Re: [compost_tea] Re: Air Diffuser, Fungal Brew, and Test Results

From: Robert Norsen <bnbrew_at_yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2003 13:18:01 -0800 (PST)

And what does foaming prove? In a recent 50 g brew where the results were
AB - 65, TB 11,008, AF 19,7, TF 102, HD 3.5 we observed NO foam. On past brews where there was foam gallore the results were 2% of the above, not impressive. Bob

dakesian1 <dakesian_at_sbcglobal.net> wrote:
--- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com, "Ryan, Matthew"
<matthew.ryan_at_r...> wrote:
> Dakesian1 and others,
>
> "I use the classic 5 gallon bucket with a strong aquarium pump
(i.e., rated for a 75 gallon
> tank)."
>
> Could you tell me what type of air diffuser you are using? I am
looking for something simple that I can put together fairly
cheaply. I was thinking about using a nalgene tube, or some type of
metal tubing, with lots of air holes drilled into it. This will be
used for our bucket bubbler, aerated with a large scale oil-less air
compressor (shop/garage type).


Matthew: I use glass/ceramic stones for the three tubes coming from
the gang valve. These types of stones give medium bubbles and last
much longer than the conventional "blue" stones. They also clean up
easier. They are "harder" stones and have a smoother surface. The
only downside is they are pricey. They can be found at any aquarium
site on the internet.

I forgot to mention in my last post that I always put a small
handful of a rock powder in my ACT. Usually greensand or rock
flour. Sometimes I'll even put in a small quantity of triple
phosphate. I know that sounds crazy but I've noticed no changes in
foaming and flowering plants and fruits seem to benefit. (That's
why I use bonemeal most of the time. I need the phosphorous for the
fruit trees and flowers.)

When I use the ACT for the lawn I'll usually omit the bonemeal or
triple phosphate but add some urine, bloodmeal or dehydrated manure
for higher nitrogen counts. I've found that as long as I
don't "overdo" it with the volume of additives, the results are
always good foaming and healthy dense growth.

Other ingredients I've tried are Peanite (high nitrogen fertilizer),
Holly Tone or Rose Tone by Espoma and poultry manure. My
favorite "uncommon" ingredient is the bonemeal however. It, for
some reason, enhances foaming for me. I have no idea why but it
does.


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Received on Sat Nov 22 2003 - 17:13:29 EST

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