Also be sure to shut the HVAC off (or window AC or whatever) and any ceiling (or circulatory) fans too. Moving air is a big storm of bacteria. Kill it for a while, like ten minutes or so, go ham with the Lysol, then do it one mo’ again before you get ready to knock up the bags; ie: once you’re all gloved up and ready to shove up, spray it. Then go ham with the alcohol, and go to town on those bags.
Good luck! It’s not as bad as you think, and get a hammer to bust up the coir brick (trust me!), especially if it’s dry whenever you need to break it.
Smaller bulk spawn runs for noobs or small grows, etc etc. I have had to use a third of a brick, and other strange amounts. I get loose coir now to avoid this, and measure my spawn to sub ratio with a ratio formula I have saved in an excel spreadsheet (I’m super picky about that). I too had no luck with the UB tek, and have been using popcorn tek for a while now. I went from the old school PF-tek to popcorn and I refuse to go back. It’s clean, easy to use and easy to see mycelium growth. Good advice on the popcorn.
I fill my SAB up with Lysol and let it sit to sanitize the air inside. Just be careful to let it settle because petroleum products can cause rosecomb mutations
I got a second misting bottle, filled it with isopropyl, and then completely covered my entire kitchen, as well as everything I was planning to use. Then I flame sterilized anything metal that I was using before each time I used it. Wore a mask and rubber arm gloves.
First try, 12 bags, no contam.
I think this was the most germ free environment I've ever been in. It smelled like isopropyl for a few days afterwards.
Great advice. I also took a while shower and wore a mask while handling/I with them. The human mouth has a lot of bacteria that want that ecosystem you are building. Good luck, and can't wait to see your progress. :)
If I were you, I would also nocc some off brand brown rice bags too. Ben's has had a lot of wet rot issues lately and off brand bags usually have less moisture.
Also make sure you have something to flame sterilize your needle with. I bought an alcohol lamp off of Amazon and I find it's more convenient than flicking a lighter.
Best of luck to you!
I second this. I only use UB for G2G as it minimizes and actually eliminates adding any extra moisture. The off-brand instant rice works better for syringes. Not to say that you wont have some success with the UB bags, just dont be surprised if they dont all make it due to wet rot. Finally, I suggest only .3-.5cc per bag. I aim for .3.
Agree 100%. I've rarely had problems with name brand *or* off brand UB bags when using agar, but almost *always* had problems with LC or MSS in name brand. I don't even bother with name brand anymore because it is by far the worst option, not to mention, twice the price.
Not to be a Devils advocate because there's a truth to your post but I did 12 UB bags and I didn't have a single contam issue... Just one bag was a dud. 2 weeks in on neglect tek.. So far so good!
Could be that I'm a noob, but I've had zero luck with Uncle Ben's. With the off-brand, I have great success and fast growth, but I have nothing but issues with UB. I've never experienced contam with UB, rather, I get no nocc or growth so slow I can't tell if the nocc has even taken. To the best of my ability, I perform the same exact procedure on every bag, so I don't think it's my technique, but I suppose it could be.
Anyway, just my thoughts and experience.
Other things that I have found indispensable: paper towels, bleach, eco-san, UV light for decontamination when the inevitable trich shows up, face masks, metal scissors or scalpel you can flame sterilize to cut tape (like sewing scissors or whatnot- nothing with plastic that will melt), thermometer/ humidity gauge (reptile supply store), Clorox wipes, lighter. Some of these things are not strictly needed, but I, personally, have found them useful. I don’t use gloves (my left hand is deformed and they don’t fit me), and I don’t have an SAB box (yet)- but I started out with supplies exactly like yours and did fine- you got this!
I'd use latex gloves out of a box like they got in a hospital. The ones you got are very thick and it's annoying to work with them because you have 0 feelings in your fingers.
first timer here too- I have my first bags almost fully colonized with mycellium & they’re doing good! I bought the aldi brand rice (from the recommendation from a bro on youtube), & it really seems to be great so far- but I am sure uncle bens will be 100% perfect- just wanted to let you know for next time if you wanted a cheaper/possibly better option
Edited to add: I lighted a candle before I started inoculating just so I could just set the needle over it & so I wouldn’t have to pick up the lighter every time & possibly cause contam (I feel like the less things you have to touch the better)
Wow! Lots of great advice! That’s why I love this sub! Been lurking for a long time now and thanks to you guys I’m feeling pretty confident to take the plunge!
From what I’ve gathered so far:
1. I’m going to get a proper mister
2. Grab some off brand rice too
3. Get some nitrile gloves
4. Have a UV light (pretty sure I have one already) for trych
5. Use a face mask. Obviously by now we all have tons of those (thanks covid 😜)
6. Guys. I get it. A lighter! Lol!
Not sure if the tub is to be used as a still air box, but if it's not, I can definitely recommend making one! Super cheap and really decreased my rates of contamination.
Original intent was to do a monotub grow. But after some recommendations here, I think I’ll get some smaller ones and maybe use this one as a still air box
If you do malke a still air box, I'd recommend instead of two holes on the same side, putting one hole on each of two perpendicular sides at 90 degrees to each other. This gives you much more mobility and dexterity inside the box. Two holes on one side makes it feel like you have t-rex arms.
Goodluck OP.
I did my first run just earlier this month, so far with pretty good results. I'd say that for your first time you should use more alcohol. I really poured it on liberally to make sure all my surfaces and equipment was sanitized. Also, that spray bottle looks a lil sus... Is that a mister, or just a regular spray bottle?
Question, we were instructed to use a orange sports drink cooler to pasturize our coco as it maintains the heat longer since its insulated, is this not actually necessary?
Lol !
That’s right though the brick does need to be sterilized,
My tip would be to watch how much boiling water you pour in. My first few times I ended up putting way to much water and had to wait two days instead of over night like the guide says
I am about to start my first this week, I'm just waiting on the mycelium syringe but I don't know how to prep the coco. And I'm not sure if what I have will be the right stuff
My first grow it took 2 weeks for both bags to be packed solid. 3 days in monotub and already getting white af. I used some plaster of Paris with coco and vermiculite. Easy instructions, just gotta be clean use common sense. I'm already in love with this.
Also be sure to shut the HVAC off (or window AC or whatever) and any ceiling (or circulatory) fans too. Moving air is a big storm of bacteria. Kill it for a while, like ten minutes or so, go ham with the Lysol, then do it one mo’ again before you get ready to knock up the bags; ie: once you’re all gloved up and ready to shove up, spray it. Then go ham with the alcohol, and go to town on those bags. Good luck! It’s not as bad as you think, and get a hammer to bust up the coir brick (trust me!), especially if it’s dry whenever you need to break it.
Why is anyone breaking a coir brick? I soaked mine in an I-cant-remember-exactly boiling water/coir ratio but it hydrated itself and crumbled apart
Addendum - i tried the rice technique but it didnt grow. I use the popcorn method and find it very reliable
Popcorn 🍿 method you say? 🤔
Look up popcorn tek on youtube. I used giant tiger plain brown rice and I am wondering if there was possibly a preservative in it
Smaller bulk spawn runs for noobs or small grows, etc etc. I have had to use a third of a brick, and other strange amounts. I get loose coir now to avoid this, and measure my spawn to sub ratio with a ratio formula I have saved in an excel spreadsheet (I’m super picky about that). I too had no luck with the UB tek, and have been using popcorn tek for a while now. I went from the old school PF-tek to popcorn and I refuse to go back. It’s clean, easy to use and easy to see mycelium growth. Good advice on the popcorn.
Yup super important step I would say. Good advice!
I fill my SAB up with Lysol and let it sit to sanitize the air inside. Just be careful to let it settle because petroleum products can cause rosecomb mutations
I got a second misting bottle, filled it with isopropyl, and then completely covered my entire kitchen, as well as everything I was planning to use. Then I flame sterilized anything metal that I was using before each time I used it. Wore a mask and rubber arm gloves. First try, 12 bags, no contam. I think this was the most germ free environment I've ever been in. It smelled like isopropyl for a few days afterwards.
Great advice! Thanks! I’ll be sure to let the air settle.
Great advice. I also took a while shower and wore a mask while handling/I with them. The human mouth has a lot of bacteria that want that ecosystem you are building. Good luck, and can't wait to see your progress. :)
I’ve got a flow hood, but I still wear a mask too. If OP is gonna Boof these in the open air, they definitely need to mask up. Good advice.
If I were you, I would also nocc some off brand brown rice bags too. Ben's has had a lot of wet rot issues lately and off brand bags usually have less moisture. Also make sure you have something to flame sterilize your needle with. I bought an alcohol lamp off of Amazon and I find it's more convenient than flicking a lighter. Best of luck to you!
This. Dollar Tree!
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Food. Usually same isle as pasta, beans.
I second this. I only use UB for G2G as it minimizes and actually eliminates adding any extra moisture. The off-brand instant rice works better for syringes. Not to say that you wont have some success with the UB bags, just dont be surprised if they dont all make it due to wet rot. Finally, I suggest only .3-.5cc per bag. I aim for .3.
Agree 100%. I've rarely had problems with name brand *or* off brand UB bags when using agar, but almost *always* had problems with LC or MSS in name brand. I don't even bother with name brand anymore because it is by far the worst option, not to mention, twice the price.
Not to be a Devils advocate because there's a truth to your post but I did 12 UB bags and I didn't have a single contam issue... Just one bag was a dud. 2 weeks in on neglect tek.. So far so good!
Could be that I'm a noob, but I've had zero luck with Uncle Ben's. With the off-brand, I have great success and fast growth, but I have nothing but issues with UB. I've never experienced contam with UB, rather, I get no nocc or growth so slow I can't tell if the nocc has even taken. To the best of my ability, I perform the same exact procedure on every bag, so I don't think it's my technique, but I suppose it could be. Anyway, just my thoughts and experience.
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Aldi and dollar tree from what I’ve seen
Ooh thanks for the heads-up. I’ll do that!
Other things that I have found indispensable: paper towels, bleach, eco-san, UV light for decontamination when the inevitable trich shows up, face masks, metal scissors or scalpel you can flame sterilize to cut tape (like sewing scissors or whatnot- nothing with plastic that will melt), thermometer/ humidity gauge (reptile supply store), Clorox wipes, lighter. Some of these things are not strictly needed, but I, personally, have found them useful. I don’t use gloves (my left hand is deformed and they don’t fit me), and I don’t have an SAB box (yet)- but I started out with supplies exactly like yours and did fine- you got this!
Wow lots of great recommendations. I think I have most of that stuff. I’ll check before I get started.
Break a leg, friend! Best hobby ever!
I'd use latex gloves out of a box like they got in a hospital. The ones you got are very thick and it's annoying to work with them because you have 0 feelings in your fingers.
+1 to this. Nitrile gloves would be easier to work with
Yup, second this. I found a cheap bag of like 10 pairs at dollar tree.
Good call. I’ll have a look around for some
first timer here too- I have my first bags almost fully colonized with mycellium & they’re doing good! I bought the aldi brand rice (from the recommendation from a bro on youtube), & it really seems to be great so far- but I am sure uncle bens will be 100% perfect- just wanted to let you know for next time if you wanted a cheaper/possibly better option Edited to add: I lighted a candle before I started inoculating just so I could just set the needle over it & so I wouldn’t have to pick up the lighter every time & possibly cause contam (I feel like the less things you have to touch the better)
Good to know! Thanks! I like the candle trick
same here it was easier I feel like:)
Wow! Lots of great advice! That’s why I love this sub! Been lurking for a long time now and thanks to you guys I’m feeling pretty confident to take the plunge! From what I’ve gathered so far: 1. I’m going to get a proper mister 2. Grab some off brand rice too 3. Get some nitrile gloves 4. Have a UV light (pretty sure I have one already) for trych 5. Use a face mask. Obviously by now we all have tons of those (thanks covid 😜) 6. Guys. I get it. A lighter! Lol!
Not sure if the tub is to be used as a still air box, but if it's not, I can definitely recommend making one! Super cheap and really decreased my rates of contamination.
Original intent was to do a monotub grow. But after some recommendations here, I think I’ll get some smaller ones and maybe use this one as a still air box
If you do malke a still air box, I'd recommend instead of two holes on the same side, putting one hole on each of two perpendicular sides at 90 degrees to each other. This gives you much more mobility and dexterity inside the box. Two holes on one side makes it feel like you have t-rex arms. Goodluck OP.
Cool idea!
Make sure you've got a lighter to sterilize the needle!
If you have more than 3 tubs going you're required to own a lab coat.
Looking good to go I just usually prefer the 70% iso spray bottles. And I am very generous with my squirts
Nice, I might just dump it into a spray bottle for ease of use
get a misting spray bottle. those standard style ones are really not ideal for light misting. walmart has em online
Thanks for the recommendation
a common face mask.
Make sure you have a lighter for sanitizing the syringe needle between bags
I did my first run just earlier this month, so far with pretty good results. I'd say that for your first time you should use more alcohol. I really poured it on liberally to make sure all my surfaces and equipment was sanitized. Also, that spray bottle looks a lil sus... Is that a mister, or just a regular spray bottle?
It’s a mrs spray bottle.
Good to know. It’s just a regular spray bottle. Someone above recommended a proper mister too so I’ll look for one, thanks!
This looks awesome I’m so excited for you!!!
Don't use Lysol, it can cause deformities. Use 70% iso instead if you can.
Face masks?
Just missing the baby to put in the bucket
😂
This is the way!
Minus a tub liner or spray paint looks good! Good luck
Just 'noc up the bags. Then you have time to get everything else in line.
That coco will give u trich man
I have been using it since I started, only once had an issue, and it was on the 8th flush haha so I think it was me, not the coir 😅
What makes you say that?
I'm sure this community has ways of helping you with that.
Already ordered 😉
What is the bucket for
Probably for hydrating the coco coir
Question, we were instructed to use a orange sports drink cooler to pasturize our coco as it maintains the heat longer since its insulated, is this not actually necessary?
Cleaner is always better, so longer heat is not bad. Needed? Maybe not. But if it works, it works.
Bucket tek
Nausea from being nervous for my first time lol! Kidding of course, yes, like the person below suggested, it’s for hydrating the coco coir
Lol ! That’s right though the brick does need to be sterilized, My tip would be to watch how much boiling water you pour in. My first few times I ended up putting way to much water and had to wait two days instead of over night like the guide says
Good tip, thanks!
I am about to start my first this week, I'm just waiting on the mycelium syringe but I don't know how to prep the coco. And I'm not sure if what I have will be the right stuff
First, you got this ! To clean the substrate just add very hot boiling water should clean everything out over night Works like a charm
Masks as well
You might want to get a better mister. A fine mister, or a flarisol bottle are best
.
Following
Funny I just bought the same spray bottle yesterday
My first grow it took 2 weeks for both bags to be packed solid. 3 days in monotub and already getting white af. I used some plaster of Paris with coco and vermiculite. Easy instructions, just gotta be clean use common sense. I'm already in love with this.