Idiots Guide to Hydrometers

[HangOver]

I need one, lol
Ok so when am looking for the magic 990 to check fermentation has ended which figure exactly am I reading?
Here is an image of a hydrometer like mine:
PIC
1. Where is the 990 mark?

Last time I ended my fermentation it sat more or less on the the 90 line at the top of the red band.

Is 990 the line above the red band or on it?
2. When I read the figure am I looking at the surface level or the top of the bit of liquid that sort of "leans" up the side. If you know what I mean? If you dont try it and you will.

[umpa]

Hi,
That would be the 90 mark on yours. Here’s a pic of mine.
Sorry for the lame picture

Edit :-
Just read the rest of your post.
As I recall from school. You read the lowest part of the dip, but I have to be honest - these 'home' hydrometers aren’t that accurate, and temperature plays a real issue. There will be an operating temperature on the scale somewhere in the 20C - 25C range, mine is only accurate at 20C, there are conversion tables on the net for when you have to measure outside the range. I use an iPhone app to do it as I'm lazy.
Regards
Ian..

[HangOver]

thanks for that dont know why its not just printed "990" instead of just "90"

Temp today was 37C so it might be a bit out

[Jimmy]

Temp here was -2 C so you get no sympathy from me!