How to Brew Compost Tea with Aeromixer: A Complete Educational Guide
By Sue Carlton • Ranchera Familia
At Ranchera Familia, one of our favorite ways to support soil health is through brewing aerated compost teas. Compost tea strengthens the biological life in your soil, increases nutrient cycling, and helps create a thriving, balanced root environment. Over time, we’ve learned that the quality of your brew depends heavily on oxygenation, water temperature, time, and the tools you use.
After years of trial and error, we fell in love with the Oregon-based company Aeromixer and their aeration technology. Their system helps us keep water oxygen-rich, evenly mixed, and free of anaerobic pockets — all essential for brewing a clean, healthy compost tea.
Links:
• Aeromixer — https://aeromixer.com
• Roots Organics Tea Terp Bloom (OMRI Listed) — https://rootorganics.com
Below is our full educational breakdown of how to brew a vegetative-stage compost tea, plus why each step matters.
Why Aeration Matters
Beneficial microorganisms — such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa — need oxygen to multiply. When water lacks oxygen, the environment shifts toward anaerobic microbes that can produce unpleasant odors and unfavorable soil conditions.
Aeromixer solves this by:
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Continually lifting and circulating sediment
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Adding dissolved oxygen
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Eliminating dead zones in the tank
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Keeping microbes in aerobic, healthy conditions
A well-oxygenated tea smells earthy and sweet—not sour, swampy, or sulfurous.
Why Temperature Matters
Water temperature plays a major role in microbial growth:
Ideal Brew Range: 65–75°F (18–24°C)
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Microbes multiply steadily
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Oxygen stays dissolved
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Tea remains aerobic
Too Cold (< 60°F)
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Microbial growth slows dramatically
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Brew may remain biologically weak
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Extended brew times may be needed
Too Warm (> 80°F)
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Oxygen levels drop
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Anaerobic bacteria take over quickly
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Tea becomes unstable and may spoil
At Ranchera Familia, we aim for 68–72°F for consistent, safe results.
Why Brew Time Matters
Brew time affects microbial population and oxygen usage:
12 Hours
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Mild activation
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Gentle microbial population increase
18–24 Hours (Optimal)
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Peak aerobic microbial activity
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Balanced population of bacteria and fungi
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Ideal for veg-stage soil support
Over 30 Hours
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Microbes may consume available oxygen
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Anaerobic conditions may form
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Tea can “crash” and lose quality
We always brew overnight, between 16–20 hours, depending on temperature.
What You'll Need
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50-gallon (or any size) tank
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Roots Organics Tea Terp Bloom
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Fine mesh tea bag
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Aeromixer + aeration hose
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Measuring cup
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String or twine
How to Brew Compost Tea (Veg Formula)
1. Fill your tank with water
Use filtered or dechlorinated water if possible. If using tap water, let it sit 12–24 hours before brewing, or aerate it to help dissipate chlorine.
2. Install your Aeromixer
Ensure the Aeromixer:
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Sits flat on the tank bottom
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Has the clear air hose attached and kept above water
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Is fully plugged in
The Aeromixer will create continuous flow and oxygenation.
3. Measure your tea ingredients
Use:
1 ounce of Tea Terp Bloom per gallon of water
Example:
50 gallons = 50 ounces
Place the tea into your mesh bag and tie it securely.
4. Suspend your tea bag
Tie a string to the bag and hang it in the tank where water can circulate through it. Leave the end of the string outside the tank for easy removal.
5. Turn on your Aeromixer and aerator
They may be used together or independently.
Consistent aeration ensures the tea stays aerobic and active.
6. Set your brew time
Aeromixer’s built-in timer and speed controls make this simple.
For veg tea, we brew 12–24 hours, depending on temperature.
7. Check aroma and appearance
Healthy tea is:
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Earthy
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Sweet
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Slightly foamy
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Uniformly mixed
Off-smells = dump the brew and start over.
8. Feed your plants
Remove the mesh bag and water immediately.
Compost tea is most active when used right away.
FDA Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a garden professional before introducing new nutrient practices. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.