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Owensboro, Ky.

I will be brewing in a 10 gallon container...how much air do I need to deliver. All the air pumps I have looked give ratings in litres per hour? How much is enough? Is there such a thing as too much? Is there a need to keep water moving, ie, circulating...or are the bubbles enough? Big bubbles, or small (airstone or just out of the tubing)? Thanks in advance for any and all help. Peace, Wayne

4/26/2007 9:57:10 PM

southwest MO

The amount of air you need will be dependant on the amount of food or load you put on the system. You will need more air for 2 cups of each ingredient than you will for 1 cup. Also at higher tempatures the bugs speed up there metabalizum and multiply more rapidly, thus requireing more oxygen. If nutrients are in excess you will not be able to keep the oxygen levels up by physical aeration alone. There are so many variables, there is no short answer.
But if there was a short answer-- how about use as much air as you can get by what ever means possible, and keep the water moving in all parts of the container. I do not believe you can have to much air as long as you dont subject the bugs to high pressure to do it. Get the surface rolling!!

4/27/2007 10:14:03 AM

Wi

I'd suggest an aquarium pump rated for a 75-100 gallon aquarium. That will be plenty of air.

4/27/2007 2:14:06 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Thanks, Chris...I bought a pump rated for a 90 gal. tank...hope it works, looking good so far!!! Peace, Wayne
PS...BG is oxygen, the only requirement for the "bugs", or do they eat as well as breath...sort of LOL, but thanks for all the help!!! I have added a little molasses, to the mix, is this a good thing!!!

4/27/2007 10:56:26 PM

Puyallup, WA

Bacteria require sugars for their food. I add 4-8 oz. of molasses for my seven gallon container.

5/22/2007 12:34:25 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Thanks Stan, have been adding approx. 8 oz of molasses in my 8 gal. brew. Seems to be working well. Started brew session #4 this a.m. BREW ON!!!!! Peace, Wayne

5/22/2007 10:39:37 PM