Post your DIY Aerated Compost Tea Brewer (proprietary brewers will be tolerated)

[xmobotx]

airstone can be relative. I use a 5" disc w/ an ecoplus comm1

making teas, i use this in tandem w/ another ecoplus comm1 running an airlift in a 5 gal bucket. but, I've been messing around doing cal~phos foliars and making kelp~falfa sprenches using just the disc airstone lately

 

[SpaaaceCowboy]

Can anyone here show a picture of a kit they bought at the local hydro store ?

They got a 3 and 5 gallon at the local store here....I know they weren't too expensive...I want to say twenty something bucks...Think they were the buckets, airstones, and pump....

Also, right now I have anywhere from 1 to 3 plants in flower...that may be rising since I may be adding a 4x4 tent....What size bucket would work good for me ?

thanks, SC

 

[ct guy2]

Can anyone here show a picture of a kit they bought at the local hydro store ?

They got a 3 and 5 gallon at the local store here....I know they weren't too expensive...I want to say twenty something bucks...Think they were the buckets, airstones, and pump....

Also, right now I have anywhere from 1 to 3 plants in flower...that may be rising since I may be adding a 4x4 tent....What size bucket would work good for me ?

thanks, SC

1 gallon of properly made ACT would be plenty. I wouldn't buy the hydro store kit though, I'm guessing it's crap and they haven't done any microscopy to support their design or recommendations. I'd say either build your own or go with a reputable company that has done some testing (see the tea article sticky). There's some nice small air lift designs that are quite simple in here.

 

[plastochron]

I do not suggest this. This arises from the fact that in my bioreactors (brewers) I make diffusers from pipe which I get slotted uniformly at a PVC machine shop. The smallest size they cut is 254 microns = 0.01 inches = 0.254 mm.

Do you think there would be a downside to using smaller diameter holes (or pores)?

Do you think that you can reduce the airflow without a negative effect if you deliver the air through smaller bubbles that improve oxygen dissolution?

 

[intotheunknown]

Here is what I have thrown together recently out of stuff I had laying around in the garage
Air lift powered by an Ecoair3

Just been leak checked and ready for use. May end up adding some fittings at the bottom 4 corners for some air stones to push oxygen from the bottom. Any suggestions welcome!

 

[Microbeman]

Nice job. Looks like 1" pipe? If so, 1.25" will increase flow.

 

[grow nerd]

I think adding additional airstones inside a cone bottom vortex tank might screw up the vortex. You can always add an extra air lift column with additional pumps if you want. Speeds up the vortex too.

 

[intotheunknown]

Its mainly made of 3/4" pipe and the 90* elbow from the bottom of the tank is 1" (Its what I had laying around)
I figured the bigger I went with piping, and having a smaller pump would have less back pressure, and wouldnt flow as well. So I did not go out and buy anything for it. Which I may to get the most out of it.

I get pretty good aeration it seems with the pump, but no vortex when I initially tested it. Just gurgles up large bubbles, and breaking water surface well.

 

[grow nerd]

Larger diameter pipes. Angle your output "sideways".

 

[intotheunknown]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.
I also wonder with the jug having that flat spot at the handle if it would inhibit the vortex.

Ill do some playing around with it and post results.
I was just going for something better than my 5 gallon bucket and small aquarium pumps to make my teas for as cheap as possible. MM if in your opinion this would be sufficient aeration I may just stick with it.

I only brew 2.5-5 gallons at the most of tea at a time...

 

[Mikell]

Assuming that's the Commercial Air 1?

If so,

50 LPM --> 1.77 CFM ---> At 0.08 CFM per gallon, you're gold for about 20 gallons.

Wicked avatar

 

[intotheunknown]

Commercial air 3 is what Im currently using.

Whats the formula for this one?

And thanks

 

[Mikell]

If I didn't secretly think you were EW Jim, using your own poop as castings... I'd tell you to go suck an egg for doing your math again

65 LPM --> 2.239 CFM --> 27 gallons

MM website provides the CFM per gallon for ideal DO2, converting units is easy as pie.

 

[Microbeman]

ECO has just upgraded their pumps.

The average CFM we measured on the old ECO 1s was 1.6 to 1.8
The new ones average 2.0 to 2.2 CFM and the pump structure is much improved so that sliding tubing over the unintended nipple is much more efficacious. The #1 is vastly improved. They do however no longer have a handle.

The Eco 5 has gone from a range of 3.8 CFM to 4.5 CFM to a very solid 4.0 CFM

I've not tested the Eco 3.

Please everyone remember to leave the pump running if placed below the level of the water in the tank. We have had a number of 'customers' fry their pumps by not paying attention to this.

 

[Plantaholic12]

So this is where I show mine, now that you have shown yours?

So this is where I show mine, now that you have shown yours?

So I started with a five gallon bucket, air stones and an aquarium air pump.

I believe this version 6.03a ( and it's sprayer ):

Two Eco threes, up 1 1/2 " pvc stepped down to 1 1/4 pvc into the tank; tank is a 30 gallon fully draining cone. EWC, Molasses, fish hydrolysate, little kelp meal.

I'd like to spray with a Felco spot sprayer, anybody know the best size filter and spray head size?

Thanks, Plantaholic12

 

[intotheunknown]

Alright, this brewer got its AACT together

Alright, this brewer got its AACT together

OK, went out and actually purchased some 1.25" pvc and made a frame up real quick out of some recycled wood.

Working like it should.
Now question for you guys....
In a similar brewer, do you guys suspend a tea bag or let it all fly?

 

[xmobotx]

for ACT, i wouldn't foresee much trouble letting it "free-range" in there? kinda no reason not to hang a bag though ~esp if you're going to spray

when i do kelp~falfa, the alfalfa sprigs will accumulate in the air-lift & clog the tube ~chunkier compost can do the same thing

 

[grow nerd]

I have a feeling you're going to change the location of the brewer soon.

 

[SpaaaceCowboy]

I have a feeling you're going to change the location of the brewer soon.

maybe the wife pissed him off so he's decided to take over the kitchen .....

Wait till she comes home...She might just tell him

 

[intotheunknown]

This is in the basement's apartment kitchen, which is all part of my grow space. Location is perfect.

She cooks my dinners and such upstairs in HER kitchen.