Hola, I'm going to be making a batch of tea soon in a 5 gallon bucket and was wondering what size pump I would need to keep it sufficiently aerated? Do you guys use a pump? an airstone? both? and at what sizes for a 5 gallon bucket? And how long do you guys normally brew your tea? I've read 1 to 2 days, but want to get confirmation. Also, when adding blackstrap molasses, do you add it at the beginning of the tea process, or after the tea has already been brewed? Thanks in advance.
Tea Question
- Thread starter 619Sativa
- Start date
NUG-JUG
Member
I bought the Kis 5 gallon brewer with the "extended life" air pump which turns out to be an overpriced 50 watt air pump which is still plenty for a 5 gallon brewer.
I made this Oregon State design, http://extension.oregonstate.edu/ex...ocuments/25gallonRubbermaidbrewerplans_2_.pdf ....then decided to use the better quality imo (and way cheaper) pump from http://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategories/1024/High-Volume-Air-Pumps.. Now I have two pumps that I run simultaneously in the 25 gallon Kis\Osu combo brewer!!
A 25 watt would work aswell but don't use a skimpy aquarium pump, and any pump at the hydro store won't be strong enough. You have to add the molasses at the beginning since it is the food the bacteria rely on to multiply...I brew my tea 20-24 hrs. A warm 75f temp is important. When it's been about 18-24 hours and it's sweet, and frothy not stinky then you've probably made a good tea.
I made this Oregon State design, http://extension.oregonstate.edu/ex...ocuments/25gallonRubbermaidbrewerplans_2_.pdf ....then decided to use the better quality imo (and way cheaper) pump from http://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategories/1024/High-Volume-Air-Pumps.. Now I have two pumps that I run simultaneously in the 25 gallon Kis\Osu combo brewer!!
A 25 watt would work aswell but don't use a skimpy aquarium pump, and any pump at the hydro store won't be strong enough. You have to add the molasses at the beginning since it is the food the bacteria rely on to multiply...I brew my tea 20-24 hrs. A warm 75f temp is important. When it's been about 18-24 hours and it's sweet, and frothy not stinky then you've probably made a good tea.
I was under the impression the better pump is much more durable. In my experience, it's usually better to go with quality.
NUG-JUG
Member
ML you mean the Kis pump is better than the one from Aquatico? You might be right but they both push exactly the same amount of air, and one was 90.00 and the kis is around $200..
I just put the coil from the kis brewer in the bottom of the big one and run both pumps together for mad bubblin.
I just put the coil from the kis brewer in the bottom of the big one and run both pumps together for mad bubblin.
C
CT Guy
ML you mean the Kis pump is better than the one from Aquatico? You might be right but they both push exactly the same amount of air, and one was 90.00 and the kis is around $200..
I just put the coil from the kis brewer in the bottom of the big one and run both pumps together for mad bubblin.
I can't speak to the pump from Aquatico, but the extended life pump is 51 liters/min and rated for 10,000 hours. I find it to be on the low end price-wise for other pumps with it's rating. I haven't even seen a wholesale price that low on the pumps of similar quality, but if the Aquatico is comparable then that's a great deal.
C
CT Guy
Check out the "Tea Article" I wrote in the sticky section for more advice and also the "Compost Tea Brewing Article" by Vonforne for a slightly different perspective.
Keep in mind that much of the advice on this site is given based on perceived plant response versus microscopic evaluation of tea quality. I'm not saying that plant response isn't important, as it's really the ultimate goal of any plant additive, however I find that microscopy provides a much better method for evaluating teas and making a consistent product.
If you do go the route of buying a commercial system, keep in mind that much of the cost is the amount of testing that goes into designing the system, testing a recipe, and maintaining product quality. The manufacturer should be able to give you accurate recommendations based on your water source, elevation, water temp., etc... If they can't provide you with test data, then don't buy their product.
If you choose to make your own brewer, check out the DIY brewer on MM's page (www.microbeorganics.com).
And good luck!
ML you mean the Kis pump is better than the one from Aquatico? You might be right but they both push exactly the same amount of air, and one was 90.00 and the kis is around $200..
I just put the coil from the kis brewer in the bottom of the big one and run both pumps together for mad bubblin.
When I shop for toys I ask
1)will it piss me off
2)how well does it do the job
If question 1 is yes, I go no further. Nothing worse than a piece of gear you love that breaks.
Hey Thanks CT GUY, I've been checking out the stickies from you and V, and I think I've already had my questions answered. I hadn't really spent the time reading through it before, but now I feel much more knowledgeable. Thanks.
C
CT Guy
Great! Well if you have any questions that weren't addressed already, feel free to post them. 
NUG-JUG
Member
Agreed, but having worked on cars for years and collecting a few tools I've grown accustomed to the "Harbor Freight Rule." Which states that if I buy a power drill for $10 then it breaks after 10-12 uses..I got my moneys worth. I'll buy two air pumps for 180 over one for 200 even if they last half as long. Although if this possibly shitty Haleia air pump breaks too soon I'll be pissed, and eat my words.
C
CT Guy
Well I've had 2 pumps go out on us total since we started carrying them and replaced both with a $15 diaphragm kit at my cost. That's one advantage, but I hope the Hailea pump holds up for you!
NUG-JUG
Member
I bought two replacement diaphragms for an additional $9 because I had my suspicions. I don't see they're even available for the k.i.s. pump I have. Sure enough their site only offers another "long life" air pump for $200. lol They are the Audi\VW of compost tea brewers. Not better than most but far more expensive. Oh well good thing it wasn't on my dime.
C
CT Guy
You do know I own the company, right? If you already have a KIS pump, is it broken? Do you need it warrantied? Let me know if I can be of any assistance.
I know you see the prices as expensive, but there's something more to consider when factoring in the price of a product.
If you were to build a brewer and say you wanted to test it. Well, a standard test with SFI is going to run you $100 for a snapshot. Let's say it doesn't come back perfect or you want to make a change in your recipe, well now you have to test again. Or, picking up the cheapest dissolved oxygen meter and microscope to test yourself will still run you over $500. Now our company does the testing for you. We've spent over 100K on testing alone since 2001, so I can give recommendations based elevation, water quality, temperature, etc... That's part of the cost associated with any brewing system.
The original system really wasn't designed for growers who wanted to be brewing weekly, that's why we added the new pump. I'd be happy to send you the specs if you're interested, as I've been told by many people that it's priced well within range for the quality of the pump.
Not trying to start a discussion on this, just wanted to share a little more info.
Cheers,
CT
NUG-JUG
Member
CT Guy,
I don't want to start a discussion either just reply. I guess I was naive to bitch about your price since the research you talked about about is very expensive. Understand my opinions sometimes flow from a die hard "do-it-yourselfer" point of view, and I can be harsh on things. A friend lets me use his kis 5 gal brewer and it works great. As I said before I combine it with the osu 25 gal. brewer design as I need a lot of tea when I do need tea. When the diaphragm finally does go out can you help me out? Also I would definitely be interested in the specs of your new one since I am constantly bubbling water and whatnot.
Peace, NugJug
I don't want to start a discussion either just reply. I guess I was naive to bitch about your price since the research you talked about about is very expensive. Understand my opinions sometimes flow from a die hard "do-it-yourselfer" point of view, and I can be harsh on things. A friend lets me use his kis 5 gal brewer and it works great. As I said before I combine it with the osu 25 gal. brewer design as I need a lot of tea when I do need tea. When the diaphragm finally does go out can you help me out? Also I would definitely be interested in the specs of your new one since I am constantly bubbling water and whatnot.
Peace, NugJug
C
CT Guy
Hey, no worries, just thought I'd share my perspective. Shoot me a PM if there's ever anything I can do to help. I totally get the DIY perspective, I'm the same way (I think most people on this forum are as well)!
V
vonforne
CT has learned that about us. But he is a good man and his equipment and his products are top shelf.......as he is.
And he even said it himself.....but I thought I would add it again.
He is a good man.........even though he is one of those evil commercial guys. LOL J\K
V
Much respect to CT for sharing his extensive knowledge in this forum, also for posting the link to Microbeman's DIY page. I built a 5 gallon system for my home garden according to MMs design concept. Parts at Home Depot were under $20 for the PVC diffuser. EcoPlus Air1 (38 liters/min) can be found online for about $50+$10 shipping. CTs pump blows more air, but for about $80 plus 4 hours of my time (an hour researching, an hour at the store and a few hours assembling) I've built a pretty good system. I guess it depends how much free time one has and how handy one is as to whether to build your own, but CTs system is fair to say the least and backed up with a shitload of knowledge.
C
CT Guy
Hey no worries, I just enjoy this forum for the discussion and knowledge that gets passed around, and chime in when I can. Vonforne was one of my harshest critics when I first joined, but now we get along great. I really try to just share info. and not use this as a form of marketing.
There are a lot of untested and overpriced brewing systems out there, I totally agree. I'd much rather see someone make their own system correctly and get good results that will further our industry, rather than people buying an overpriced system that doesn't work or improperly designing a brewer.
I really believe that biological management systems are the way of the future, as we move towards local and sustainable foods and away from all the chemicals that have polluted our water systems.
