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yellowking
Stranger


Registered: 01/22/15
Posts: 11
Last seen: 9 years, 11 months
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Newbie Here: Second Bulk Grow Almost Complete (Martha)
#21161410 - 01/22/15 07:57 AM (9 years, 11 months ago) |
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OK, so I've been lurking here for a long time. Y'all are great. Had a great first grow based on info I found here; netted a little under 3/4 of a pound dry over two flushes from two SGFCs and four of those black dish trays from Walmart.
This time around, I wanted to step it up a notch. Went with self-healing injection port lids (RTV/Tyvek square for air exchange) on quart jars of WBS, as I've done before.
Simmered the WBS in my 16 quart PC before draining and loading into the jars. This was new for me; before, I had simply added WBS and water at a 2:1 ratio and PCed them for ~90 mins apiece. Np picking out sunflower seeds or anything. Honestly, I had better luck with the old method. I realize it's not the proper way to do things in a lot of ways, but this time around, I only had 19 of 24 jars colonize, and three of those stalled midway through colonization. I'll probably go back to the old "fill to the 400mL line with WBS/add 200mL of water/cook" method next time. Seemed like that did a better job with the moisture content, and was easier to boot. I like easier. Still, zero contams this time. I chalk that up to my use of a still air box and nifty new butane torch for maintaining sterility while innoculating. Used MSI syringes to knock up the jars.
Fast forward four long, suspenseful weeks, and I had 16 jars of fully colonized WBS. I had used coir before with success, so I figured I'd do so again (I hate messing around with shit. Guess I'm a pussy that way.). The last time around, I had also used straight coir with coffee grounds added in, doing the bucket tek. I know; contam prone. Found this out firsthand on one of my trays during the second flush. Luckily, the first flush went off without a hitch.
Anyways, this time around, I ditched the coffee grounds and added verm to fluff up the substrate a bit. Went with a coir/verm mix as suggested by the Damion5050 tek, but upped the ratios slightly to cut down on the prep time for the bulk substrate. Got (way overpriced) fine verm from Lowes and the Eco Earth 3-packs from Petsmart. Went with 1.5 bricks of coir and 3 quarts of verm. My bulk trays were the big oval-shaped aluminum roast pans, lined carefully with plastic (cut-up trash bags) to keep the myc from eating the aluminum. with the 1.5 bricks of coir and 3 quarts of verm, it was enough to put down a 2-2.5 inch substrate layer in each tray. I did the bucket tek twice, and filled my 7 trays (yes, 7, not 8. Needed space in my Martha. You'll see why).
From there, I added 2 quarts of fully colonized spawn to each tray in quite less-than-sterile conditions, mixed them around, and put a thin top layer of the coir/verm leftovers to cover the exposed grains.
Covered the trays in aluminum foil, put them in my Martha, and let them sit for ten days. Came back, and the trays were fully colonized.
Here's where I took a new approach. I wanted to make the fruiting process as automated as possible, so after accidentally grabbing an evaporative cool mist from a thrift store only to discover that it wouldn't work and would only turn my Martha into a breeding ground for bacteria, I got one of the $20 impeller-driven cool mist humidifiers from CVS and a $40 ultrasonic from Target.
I also had one of those funky Chinese humidity controllers (Willhi WH8040) from Ebay that you have to hard-wire your humidifer to laying around. Figured I'd put it to use, despite the bad experiences with them that some here have had.
I put the ultrasonic on the humidity controller (humidistat? hygrometer? I don't know the difference). Planned to run the cool mist 24/7, with the ultrasonic set to cut out at 94% RH and kick in at 87% RH. Piped both of them in at first, with the ultrasonic slipstreamed in the cool mist's pipe to give it extra airflow and spread the otherwise thick, stagnant mist around. Also put slits in the sides of the Martha next to each tray (8 6-inch slits per side) to facilitate FAE. Piping in the humidifiers quickly presented a problem, because the air in my apartment is pretty dry. The ultrasonic was running damn near constantly, and my trays were flooding as a result. Had to switch strategies.
I put both the humidifiers on the top shelf of the Martha. This seemed to be working. Ultrasonic was barely running, if at all, and due to the cool mist taking in the already-humid air inside the Martha, I was maintaining a little over 95% RH. However, for whatever reason (humidity being too high is my guess), the cool mist started spitting water all over the place and soaking the trays underneath it. Had the bright idea to place a towel under the cool mist, which only exacerbated the problem. Towel got soaked, and dumped water all over the tray below it. Had to switch strategies again.
Finally settled on what looks to be my winning strategy. I moved the cool mist to the bottom shelf of the Martha, keeping the ultrasonic on the top shelf. My humidity sensor hangs under the top shelf, and the controller is duct taped to the side of the Martha. Switched the settings around on the controller to kick the ultrasonic in when humidity ducks below 91% and cut it off when it surpasses 93%. My Martha is now maintaining humidity between 91% and 92%, and rarely, if ever, kicking on the ultrasonic to boost that number. No more soaking from the cool mist, either. I keep it filled with water, it maintains humidity, and the trays are beginning to pin after just four days.
I'm aware of the concern that the humidity sensor will saturate in high humidity environments; however, so far, the constant airflow from the cool mist, the ample FAE from the side slits, and the negligible use of the ultrasonic to augment the humidity level seems to be doing a good job at mitigating that specific issue. The humidity controller is performing very well.
I'll keep y'all posted on how it all turns out. At this point, though, constant ~92% humidity, tons of FAE, and no flooding/oversaturation of the tubs leaves me very optimistic about the potential results.

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blackdust


Registered: 02/28/09
Posts: 8,327
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Re: Newbie Here: Second Bulk Grow Almost Complete (Martha) [Re: yellowking]
#21161990 - 01/22/15 10:27 AM (9 years, 11 months ago) |
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i like your gh
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yellowking
Stranger


Registered: 01/22/15
Posts: 11
Last seen: 9 years, 11 months
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Re: Newbie Here: Second Bulk Grow Almost Complete (Martha) [Re: blackdust]
#21165254 - 01/22/15 09:59 PM (9 years, 11 months ago) |
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thanks. Took some trial and error to make it work, but everything seems to be running smoothly now. Hoping I don't wind up with a burnt-out cool mist...
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TheGuru
Doctor


Registered: 01/19/15
Posts: 77
Last seen: 9 years, 11 months
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Re: Newbie Here: Second Bulk Grow Almost Complete (Martha) [Re: yellowking]
#21165369 - 01/22/15 10:31 PM (9 years, 11 months ago) |
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Love the chamber style. it is similar to what i use but i have mine inside a "room" i made with 4x8 styrofoam sheets then put my martha in the insulated box. this made it much easier to control both humidity temp n light. Also on a side note i suggest a bigger drop in RH before bringing it back to the 93 mark. I just dont like the constant humidity because it favors molds including trich n bacteria more than it does mushies. just my worry but if it works out for then stick with it
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Big Bear
Earf Child



Registered: 06/11/14
Posts: 5,417
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Re: Newbie Here: Second Bulk Grow Almost Complete (Martha) [Re: yellowking] 1
#21165415 - 01/22/15 10:44 PM (9 years, 11 months ago) |
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That is awesome. Well done!
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yellowking
Stranger


Registered: 01/22/15
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Last seen: 9 years, 11 months
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Re: Newbie Here: Second Bulk Grow Almost Complete (Martha) [Re: TheGuru]
#21166920 - 01/23/15 10:43 AM (9 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
TheGuru said: Love the chamber style. it is similar to what i use but i have mine inside a "room" i made with 4x8 styrofoam sheets then put my martha in the insulated box. this made it much easier to control both humidity temp n light. Also on a side note i suggest a bigger drop in RH before bringing it back to the 93 mark. I just dont like the constant humidity because it favors molds including trich n bacteria more than it does mushies. just my worry but if it works out for then stick with it
Good to know re: constant humidity. Checked on the tubs this morning, and the condensation was looking a little thick, so I think I'll tweak the controller to allow for a little bit more of a drop before humidifying.
That styrofoam room for the martha sure is an interesting idea...might have a new mini-project to do before the next batch rolls around. What do you do for FAE?
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LogicaL Chaos
Ascension Energy & Alien UFOs




Registered: 05/12/07
Posts: 71,182
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Re: Newbie Here: Second Bulk Grow Almost Complete (Martha) [Re: yellowking]
#21167015 - 01/23/15 11:14 AM (9 years, 11 months ago) |
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Cool grow.
I bet you are gunna get POUNDS from this set up
Im a little jealous
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yellowking
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Registered: 01/22/15
Posts: 11
Last seen: 9 years, 11 months
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Re: Newbie Here: Second Bulk Grow Almost Complete (Martha) [Re: LogicaL Chaos]
#21167494 - 01/23/15 01:57 PM (9 years, 11 months ago) |
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Thanks. Damn, I hope so.
Reconfigured the humidity controller to kick the ultrasonic on at 88%, and max out at 92%. Hopefully that'll facilitate a little bit of evaporation, since I understand that's a major pinning trigger, as well as keep the tubs from collecting water.
All the tubs now are now pinning. Some more than others. Is it normal for pinning to follow a sort of regional pattern? It's been a while since I've done this, and I can't remember. My trays are pinning in certain "zones." Is this normal, and can I expect the rest of the trays fill in?
Edited by yellowking (01/23/15 04:37 PM)
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Noobiesnack
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Registered: 10/11/09
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Re: Newbie Here: Second Bulk Grow Almost Complete (Martha) [Re: yellowking]
#21167724 - 01/23/15 03:18 PM (9 years, 11 months ago) |
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I think I bought the wrong kind of humidifier as well, even though it was a CVS cool mist. You don't want invisible mist, yeah? What did you look for in your humidifier.
I want to see a picture of how the ultrasonic implement on top 
Congrats on your trays btw, can't wait to see
Edited by Noobiesnack (01/23/15 03:23 PM)
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yellowking
Stranger


Registered: 01/22/15
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Last seen: 9 years, 11 months
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Re: Newbie Here: Second Bulk Grow Almost Complete (Martha) [Re: Noobiesnack]
#21167857 - 01/23/15 03:59 PM (9 years, 11 months ago) |
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You want an impeller-type cool mist. CVS sells both kinds of cool mists: impeller and evaporative. An impeller-type cool mist draws water through a tube and then throws it across the impeller disc against plastic blades, creating a very fine mist, along with a relatively strong air current. Evaporative cool mists operate by soaking a spongy paper filter in a shallow pool of standing water and running air through it. This can present problems for us, because they tend to act as a bacteria reservoirs. I've attached a picture of the proper type of humidifier from CVS.
Mine isn't a hygrometer, it's a humidistat. There's no timer involved at all. My cool mist sits on the bottom shelf running constantly, and my ultrasonic sits on the top shelf and is controlled by the humidistat (which is currently set to come on at 88% RH, and to cut off at 92%). So far, it's doing what I want it to do. I got it on Ebay; if you search for "WH8040" on Ebay, you'll find it. Gotta wire it, but it was well worth the effort for me.
Also, I can't overstress the importance of the slits in the sides of the martha for FAE. Without them, my trays would be underwater.
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yellowking
Stranger


Registered: 01/22/15
Posts: 11
Last seen: 9 years, 11 months
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Re: Newbie Here: Second Bulk Grow Almost Complete (Martha) [Re: yellowking]
#21167885 - 01/23/15 04:08 PM (9 years, 11 months ago) |
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Ask, and you shall receive. The power leads for the ultrasonic run out of a hole I cut in the side of the martha, and into the humidity controller. I'll probably play with the location of the humidifier on the rack a bit more, but for now, this is what I'm working with, and it seems to be doing a fine job.
Edited by yellowking (01/23/15 04:09 PM)
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yellowking
Stranger


Registered: 01/22/15
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Last seen: 9 years, 11 months
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Re: Newbie Here: Second Bulk Grow Almost Complete (Martha) [Re: yellowking]
#21168419 - 01/23/15 06:31 PM (9 years, 11 months ago) |
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I'll repeat my earlier question, since I'm a bit concerned about it. Is it normal for pinning to follow a sort of regional pattern? It's been a while since I've done this, and I can't remember. My trays are pinning in certain "zones." Is this normal, and can I expect the rest of the trays fill in?
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Big Bear
Earf Child



Registered: 06/11/14
Posts: 5,417
Loc: In love, On time
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Re: Newbie Here: Second Bulk Grow Almost Complete (Martha) [Re: yellowking]
#21168494 - 01/23/15 06:56 PM (9 years, 11 months ago) |
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I'm Assuming you grew multispore? My ms mushrooms all come in at different times
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Every year is getting shorter, never seem to find the time...
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yellowking
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Registered: 01/22/15
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Last seen: 9 years, 11 months
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Re: Newbie Here: Second Bulk Grow Almost Complete (Martha) [Re: Big Bear]
#21168671 - 01/23/15 07:55 PM (9 years, 11 months ago) |
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Yes, I grew multispore. Hoping to clone a good strain after fruiting this time around...until then though...
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Big Bear
Earf Child



Registered: 06/11/14
Posts: 5,417
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Re: Newbie Here: Second Bulk Grow Almost Complete (Martha) [Re: yellowking]
#21168980 - 01/23/15 09:29 PM (9 years, 11 months ago) |
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Yah I just pick individual fruits when they are ready. With MS I've always had varied speeds. Nothing to worry about imo. Your GH is fucking badass man I'm jealous.
-------------------- Need help growing? Ask AMU for hassle free answers.
Every year is getting shorter, never seem to find the time...
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yellowking
Stranger


Registered: 01/22/15
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Last seen: 9 years, 11 months
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Re: Newbie Here: Second Bulk Grow Almost Complete (Martha) [Re: Big Bear]
#21170567 - 01/24/15 10:43 AM (9 years, 11 months ago) |
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Thanks man. I'm looking to double up on size for the next grow, but planning to keep the same basic GH layout.
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Big Bear
Earf Child



Registered: 06/11/14
Posts: 5,417
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Re: Newbie Here: Second Bulk Grow Almost Complete (Martha) [Re: yellowking]
#21170626 - 01/24/15 10:56 AM (9 years, 11 months ago) |
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Nice. You should let us know your final yield
-------------------- Need help growing? Ask AMU for hassle free answers.
Every year is getting shorter, never seem to find the time...
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yellowking
Stranger


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Re: Newbie Here: Second Bulk Grow Almost Complete (Martha) [Re: Big Bear]
#21175689 - 01/25/15 05:10 PM (9 years, 11 months ago) |
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Will do once everything's said and done.
Holy shit, these trays are coming in DENSELY. Calling it a canopy doesn't really do it justice.
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brindle foxx
Doing it my way



Registered: 11/11/18
Posts: 420
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Re: Newbie Here: Second Bulk Grow Almost Complete (Martha) [Re: yellowking]
#26607635 - 04/17/20 09:32 AM (4 years, 8 months ago) |
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Quote:
yellowking said: Will do once everything's said and done.
Holy shit, these trays are coming in DENSELY. Calling it a canopy doesn't really do it justice.
Wow really left us hanging
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A.k.a
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Re: Newbie Here: Second Bulk Grow Almost Complete (Martha) [Re: brindle foxx]
#26607640 - 04/17/20 09:33 AM (4 years, 8 months ago) |
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Enough with the ancient pointless threads man
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