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Pastywhyte
Say hello to my little friend



Registered: 09/15/12
Posts: 37,808
Loc: Canada
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Pastywhyte's Easy Agar Tek 196
#19208976 - 11/30/13 03:10 PM (10 years, 1 month ago) |
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Easy Agar Tek.
I'm starting to see an abundance of people out there who want to get into agar but are intimidated by the thought of pouring petris in a Still Air Box (SAB). There are others who are confident in their technique but don't like the idea of ordering lab equipment off the net to their house. Others still, dislike the idea of waste and having suspicious shit in their trash.
To get around this people are turning to no pour agar teks, and there are many good ones out there, they served the basis of how I myself got started with agar. But most of them have drawbacks. Jars are costly, half pints are too deep to work in with ease, fancy jelly jars are unwieldy to handle and quite expensive. The screwtop ziplocks would be a good alternative except they are large and take up a lot of space in the Pressure Cooker (PC) and fridge.
Enter "Easy Agar". I am here to say that none of the above mentioned drawbacks should dissuade anyone from getting into agar. In my opinion, agar does not need to be difficult, costly, or create a lot of suspicious waste. Many of the pro's and TC's will most likely flame this tek but, its not being written for them. This is for the new cultivator who wants to experience the benefits of agar without the cost and having to order stuff off the net. Let me say that I do use pour agar and proper petris, but for the lions share of my culture work this tek has served me well for 100's of plates.
My PP5 glad mini rounds are much smaller than 1/2 pints and screw top PP5, easier to manipulate in the SAB, and can even be made with a ghetto ass PC that you might have got as a wedding present and never needed or used (like the one I am using for this tek )
You will need: -1 pack of Glad mini rounds -micro pore tape -a drill with a 1/4" bit or very hot nail -paper towels -Foil -PC -Bar of agar agar -Potato flakes -Karo or Honey -Coffee grinder -And of course a PC, even a shitty ass one will work

First we will prep the lids. They need a hole in them, to provide a bit of Gas Exchance (GE) as well as to prevent a vacuum when its PCing from crushing in the mini round container. You will need to drill a small hole in each lid. You can also just heat a paper clip or nail and use it to melt a hole in the lid, this is pretty quick. The hole does not need to be large, a 1/4" is best. Next cover the hole with a small square or two of micro pore tape. If I am planning to keep the plate around for a long time (more than a month) I would suggest two layers. Ok we're done, these are ready to fill 

Now we need to prep our agar. Take the bar of agar agar and cut it into small chunks, then place them into the coffee grinder. Grind them until they are pretty fine. Don't worry about making them into powder, just get them pretty uniform. I have even used scissors to get er done, though a coffee grinder is easier. I prefer to grind up my bars and then just store the flakes for when I need them. 2 bars will go a long way. Feel free to use any other agars if you want, powdered agar packets works excellent, just make sure there is no added sugar.

I then spoon 2 heaping tablespoons into the pot. I rarely weigh it out, if I want stiffer agar I use a little more, if I want softer I use a little less. If you want to weigh it, for this amount of agar you will want about 2-2.5 grams depending on how soft or firm you want it to be. If your using powdered agar and don't have a scale, a level tsp (5ml) is roughly 2.5 grams. Remember that no matter how much you want to mix up, you want a ratio of 20-25 grams of agar to 1 liter of water. If you have issues with the mix being too stiff while mixing then adjust the ratios for less agar. Some food grade agars will work out to be a little stiffer than others, some experimentation may be required.
If all that is a bit confusing the just remember 2% is roughly what you are aiming for.
Add 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of potato flakes, and 1/2 cup (120 ml) of water (tap is fine). Then I turn the heat on low on the stove a stir the mixture until its mostly dissolved. At this point I will add a drop of Karo or Honey. Stir it all up well. It does not matter if there are still a few pieces of agar still not dissolved, just get most of it. I like to use either colored agar (some places have this) or else just add a few drops of food coloring to the mix. This will help you see growth real quick, and the contams are easily spotted as well. There will be nowhere for them to hide If you can only get regular agar, I like to use green food coloring to make the contams stand out best, but any dark color (red, blue, purple) will work as well 
Finally I spoon in the agar mix into my glad mini rounds. I like to just give them a wipe with a damp paper towel first to clear out any dust or debris. No need to be spraying them with alcohol or nothing. Place the lids on the top and close. Finally I like to fold up a square of paper towel and place on top. Condensation can be a bit of an issue and you don't want to get the micro pore tape too wet. The paper towel helps with this. Here is the agar in the PP5's and how I do the paper towel.
 
Now we wrap them in foil before we place in the PC. I like to tear off a piece that is rather square, this will be a good size. Have the tab on the lid directed towards one of the corners of the foil, this helps get enough around and prevents tearing. To help get the bottoms flat I like to grind them down a little on the stovetop, this will help them sit straight in the PC. Place rings in the PC and a piece of folded up foil down if you need more stability. Stack carefully in the PC.

It was suggested by a poster (sorry I can't remember which one) that the hole could be drilled through the side and eliminate the need for the foil and towel. I have tried it and it does work. The tape gets quite wet and must be allowed to dry but it does work fairly well. I do miss not having the towel to write on and it's hard to not touch the tape sometimes so care should be exercised when handling. This would be a good option for those who don't want to use the foil.

Now you just gotta PC them for 40-45 mins. Done. I like to leave them in the PC overnight to cool, this helps keep the condensation down. Then I when remove them they go straight into my SAB. If you want to keep em around for a while they can be stored safely in the fridge, just don't unwrap em. Remove the foil from them in the SAB and if the tops seem wet, I let them dry in the SAB for a few hours. Leave one of the arm holes open if you do this with a tyvek sleeve stuffed in the hole. Like I said before however, if they feel wet, adjust the way you bring the pressure up in the PC.
Now you have lots of cheap, easy to work with plates that don't need to be ordered and can be put together with stuff you can find around town. You can now safely inoculate any media like grains or LC without the issue of invisible contams. You can also store good cultures for a long time and grow them many times before senescence hits. You can also ward this off by changing your media, this tek ends up making PDA (potato dextrose agar) but it will work just as well with MEA (malt extract agar), PDYA (potato dextrose yeast agar), Dog food agar, grain soak water agar, etc. So don't be afraid to mix it up. Hopefully this lets people dip their toes in the agar pool, trust me its well worth it 


Edit; as more people come on board with this, I hear feedback on ways to use it, substitutions, etc. Here are some relevant links to assist users. I will attempt to update periodically.
The Tiger Drop
Inoculation, transfers, grain inoculation in SAB
Tic Tac Toe (Tiger Drop 2.0)
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blindingleaf
blue collar underworld



Registered: 07/19/13
Posts: 22,008
Loc: sub-surface unseen
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Re: Pasty Agar Tek [Re: cronicr] 1
#19217970 - 12/02/13 04:10 PM (10 years, 1 month ago) |
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is it me or does this growth look....pasty 


thx again for the tek man...its obviously working
-------------------- A few thoughts on cultivation MICROBIAL HUSBANDRY!!!! The whole is greater than the sum of its parts
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elasticaltiger
Like Tigers in Coitus




Registered: 06/24/13
Posts: 8,042
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Quote:
blindingleaf said: is it me or does this growth look....pasty 


thx again for the tek man...its obviously working
going to try this tomorrow along with Violet's agar tek.
Since these aren't technically 'plates' what should we call them? Saying 'hey man your PP5 food container looks awesome!' doesn't roll off the tongue so easy.
-------------------- First time growing cakes? DON'T make a Shotgun Fruiting Chamber The Shmuvbox. - The Old TC's Like it Afraid to Start Growing From Your Own Prints? Drop it Like a Tiger! No Pouring. No Syringes. No Cutting. No flaming. No Contamination. No Bullshit. "The best thing to do while your waiting is to start more stuff. I usually got so much happening that I have tossed projects simply because I didn't have time for them. -Pastywhite QFT Pastywhite's Easy Agar Tek (PastyPlates) Tiger Drop Video Demos By munchauzen Van Gogh would’ve sold more than one painting if he’d put tigers in them.―Bill Watterson EZEKIEL 23:20
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Forrester
aspiring sociopath


Registered: 02/05/13
Posts: 9,351
Loc: Northeast USA
Last seen: 23 days, 23 hours
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So I was at Walmart today, the 2nd one I've tried and it appears they no longer carry my beloved little square flat Ball jars 
So I was like alright, what would Pasty do?
Bam! 

I couldn't remember what kind of tupperware it was you used, but it looks like I ended up getting the exact same ones. I didn't have any micropore tape so I siliconed in some tyvek. We'll see if it worked!
-------------------- Repugnant is a creature who would squander the ability to lift an eye to heaven, conscious of his fleeting time here. ------------------- Have some medicinal mushrooms and want to get the most out of them? Try this double extraction method.
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cronicr



Registered: 08/07/11
Posts: 61,436
Loc: Van Isle
Last seen: 2 years, 7 days
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 i used the twist tops
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  It doesn't matter what i think of you...all that matters is clean spawn I'm tired do me a favor
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cronicr



Registered: 08/07/11
Posts: 61,436
Loc: Van Isle
Last seen: 2 years, 7 days
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i found thes things called baby cubes that i'm using for germination that i like
they sanp nicely into a little stand they come with and i can just put the whole thing on it's side while i work there about five bux in the babyfood section of most retail stores
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  It doesn't matter what i think of you...all that matters is clean spawn I'm tired do me a favor
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Pastywhyte
Say hello to my little friend



Registered: 09/15/12
Posts: 37,808
Loc: Canada
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Quote:
Forrester said: So I was at Walmart today, the 2nd one I've tried and it appears they no longer carry my beloved little square flat Ball jars 
So I was like alright, what would Pasty do?
Bam! 

I couldn't remember what kind of tupperware it was you used, but it looks like I ended up getting the exact same ones. I didn't have any micropore tape so I siliconed in some tyvek. We'll see if it worked!
Looks good man
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blindingleaf
blue collar underworld



Registered: 07/19/13
Posts: 22,008
Loc: sub-surface unseen
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pasty i blame u for having too many plates to work with.

gonna have to dump some. no room in fridge and all jars are in use, so i can't noc up more grain yet. many of these have grown to the edge, which i haven't had a problem with yet taking wedges up against the walls, but with regular petri i almost always get a bacteria contam if i take a wedge from the edge. haha sounds like a good thread name "Wedge from the Edge" what is ur opinion on taking a wedge from the edge of these PP5's vs a regular petri? am i just lucky or are the higher walls offering a better barrier?
-------------------- A few thoughts on cultivation MICROBIAL HUSBANDRY!!!! The whole is greater than the sum of its parts
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Pastywhyte
Say hello to my little friend



Registered: 09/15/12
Posts: 37,808
Loc: Canada
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Quote:
blindingleaf said: pasty i blame u for having too many plates to work with.

Welcome to my world 
Quote:
blindingleaf said: what is ur opinion on taking a wedge from the edge of these PP5's vs a regular petri? am i just lucky or are the higher walls offering a better barrier?
I have done it and not experienced signigificant issues, not sure if I was just lucky or what. Most bacteria spreads through contact and I find the little handle on the lids helps keep me from touching the lids too close to where they close. This might be the reason for my luck with transfers near the edge Its probably not the best practice but its not certain doom if you do.
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cronicr



Registered: 08/07/11
Posts: 61,436
Loc: Van Isle
Last seen: 2 years, 7 days
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Re: Pasty Agar Tek [Re: MudaFuka]
#19351686 - 12/31/13 04:00 PM (10 years, 29 days ago) |
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 i've been using these lately, just to germinate for the most part but there nice and small and i don't waiste alot of agar like i feel i do with the big twist tops
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  It doesn't matter what i think of you...all that matters is clean spawn I'm tired do me a favor
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MudaFuka
Poppin bottles



Registered: 12/14/13
Posts: 18,648
Loc: Canada
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Re: Pasty Agar Tek [Re: cronicr]
#19351842 - 12/31/13 04:45 PM (10 years, 29 days ago) |
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Quote:
cronicr said:

 i've been using these lately, just to germinate for the most part but there nice and small and i don't waiste alot of agar like i feel i do with the big twist tops
do you have to add any holes to those things for GE
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Violet



Registered: 12/06/11
Posts: 4,205
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Re: Pasty Agar Tek [Re: cronicr]
#19352715 - 12/31/13 08:37 PM (10 years, 29 days ago) |
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Quote:
cronicr said:

 i've been using these lately, just to germinate for the most part but there nice and small and i don't waiste alot of agar like i feel i do with the big twist tops
 20-25mL, just like petris... 500mL still makes 20+
-------------------- Intentionally or not, here in mushcult we are purveyors of love culture and enlightenment movement. Let's try to act like it! PODS TEK - Growing Invitro with BRF/verm or Grass Seed containers The simplest, quickest, safest tek! For beginners, culturers, lazy people, stealth lovers, contam haters, and alternative seekers! • Violet's Teks and Posts •
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cronicr



Registered: 08/07/11
Posts: 61,436
Loc: Van Isle
Last seen: 2 years, 7 days
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Re: Pasty Agar Tek [Re: cronicr]
#19354855 - 01/01/14 02:02 PM (10 years, 28 days ago) |
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 i've been getting none with my spice jars and very little/none on my pp5's
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  It doesn't matter what i think of you...all that matters is clean spawn I'm tired do me a favor
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Delection
Spiritual Vagabond


Registered: 10/08/11
Posts: 848
Loc:
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Re: Pasty Agar Tek [Re: cronicr]
#19370248 - 01/04/14 08:52 PM (10 years, 25 days ago) |
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You might want to check these out Pasty.
I came across them at the dollar store yesterday, six for a buck and autoclavable (polypropelene). This breaks down to roughly 17 cents a piece (or 83 bucks for 500). They measure about 40mm x 45mm wide and hold 35ml.
I have run a test batch and they did hold up at 15psi for 15 min. I am almost tempted to switch from disposable petri's at this price, although more trials are needed to see how breathable the lids are (not sure if I should be drilling mini holes with poly, as they are so tiny!).
Here are some pics below.
Packaging

Size comparison

Measurements


Polypropelene stamp

120 of them neatly packed away in a 30x20x10cm little plastic bin.
-------------------- Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!”
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magickspore



Registered: 12/11/12
Posts: 798
Loc: Center of the universe.
Last seen: 8 months, 3 days
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Quote:
Delection said: You might want to check these out Pasty.
I came across them at the dollar store yesterday, six for a buck and autoclavable (polypropelene). This breaks down to roughly 17 cents a piece (or 83 bucks for 500). They measure about 40mm x 45mm wide and hold 35ml.
I have run a test batch and they did hold up at 15psi for 15 min. I am almost tempted to switch from disposable petri's at this price, although more trials are needed to see how breathable the lids are (not sure if I should be drilling mini holes with poly, as they are so tiny!).
Here are some pics below.
Packaging

Size comparison

Measurements


Polypropelene stamp

120 of them neatly packed away in a 30x20x10cm little plastic bin.

Lmfao I saw these too!! Except the ones I saw were rectangular. How did they hold up? Any lid mod? How are they to work with, like getting a piece for xfer?
Finally starting agar today
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Delection
Spiritual Vagabond


Registered: 10/08/11
Posts: 848
Loc:
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Quote:
magickspore said:
Lmfao I saw these too!! Except the ones I saw were rectangular. How did they hold up? Any lid mod? How are they to work with, like getting a piece for xfer?
Finally starting agar today
Still performing some tests on them as we speak, they held up well to 15psi and no warping. We will have to see.
Has anyone tried agar work with those little restaurant containers similar to the ones below?


They are Polystyrene, but I can pick up 2500 of them (with lids) for $100.
-------------------- Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!”
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J. Jack Flash
stranger than ever.


Registered: 11/20/13
Posts: 1,500
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Quote:
Delection said:
Quote:
magickspore said:
Lmfao I saw these too!! Except the ones I saw were rectangular. How did they hold up? Any lid mod? How are they to work with, like getting a piece for xfer?
Finally starting agar today
Still performing some tests on them as we speak, they held up well to 15psi and no warping. We will have to see.
Has anyone tried agar work with those little restaurant containers similar to the ones below?


They are Polystyrene, but I can pick up 2500 of them (with lids) for $100.
cool idea, tho i strongly doubt jello shot cups will hold up in the pressure cooker.
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the j stands for jesus.2020 new years grow along
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blindingleaf
blue collar underworld



Registered: 07/19/13
Posts: 22,008
Loc: sub-surface unseen
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Re: Pasty Agar Tek [Re: Generic]
#19427948 - 01/16/14 12:58 PM (10 years, 13 days ago) |
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this is not what it looks like (or maybe it is...)
so this holiday season was crazy for me, let 28 plates go too long. had to toss them and start a new. this is really a testament to not only my laziness (I'm on top of stuff now), and the lack of space in my fridge, but also to Pasty's TEK. these ALL lasted OVER A MONTH AND A HALF with NO refrigeration, survived multiple transfers, dust from smoke, cats, and a dog, and no extra seal, nada. i didn't even keep the unused ones in fridge till use, they all stayed room temp with no extra filter, in a cardboard box. just wanna say thx again pasty, ur tek is awesome, and i wanted to post these here so ppl kno u can almost abuse these things if u make them to a t like the tek, and have little contam (if any, maybe i was lucky...?). In the trash bag pic, thats not a brown contam, thats shiitaki left too long, and browning up a bit in case anyone wondered.
-------------------- A few thoughts on cultivation MICROBIAL HUSBANDRY!!!! The whole is greater than the sum of its parts
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blindingleaf
blue collar underworld



Registered: 07/19/13
Posts: 22,008
Loc: sub-surface unseen
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Re: Pasty Agar Tek [Re: Violet] 1
#19427968 - 01/16/14 01:04 PM (10 years, 13 days ago) |
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pasty can probably answer better, but i think its so the micropore does not get too wet and water drip into containers. i had asked him this (in PM) kinda about shaving off the amount of foil. i tried with no foil, too much water, but this is what i came up with

instead of wrapping the entire container. works for me, just gotta really press the foil under the lip hard. i just wanted to save foil
-------------------- A few thoughts on cultivation MICROBIAL HUSBANDRY!!!! The whole is greater than the sum of its parts
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DeadPhan



Registered: 05/05/04
Posts: 5,260
Last seen: 4 years, 2 months
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Well my lot of 96 came today. I hadn't read all the way through or noticed the part about modifying lids until just now. I've always used small short 4oz mason jars with the lid upside down. I know it won't be a hassle to mod the lids but I'm gonna try a run of them slightly cracked as aside from price, space, and weight being a factor I liked the idea of being able to have these laying around when not in use and not raising any questions. And just being able to use them for their intended purposes as well as for agar. I'll be sure to have plenty on hand for intended purpose with 96 though but if I can do a successful run without altering the lids I'll go that route. At worst I waste a lil agar and possible a small percentage of the rounds. I'll be sure to share how it goes.
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Big Gulps! Alright! Well, See ya later! And if i claim to be a wise man, well, it surely means that i dont know!
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