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Eastern Pennsylvania

I am considering this product in the 5 gallon size. Has anyone had experience with this model or could recommend a better one? I am also still considering building my own based on the examples I have seen on this board but I am leading towards the sure proven thing. Thanks -Jim

1/19/2009 5:24:37 PM

Puyallup, WA

There is no "magic" in any brewer design. It's the stuff you brew that makes the difference. Most growers are the "Do-it-yourself" variety and can make their own. Of course, if you have more money than time, the KIS system works fine.

1/19/2009 11:26:43 PM

Pleasant Hill, Or

Hey Jim, if you are leaning toward a "sure proven thing" then build a do it yourself one like we have, and use one of the many recipes we have shared here. Most of us have shattered personal bests, state records etc using the resources and information available here. Don't know of any giant pumpkins grown from the KIS system, but know of a bunch from the DIY systems. Much cheaper too, so you can spend your money on other, more important things like the PGVG auction this weekend! :-)

Thad

1/20/2009 12:33:03 AM

Eastern Pennsylvania

Thanks Thad. My biggest worry is with the recipes more than anything. I am worried that I might not get the proper compost or add in the right portions. I don't want to end up adding more pathogens than good organisms to my patch.

1/20/2009 12:10:55 PM

Seattle, WA

Orangeneck,

First off, I should probably mention that I work for KIS, just so there's no misunderstandings on my perspective. It's true, you can build your own brewer and get good results with compost tea. It's a matter of balancing your oxygen inputs (dissolved oxygen levels in the water), with the amount of compost and food nutrients.

We have worked with many giant pumpkin growers, including a former world record holder.

DIY systems and commercial systems both have advantages and disadvantages, which you should weigh in determining what is best for you.

The advantages of a DIY system is mainly cost. If you decide to go the DIY route, try and find a design that someone has already tested and has been proven to work effectively. The disadvantages are that without a microscope or dissolved oxygen meter, you don't really know what you have in the tea. It could be chalk full of beneficial organisms or essentially devoid of life or even contain potentially dangerous pathogens. You will also need to do a bit of fiddling around to determine the best recipe for your brewer in regards to compost and foods.

Essentially with a commercial system, what you're paying for is that they've done the testing for you. We've easliy spent over 100k on testing with SFI and also on testing equipment (microscopes, meters, etc...). I can tell you how long to brew at a particular temperature or elevation, or how different inputs may effect your final tea. If you decide on a commercial system, make sure they can show you lab results or other forms of testing to support their brewers.

Here's a good starting link that I've posted before:
http://www.soilfoodweb.com/03_about_us/approach_pgs/c_03a_aerated_tea.html

Cheers,
Tad

1/20/2009 2:34:21 PM

Lexington, Ky

I have a KIS 5 gallon brewer, I would recommend it. I also recommend taking a look at their food kits, eliminates the guesswork. Post sale support is second to none.

1/20/2009 4:07:03 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

Tad, I had found your link in a previous post and that is what led me down the path to KIS. I did know that you worked for one of the companies but not which one. The way I see it the DIY systems are a bit cheaper but still require at least $67 input for the pump if you want to get a good one. At $160 the KIS system costs about $100 more which is basically peanuts when you consider all of the expenses we growers have amending the soil, buying pesticides, etc. I don't wish to waste time and money only to end up spraying an ineffective or worse toxic solution onto my plants. I do not doubt the other growers success with their own systems, but I am weary of my own ability to get it right. I like the reassurance that the tea I produce will be effective. thanks for your input -JIM

1/21/2009 12:44:08 PM

i agree with stan and thad thats what i use now.i was fortunate to visit stans place while he was making a brewer. helped me alot

1/21/2009 1:22:10 PM