sprtsguy,

I have now reduced the orifice opening of the EarthTainer to 2" by 8", as my 'Tainers with larger openings are much too wet. Do you have a Moisture Meter to take any comparative readings in your SWC?

Regarding sealing around the Aeration Bench, in Rev #1, I used packing peanuts to try to limit the amount of potting mix falling down the sides. In Rev #3, I use 2 Toggle Bolts to snug up the outer container walls to the Aeration Bench (see my .pdf).

Concerning Lime, it is absolutely essential to control BER to add significant Dolomite Lime into the upper 4" of the potting mix. Don't count on the minimal amounts in commercial potting mixes to suffice.

Raybo

Here is a link that might be useful: EarthTainer Home Page

I think your problem is the lack of lime.
In one of my SWC's I made, I used a pond strainer in the center as my wicking chamber. Its big, I dont remember the dimensions, but its the same one Raybo has used and reduced down like stated above.
I was worried about mine being too big, but of my 40 or so set fruit in the tainer, I have 3 that have BER.

ditto, concerning adding the dolomite. Absolutely essential. Mix in 2 cups.

Secondly , don't understand why people feel 'sealing' off edges of aeration screen is necessary and why they even bother messing with it.

Earthboxes don't require this and yes a little soil is bound to fall. Nor do I worry about it in my home made boxes. The only thing I can think of is if you have a huge gap but that should not be happening anyway.

Thirdly, you do have to worry about making the wicking 'pot' too big. But of course that relates to size of your box. I use hydroponic net pots --they come in smaller sizes than pond baskets or swimming pool baskets. They make heavy duty ones too.

I used to use flexible 4" drainage pipe cut to necessary length so that it stuck up about 1/2"-- and then 2 shorter pieces underneath to support the aeration screen. Got the design years ago from a poster named 'dreamster'. He never tied the basket to screen. So much easier. But not sure that particular plastic is a good idea anymore.

So skip all that tying the basket with electrical zip ties to the box--it is just not necessary. Cut the hole a tad smaller so the container edge or lip 'rests' on the top of the screen. Much easier to dismantle and clean.
Here a pic from years ago--that was a very large container that I did just for fun. Probably twice as big as EB. Now I substitute with a hydroponic pot. (That homemade EB as since broke up (sun) and has been pitched. )

NO ELECTRICAL PLASTIC ZIP TIES:

I've done a quick recall of the BER affected green tomatoes that I have picked off, and out of approx 300 now of decent size, I have culled a total of 6 that had signs of BER.

I am having more issues with leaves wilting or turning yellow (due to excess moisture, I believe) than any BER issues. I did apply 2 cups of Dolomite Lime per 'Tainer when planting however.

Raybo

Forgot to say I don't use the whole container that way as an inset anymore--I use Josho's 1/2 container flipped over idea which is such a great modification. Plus you can use the leftover half as a mini raised bed.

I will do lime thing next year, maybe even try it this year. I have 3 or 4 more seedlings laying around beggging to be planted. I will try and seek out a couple hydro net pots at my local hydro store or something that might look like it would work. I'll also look into those snug bolts becuase even though it might be minor, I dont want any extra water wicking through the sides. With all things being considered with these modifications, the most important thing to me is taste. I have a few varieties that are growing in the raised bed as well as the SWC's. The ultimate test is the taste. I wont sacrafice convenience and ease for taste. But hopefully the SWC can be tweaked so it can provide ease and taste. Too much water usually equals bland flavored tomatoes. We will see. Thanks for the responses.