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Dilated
KB Cubensis Fanaticus



Registered: 03/28/14
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Monotub Tek (Ironed polyfil filters for bottom holes) 3
#20115107 - 06/11/14 04:17 PM (9 years, 7 months ago) |
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So this is my tek on how to basically make filter discs for your monotub so you don't have to stuff anymore polyfil "puff balls" tightly into your bottom holes anymore. It's 4 layers of polyfil roll (it's a 1/2 inch thick roll of polyfil) and iron them into a sheet to create filters. Those are cut and used to cover the bottom holes of your monotubs. I use 4 layers because it is sufficient in making a tightly breathable hole just like it would be if you were stuffing it. Here's how I do it.
Here is what you'll need:
High loft quilter's polyester batting (polyfil roll)

Iron

drill with 1 1/2 inch hole saw drill bit

Measuring tape or ruler

Sharpie or marker

Scissors

Silicone (there are a few kinds, make sure they adhere specifically to material such as plastic)

Coarse sandpaper or a sanding block (I prefer coarse sandpaper now)

And of course a transparent tub with a transparent lid (I use 66 QT tubs)

I'd like to note that everything I use can easily be found @ Walmart.
First I start out by taking my measuring tape and measuring up 4" from the bottom of my mono tub and making a mark. Then I measure out 4-6" from the outside and mark.

I use these markings to know where to drill my 1.5" holes.

Do this for all 4 holes and drill them. Use light pressure and let the drill do the work or you may end up cracking your tubs. Take your time on this step! Remember the holes are permanent.
 
Continue until you've made all 4 of your bottom holes. Once you're done drill 2 more holes near the top underneath the latches (1 under each latch).
Next you will want to sand around the holes on the outside of the tub so that the silicone will have little nooks and crannies to adhere to. I use very coarse sand paper to make decent grooves to adhere to. Trust me do not skip this step or your ironed polyfil SFD's may not adhere very well to the plastic.

After you've done this it's time to move on to ironing out some polyfil rolls to make your SFD's.
Start by cutting out a manageable rectangle of roll to work with. Remember each cover is 2"x2" of 4 layers of roll. Cut out enough to make as many as you will need.
Fold the rectangle in half once and begin ironing it on a setting similar to this.
 
If I set it to 100% it will and does melt the polyfil making a mess on your iron, don't want that! Iron this until it is very flat and fold it in half again making 4 layers. (If you put a big piece of foil over the polyfil as you're ironing it, you can crank the heat all the way up and it works great!)

Once again iron this until it is very flat again.

Even this was a bit thick for my liking so I ironed a bit longer. The ironing is the longest process but if you have the patience it is well worth it in the end.
Once it is very flat I cut off the edges that seem like they don't have 4 layers sufficiently lined up. Don't cut off the folded edge because it simply doesn't need it

Now I measure out 2"x2" squares so that I can cut them out. If you prefer circular filters that would work just as well but I didn't have a good template to cut out circles so I use squares. Get as creative as you want, you're the one that has to look @ them everyday 

You may need to iron the individual filters again if they still have layers in them. Usually I ironed them for a couple more minutes and they become very thin at this point and make one solid filter.
Now you will want to add silicone along the outer edge of your square. Add very generously so that it will create a very good seal. The amount added to my filters in the photos probably wasn't enough, I took the pics the first time I did it and had to go back and add a generous amount. So don't be scared of the silicone! (I went ahead and bought a caulk gun since I first posted this and it works very well. I apply the caulk directly to the tub now around the 1.5" drilled hole and apply the filter once the caulk is already on the tub. I can add it much more generously this way!)

After that adhere it to the outside of the tub over the hole the best you can. Eye ball it centering it the best you can.

Do this for all 4 bottom holes and it should look like this.

Here's what your finished product should look like.

That's all there is to it. No more having to stuff polyfil into your holes and remove them everytime you need to remove your lined substrate to harvest your mushrooms. No more mushies growing into your poly making a mess. Easy removal of your lined substrates for harvest. More room for your mushies to grow! This is also a much cleaner look and will allow you to move your tubs without having to worry about the bottom poly falling out. You will want to add very loose "puff balls" of polyfil to your top holes to allow FAE (this is done after your bulk substrate is 100% colonized and you've removed the tape from your holes to bring it to fruiting conditions). I got this idea after I couldn't find SFD's in my area so I made my own SFD's out of polyfil for my QT jars. Follow this link if you'd like to use these SFD's for your jars as well. How Dialated makes his ironed out polyfil SFD's
Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!
Update to the OP: This tek was made when I use to put the filters on the inside of the tub. Since then I've found that they stay a lot cleaner on the outside and won't get wet during the spawn run because the tape will be covering the inside of the hole during colonization of the bulk substrate. Also I've found that once you're done with the monotub and not using it anymore, it's easier to stack them inside one another with out ripping them off if you keep them on the outside.
Update: Pics of pins and harvest.. tried and tested 
   
       
Edited by Dilated (10/09/14 11:12 PM)
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cronicr



Registered: 08/07/11
Posts: 61,436
Loc: Van Isle
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Re: Monotub Tek (Ironed polyfil filters for bottom holes!) [Re: Dilated]
#20115213 - 06/11/14 04:38 PM (9 years, 7 months ago) |
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your stuffing bottom holes don't forget to add some pics of some final product to solidify everything but good job on the write up
--------------------
  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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Dilated
KB Cubensis Fanaticus



Registered: 03/28/14
Posts: 2,347
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Re: Monotub Tek (Ironed polyfil filters for bottom holes!) [Re: cronicr]
#20115236 - 06/11/14 04:47 PM (9 years, 7 months ago) |
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Quote:
cronicr said: your stuffing bottom holes don't forget to add some pics of some final product to solidify everything but good job on the write up
Thanks bro.. My next spawn will be in these bad boys.. possibly as soon as tomorrow.
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TheBeardedNerd


Registered: 08/18/13
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Re: Monotub Tek (Ironed polyfil filters for bottom holes!) [Re: Dilated]
#20115280 - 06/11/14 04:55 PM (9 years, 7 months ago) |
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I like this, a lot. Smart and innovative and helps the tubs look more "polished."
My question is, how many successful grows have you done with these?
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Dilated
KB Cubensis Fanaticus



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Re: Monotub Tek (Ironed polyfil filters for bottom holes!) [Re: TheBeardedNerd]
#20115304 - 06/11/14 05:01 PM (9 years, 7 months ago) |
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Quote:
TheBeardedNerd said: I like this, a lot. Smart and innovative and helps the tubs look more "polished."
My question is, how many successful grows have you done with these?
Well I use these filters (only twice folded and ironed) as filter discs for my jars and have yet to have a contam yet. I've probably done 60 or so spawn jars. I will be using these tubs for the first time tomorrow and I will keep it updated on the progress. I don't see why it would fail though. Time shall tell for now.
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Dilated
KB Cubensis Fanaticus



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Re: Monotub Tek (Ironed polyfil filters for bottom holes!) [Re: Dilated]
#20115347 - 06/11/14 05:10 PM (9 years, 7 months ago) |
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It provides good gas exchange with 2 layers as represented in the above photo. 4 layers should be plenty to provide "tight" representation of stuffed polyfil for the holes.
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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: Monotub Tek (Ironed polyfil filters for bottom holes!) [Re: Dilated]
#20115354 - 06/11/14 05:10 PM (9 years, 7 months ago) |
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stick sopme to your mouth and try and breathe through it
--------------------
  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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Dilated
KB Cubensis Fanaticus



Registered: 03/28/14
Posts: 2,347
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Re: Monotub Tek (Ironed polyfil filters for bottom holes!) [Re: cronicr]
#20115356 - 06/11/14 05:11 PM (9 years, 7 months ago) |
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Quote:
cronicr said: stick sopme to your mouth and try and breathe through it
Already done and it worked great
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SpitballJedi
Ancient Astronaut



Registered: 10/13/12
Posts: 8,598
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Re: Monotub Tek (Ironed polyfil filters for bottom holes!) [Re: Dilated]
#20115503 - 06/11/14 05:52 PM (9 years, 7 months ago) |
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-------------------- The Basics A little civility goes a long way The Noob Forum The Hammock Hangers' Forum
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Dilated
KB Cubensis Fanaticus



Registered: 03/28/14
Posts: 2,347
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Re: Monotub Tek (Ironed polyfil filters for bottom holes!) [Re: SpitballJedi]
#20122291 - 06/12/14 11:24 PM (9 years, 7 months ago) |
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Well I just spawned my first tub using my new and improved tubs. Let's hope it's a smashing success and I won't have to worry about stuffing bottom holes again! Wish me luck! 
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Tryptx
Stranger

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Re: Monotub Tek (Ironed polyfil filters for bottom holes!) [Re: Dilated]
#20122310 - 06/12/14 11:30 PM (9 years, 7 months ago) |
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Isn't this basically the same thing as ez felt
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Dilated
KB Cubensis Fanaticus



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Re: Monotub Tek (Ironed polyfil filters for bottom holes!) [Re: Tryptx]
#20122387 - 06/13/14 12:00 AM (9 years, 7 months ago) |
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Quote:
Tryptx said: Isn't this basically the same thing as ez felt
I couldn't find proper SFD's in my area and didn't want to order them online so... How I make my SFD's (for my jars) That should answer your question
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Haywire
Wetspot Wizard


Registered: 12/29/13
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Re: Monotub Tek (Ironed polyfil filters for bottom holes!) [Re: Dilated]
#20122737 - 06/13/14 03:33 AM (9 years, 7 months ago) |
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Quote:
Dilated said:
Quote:
Tryptx said: Isn't this basically the same thing as ez felt
I couldn't find proper SFD's in my area and didn't want to order them online so... How I make my SFD's (for my jars) That should answer your question 
YOU SIR, are my hero!!!!!! I've been browsing the net for ages to find SFD but either the companies don't ship to Belgium or it'll cost me an arm and leg. surely 10 SFD aren't that heavy and expensive to ship. I've been using these blankets they put in kitchen hoods to absorb grease as a polyfill source and it's cheap as. about 2,5 euro for a sq meter. I'm soooooo keen on trying this out as well as for my mono tubs and lids.
one more question though, what do you use for the top holes. do you stuff them very loose like Horrigan or could you just do 2 layers of Polyfill instead of the 4 down bottom...
-------------------- Ciao mamma, guarda come mi diverto My grows Outdoor patches
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SwampEyes



Registered: 10/22/13
Posts: 257
Loc: Hogtown
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Re: Monotub Tek (Ironed polyfil filters for bottom holes!) [Re: Haywire]
#20123193 - 06/13/14 07:29 AM (9 years, 7 months ago) |
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Good luck! i would love for this to work. no more picking fluffy polyfil out of stipes! 
--------------------

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Tryptx
Stranger

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Re: Monotub Tek (Ironed polyfil filters for bottom holes!) [Re: SwampEyes]
#20124548 - 06/13/14 01:27 PM (9 years, 7 months ago) |
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Lol I don't mean sfd's. Ez felt or eco felt is ironed polyfil that you can buy for a buck at a craft store. I've used em with as much success as sfd's
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Tryptx
Stranger

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Re: Monotub Tek (Ironed polyfil filters for bottom holes!) *DELETED* [Re: Tryptx]
#20124557 - 06/13/14 01:29 PM (9 years, 7 months ago) |
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Post deleted by TryptxReason for deletion: My bad
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Dilated
KB Cubensis Fanaticus



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Re: Monotub Tek (Ironed polyfil filters for bottom holes!) [Re: Tryptx]
#20124597 - 06/13/14 01:38 PM (9 years, 7 months ago) |
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Trypt, thank you for posting that entire post which I have read before............ Like I said if you had entered the link I gave you, you would know that I know what ez-felt is and that I couldn't find it around here. I did my research first before making this tek.. it's for someone who doesn't have easy access to anything else. Is ez-felt even thick enough to mimic stuffed holes? Or does it iron together easily? I'm very aware of ez-felts existence as I tried to explain to you before. If you want to use ez-felt and iron it to make it thicker to make your mono's like mine be my guest. Next time you should try reading my responses........
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Dilated
KB Cubensis Fanaticus



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Re: Monotub Tek (Ironed polyfil filters for bottom holes!) [Re: Dilated]
#20124599 - 06/13/14 01:39 PM (9 years, 7 months ago) |
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Or how about next time you just post a link instead of hijacking my thread.
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Dilated
KB Cubensis Fanaticus



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Posts: 2,347
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Re: Monotub Tek (Ironed polyfil filters for bottom holes!) [Re: Haywire]
#20124619 - 06/13/14 01:46 PM (9 years, 7 months ago) |
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Quote:
SwampEyes said: Good luck! i would love for this to work. no more picking fluffy polyfil out of stipes!  
Thanks I just spawned to this tub and I'll be adding a pic shortly to keep everyone updated on how well its working.Quote:
Haywire said:
Quote:
Dilated said:
Quote:
Tryptx said: Isn't this basically the same thing as ez felt
I couldn't find proper SFD's in my area and didn't want to order them online so... How I make my SFD's (for my jars) That should answer your question 
YOU SIR, are my hero!!!!!! I've been browsing the net for ages to find SFD but either the companies don't ship to Belgium or it'll cost me an arm and leg. surely 10 SFD aren't that heavy and expensive to ship. I've been using these blankets they put in kitchen hoods to absorb grease as a polyfill source and it's cheap as. about 2,5 euro for a sq meter. I'm soooooo keen on trying this out as well as for my mono tubs and lids.
one more question though, what do you use for the top holes. do you stuff them very loose like Horrigan or could you just do 2 layers of Polyfill instead of the 4 down bottom...
Hey man adaption is what makes the humans so great! I stack my tubs sometimes so I like being able to stuff them very lightly, almost falling out like Frank does. Sometimes you might want to remove them completely. I figured I'd leave it up to the users if they'd like to add a permanent filter to the top holes or leave it open to stuff lightly. The top holes aren't nearly a PITA like the bottom holes. They don't get in the way of the mushies and they don't get in the way when you're trying to pull the substrate out. I think I will add this info to the tek thanks! I may also like to point out that these tubs are not made to be dunked in, I wouldn't recommend getting the polyfil wet. If you're going to dunk you subs, I recommend pulling them out and doing it in a different tub. I've never had to dunk a sub myself.
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Dilated
KB Cubensis Fanaticus



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Re: Monotub Tek (Ironed polyfil filters for bottom holes!) [Re: Dilated]
#20124643 - 06/13/14 01:54 PM (9 years, 7 months ago) |
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Spawned it last night, hopefully in 3 days it should be ready to be cased.
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