ben]

Nothing at all wrong with giving it a little extra time. Even once the sugar is all gone the yeast continue to do some clean up for a little while.

[Bee]

How are you heating your still?

[dragon9874]

... like many others would attest to, there's too many factors to say! the short answer to your question of:

"How do I know when my corn mash is ready to run"

is very simple one... "when it's done!"

general rule of thumb is 5-10 days... or 1-2 weeks... or 2-3 days after it's done bubbling... or... or... or...

i know i've said it before, but it can be the same run, w/ all the exact same ingredients & equipment, and still be different (see what i did there ? ;->). although even the day of the year can come into play... even when THAT is the same, it can still be different. you need to figure out what is best for you and your run at that time, considering the 'general guidelines' that you might know/see/read/etc.

good luck!!