I make an effective tea and use way less than what you're using. For my flowering tea, I use 2/3 cup of EWC, 1 and 1/3 cups of compost (I use guano), 2 tablespoons of molasses, and 2 tablespoons of soluble kelp, and 5 tablespoons GO Diamond Black to 5 gallons water, aerated for 24 to 36 hours...