Re: [compost_tea] Heat and tea

From: Michael Harvey (mharvey@westnet.com.au)
Date: Sun Dec 29 2002 - 20:02:46 EST


Hi Jeff,
During last winter I used 2 3000 Watt heaters, drawing about 15 amps (tank =
size 3000 litres). This was controlled by a thermostat with a thermometer i=
n the CT tank. Worked perfectly, you can dial up your temp and it will keep=
 it there. It would be cheaper to use a gas heater but my set up did not su=
it. It took about 4 hours to heat the water form 13 deg C to 28 deg C. I al=
so use solar to heat the water if there is any sun. I still use this now ev=
en though it is the middle of summer here, day temp 30 deg C, since the wat=
er is cool when it comes out of of the storage tank. Temp control seems to =
me to be important to get the high fungi numbers and short brew times. I s=
tart the brew on the warm side when DO demand is lower and as DO demand inc=
reases (as organisms multiply) I let the temp drop so the CT will hold more=
 DO. I have found through logging the temps and DO that the highest DO dema=
nd occurs about 18 to 20 hours after starting the brew I start at 8 am this=
 means highest demand for Oxygen is 2 or 3 am in the morning (next day)!!
The solar system is 20mm rural ag pipe (polyethelene draped over the roof o=
f my shed, about 400 metres, the water is pumped around by a small electric=
 pump. This will heat 3000 litres water from 13 deg C to 28 deg C in about =
4 hours if the sun is out.
Regards Mike Harvey.
www.composttea.com.au

-- Original Message -----
  From: Jeff Lowenfels
  To: compost_tea@yahoogroups.com
  Sent: Monday, December 30, 2002 2:58 AM
  Subject: [compost_tea] Heat and tea


  I just sent on off list note to Tom J that it is 9 degrees here and that =
is up from -2.....which brings me to a new topic I think the list should pu=
rsue: methods and equipment to ensure tea stays at a warm temperature while=
 it is being made.

  Keeping teas in the 70 plus range isn't difficult if you have a five gall=
on brewer or live in Las Vegas. What kind of heaters are other folks using?

  Jeff

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