Compost tea bottom settling - Organic Soil - International Cannagraphic Magazine Forums

afman916 · 02-08-2017, 01:43 PM

Just got my first batch of compost tea brewing about a half hour ago - used MicrobeOrganics recipe of EWC and molasses. Planning on running for about 36 hours.

My question though - is there a certain amount of settling inherent to a DIY airlift brewer? I've got a 5 gallon bucket, 1 1/4" PVC, Eco 1 pump, and 5/8" ID tubing. I've checked the bucket a few times since I've started brewing and it seems some of the EWC (maybe half cup or so out of the two cups I put in) has settled on either side of the PVC base.

Is a certain level of settling normal? I'm worried about dead spots and anaerobic activity, and just overall worried my setup is performing suboptimally.

GnarlsBarkley · 02-08-2017, 07:46 PM

I could be wrong but I've always thought some settling is beneficial as it allows different beneficial microbes that thrive in soil instead of water multiply. I believe as long as you're aerating your bucket well enough it should be fine.

Microbeman · 02-08-2017, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by afman916

Just got my first batch of compost tea brewing about a half hour ago - used MicrobeOrganics recipe of EWC and molasses. Planning on running for about 36 hours.

My question though - is there a certain amount of settling inherent to a DIY airlift brewer? I've got a 5 gallon bucket, 1 1/4" PVC, Eco 1 pump, and 5/8" ID tubing. I've checked the bucket a few times since I've started brewing and it seems some of the EWC (maybe half cup or so out of the two cups I put in) has settled on either side of the PVC base.

Is a certain level of settling normal? I'm worried about dead spots and anaerobic activity, and just overall worried my setup is performing suboptimally.

That's not a big deal. I typically give it a little stir every once in a while and just prior to using. This is the benefit to using a cone bottom airlift as there is no place for it to settle.

At least it does not settle as much as a straight bubbler type.

EDIT: The lighter the material, the less settling occurs.

raphenilweed · 02-08-2017, 10:45 PM

if you are putting the earth worm castings in the water directly you will get settling and a lower quality tea. You should be putting the EWC in a 400 micron tea bag. With just molasses and ewc your tea is going to be ok and you will be getting a lot of die off if you go a full 36 hours.

GnarlsBarkley · 02-08-2017, 11:49 PM

What's the difference from the soil in the middle of the tea bag all clumped up in a ball or free flowing and settling in the bucket?

With my tea buckets I have air bubbles coming up from the bottom so it keeps the soil aerated. the water moving and homogeneously mixed with all my ingredients. I suppose it could depend on the design.

The only benefit I see of a tea bag with my setup is if you're spraying to use as a filter to help keep your spray bottle clean.

afman916 · 02-09-2017, 01:35 AM

Thanks guys!

MicrobeMan, thanks for chiming in, was hoping you might find this thread and offer your advice.

I'm basically following the directions from your site - am I correct in aiming for a brew time of 36-42 hours in a basement that's, oh let's say 65-70 degrees ambient?

Microbeman · 02-09-2017, 01:40 AM

Yup 36 hours is good unless there is a really strong molasses odor still. Then go a little longer.

afman916 · 02-09-2017, 01:43 AM

10-4, appreciate the swift reply. Pumped to get the soil charged up with this first batch (using it to prime my CC soil I mixed up this past weekend)!

Microbeman · 02-09-2017, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GnarlsBarkley

What's the difference from the soil in the middle of the tea bag all clumped up in a ball or free flowing and settling in the bucket?

With my tea buckets I have air bubbles coming up from the bottom so it keeps the soil aerated. the water moving and homogeneously mixed with all my ingredients. I suppose it could depend on the design.

The only benefit I see of a tea bag with my setup is if you're spraying to use as a filter to help keep your spray bottle clean.

Better without a bag. You should use air input into a bag if used or else super aeration that makes that bag dance.

GnarlsBarkley · 02-09-2017, 01:58 AM

As I figured

Might as well get some input while I'm here though. I run 72hrs for my 5gal tea.

I use 3 tbsp of humic acid, 1/4c azomite, 1/4c molasses, 1/4c high P seabird guano and 4c of EWC.

I usually add about 2-3 tbsp of molasses on day 2 just to give some extra food to the "colony" and when I feed my girls with it, it usually does still have a strong molasses smell but I figure the plants like molasses anyway :P

Mix everyday, bubblers and heated to 78F

Is there anything you would tweak?

02-08-2017, 01:43 PM	#1
afman916 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 19	Compost tea bottom settling Just got my first batch of compost tea brewing about a half hour ago - used MicrobeOrganics recipe of EWC and molasses. Planning on running for about 36 hours. My question though - is there a certain amount of settling inherent to a DIY airlift brewer? I've got a 5 gallon bucket, 1 1/4" PVC, Eco 1 pump, and 5/8" ID tubing. I've checked the bucket a few times since I've started brewing and it seems some of the EWC (maybe half cup or so out of the two cups I put in) has settled on either side of the PVC base. Is a certain level of settling normal? I'm worried about dead spots and anaerobic activity, and just overall worried my setup is performing suboptimally.
	Quote

02-08-2017, 07:46 PM	#2
GnarlsBarkley Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: California Posts: 175	I could be wrong but I've always thought some settling is beneficial as it allows different beneficial microbes that thrive in soil instead of water multiply. I believe as long as you're aerating your bucket well enough it should be fine.
	Quote 1 members found this post helpful.

02-09-2017, 01:40 AM	#7
Microbeman The Logical Gardener Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 4,436	Yup 36 hours is good unless there is a really strong molasses odor still. Then go a little longer. __________________ Anybody can be wrong about anything. "When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, sir?" "Capitalism is the astounding belief that the most wickedest of men will do the most wickedest of things for the greatest good of everyone." ~John Maynard Keynes~ Sorry: No questions by PM, check my webpage
	Quote

02-08-2017, 10:45 PM	#4
raphenilweed Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Redwood Curtain, Jefferson Posts: 180	if you are putting the earth worm castings in the water directly you will get settling and a lower quality tea. You should be putting the EWC in a 400 micron tea bag. With just molasses and ewc your tea is going to be ok and you will be getting a lot of die off if you go a full 36 hours.
	Quote

02-08-2017, 11:49 PM	#5
GnarlsBarkley Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: California Posts: 175	What's the difference from the soil in the middle of the tea bag all clumped up in a ball or free flowing and settling in the bucket? With my tea buckets I have air bubbles coming up from the bottom so it keeps the soil aerated. the water moving and homogeneously mixed with all my ingredients. I suppose it could depend on the design. The only benefit I see of a tea bag with my setup is if you're spraying to use as a filter to help keep your spray bottle clean.
	Quote

02-09-2017, 01:35 AM	#6
afman916 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 19	Thanks guys! MicrobeMan, thanks for chiming in, was hoping you might find this thread and offer your advice. I'm basically following the directions from your site - am I correct in aiming for a brew time of 36-42 hours in a basement that's, oh let's say 65-70 degrees ambient?
	Quote

02-09-2017, 01:43 AM	#8
afman916 Newbie Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 19	10-4, appreciate the swift reply. Pumped to get the soil charged up with this first batch (using it to prime my CC soil I mixed up this past weekend)!
	Quote

02-09-2017, 01:58 AM	#10
GnarlsBarkley Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: California Posts: 175	As I figured Might as well get some input while I'm here though. I run 72hrs for my 5gal tea. I use 3 tbsp of humic acid, 1/4c azomite, 1/4c molasses, 1/4c high P seabird guano and 4c of EWC. I usually add about 2-3 tbsp of molasses on day 2 just to give some extra food to the "colony" and when I feed my girls with it, it usually does still have a strong molasses smell but I figure the plants like molasses anyway :P Mix everyday, bubblers and heated to 78F Is there anything you would tweak?
	Quote