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camerinkw
flooger



Registered: 06/26/13
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I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated.
#23967622 - 12/30/16 09:39 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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-long story short, I've had several setbacks recently. Over a dozen contam jars, several sets of water-logged jars. Shortage of jars in my area, etc etc. This is my break from nursing school and I really hoped to get a good tub or two goin, but it is impossible now, by the time I start again.
-Biggest issue: waterlogged cakes. I double layer aluminum, and spend several minutes on each jar, making sure the foil is firmly pressed and locked onto the jar(in other words, no possible way for water to get in). (I haven't had problems until recently and was wondering if it could have to do with my pressure cooker. Should I get a new one? I want a 6qt now anyway, I only have 4qt. my logic tells me it's not the cooker, but i don't understand how else I could be having this issue now.
-Also, finding jars. Are you all having issues getting 1/2pt widemouth jars? I've been to 2 walmarts here in Orlando, and 2 back at my hometown, and none of the jars. Theyre twice the price on amazon.
-How long can jars be reused before the pressure damages them and leads to waterlogging? I figured two or three, but I'm not certain, for my results are pretty inconsistent. Will getting new lids solve this issue, and if so, after how many uses should I do so?
-Hit me with anything else I may be sucking at, cuz i'm sick of wasting all of this time.
Edited by camerinkw (12/30/16 09:44 AM)
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Mycolorado
Hobbyist


Registered: 07/23/16
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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: camerinkw]
#23967666 - 12/30/16 10:00 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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1)When you say "tub", do you mean monotub? If so, no need to make cakes. If you mean shotgun fruiting chamber, then ok and I'm guessing you're doing pf tek?
2)What kind of jars are you using and if they're canning jars (Ball/Mason) are you putting the lid and ring back on?
I don't understand your question on jars wearing out...if you're using canning jars, they're designed specifically for use in a PC and last decades. The lids and rings do rust and eventually wear out, though.
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MagicalMysteryTor
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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: camerinkw]
#23967699 - 12/30/16 10:15 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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I believe your PC is too small. Get a taller 16qt or larger PC. Install some 1/2 pint jars on the bottom,use a round dish on top to create a shelf. That way when the water boils inside it will stay well below the jars.
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mushboy
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Registered: 04/24/05
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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: Mycolorado]
#23967701 - 12/30/16 10:15 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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could you post a pic of your jar/lids?
no offense but you have to be doing some majorly wrong to be water logging cakes in a pc.
how much water are you using in the pc? if its too much it will bubble up on the jars. what type of lid?
got to ac moore or craft stores for jars. they even sell individually so you can get as mush as you need. also my mega food mart sells jars for 11.99 in the home/auto aisle or in the tupperware/baggie aisle.
you live in the US. finding supplies is a non issue.
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r.lutece
gave Columbia her wings.


Registered: 09/06/15
Posts: 745
Loc: ∅
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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: Mycolorado]
#23967703 - 12/30/16 10:16 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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More questions (if you don't mind):
1. When you make your jar lids, how many holes do you put in them?
2. What recipe are you using for your cakes?
3. How high is the water level in your PC when you start?
4. Are you using a trivet?
EDIT: They beat me to them!
Edited by r.lutece (12/30/16 10:18 AM)
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camerinkw
flooger



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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: r.lutece]
#23967730 - 12/30/16 10:27 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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PC came with the tray, so i feel the water enough to cover the tray. I mean cakes, yes pf. So, my mixture is brf, verm, water, gypsum. Yes, sgfc. I'm in the process of making a new one right now, because my last ones were a joke. I will post pics soon to confirm I did it correctly. And by wearing out, I meant the pressure somehow wearing the rubber seal/bending the metal in any way. -But my overall question there is simply: is it possible to just keep reusing the same jars and lids? Yes, my pc is definitely too small,but I don't have money for a 16qt one... lol. I can get the 6qt one, but that's it. These are the jars/lids, but if you still need a pic, lmk and i'll post one of mine. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000BYD0F/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and I know I have to be doing something terribly wrong, that's why i'm pretty upset. I put 4 holes in the jars. (do not use any micropore tape)
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mushboy
modboy



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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: camerinkw]
#23967741 - 12/30/16 10:32 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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Quote:
camerinkw said: But my overall question there is simply: is it possible to just keep reusing the same jars and lids?
yes dude. over and over and over and over again.
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camerinkw
flooger



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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: mushboy]
#23967749 - 12/30/16 10:34 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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Wow, alright. thanks, man.
ALSO, I forgot to mention. I don't think i technically waterlogged them. I have done it before to where it's noticeable wet inside/thick and crap inside the jar, but the last batch I did, there was only some liquid/condensation under the aluminum foil on top of the jar. I'm uncertain if it actually went in the jars, but it most likely did. It wasn't easily visible though. Idk for sure, I inocced anyway cuz I've got nothing to lose and i didn't want to waste anything.
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MagicalMysteryTor
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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: mushboy]
#23967751 - 12/30/16 10:35 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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Are you cleaning these jars and lids with a good amount of hot water and cleaning solution before you reuse them? I like to clean and boil.
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r.lutece
gave Columbia her wings.


Registered: 09/06/15
Posts: 745
Loc: ∅
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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: camerinkw]
#23967756 - 12/30/16 10:37 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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How much BRF/verm/water do you start with in your mix?
I've never not used micropore (or even just masking) tape over my holes. It's possible that's your issue.
A little condensation is normal under the foil.
-------------------- One goes into an experiment knowing one might fail. But one does not undertake an experiment knowing one HAS failed.
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camerinkw
flooger



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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: MagicalMysteryTor]
#23967757 - 12/30/16 10:37 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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Yeah, definitely. I haven't boiled, but I will in the future. Also, I believe I had a contammed syringe which led to my major contam batch recently.
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mushboy
modboy



Registered: 04/24/05
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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: r.lutece]
#23967759 - 12/30/16 10:38 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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post a pic please. you could be having no real issue at all.
since we use PCs you can be lax with cleaning jars. i just make sure nothing visible is inside/chucks birdseed but its being sterilized anyway.
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camerinkw
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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: camerinkw]
#23967762 - 12/30/16 10:38 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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I mix 2cups verm(ground) and 1 cup brf first. Then add 1/2 cup of water and mix well, then the other 1/2 and mix well. I just got gypsum yesterday and am still learning how to add. I tried just tossing it in, but I don't think it mixed to well(it's pellets) so next time I plan on adding that with water first, then adding those two together, to the brf and verm.
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r.lutece
gave Columbia her wings.


Registered: 09/06/15
Posts: 745
Loc: ∅
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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: camerinkw]
#23967766 - 12/30/16 10:40 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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I have not heard of gypsum pellets being added as-is; may need to put those in a bag and crush 'em. When mixing the ingredients, mix verm and water (all of it) first and then add the BRF and crushed gypsum.
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mushboy
modboy



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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: r.lutece]
#23967776 - 12/30/16 10:42 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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Quote:
r.lutece said: When mixing the ingredients, mix verm and water (all of it) first and then add the BRF and crushed gypsum.
this is a really important step. you want to hydrate the verm and then add to brf to coat the pieces of hydrated verm. uber important. good call lutece
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camerinkw
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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: mushboy]
#23967779 - 12/30/16 10:43 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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camerinkw
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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: camerinkw]
#23967785 - 12/30/16 10:44 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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Damnnn, alright.Thank you very much.
And I added as is, but still attempted to smash/blend well. I'll make sure to do it correctly next time, though.
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mushboy
modboy



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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: camerinkw]
#23967794 - 12/30/16 10:47 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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ha. those look fine.
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Tmethyl
Smear in the shale


Registered: 07/16/12
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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: camerinkw]
#23967795 - 12/30/16 10:47 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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I haven't read the whole thread but I wanted to add that when people get 100% contams it's almost always a sterilization procedure problem. Even if your spores or inoculant had some mold or bacteria in it, you would still get some successful jars because there is more spores of the mushrooms than of the mold/bacteria and the mushroom mycelium out paces the contams.
-------------------- ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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camerinkw
flooger



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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: Tmethyl]
#23967809 - 12/30/16 10:52 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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This is another subject I'm uninformed about. I recently posted asking if it was okay to let myc beat the contam and form a good cake. Poster said if it was bacteria, possibly, but a big no for mold. So what's the real answer? Cuz I never had 100% contam(if by 100% you mean actually colonizing and taking over the cake).
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camerinkw
flooger



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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: mushboy]
#23967812 - 12/30/16 10:53 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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Great to hear! I hope they turn out well and I'm glad I inocced anyway. I still feel don't feel like it's right/completely correct though, because I've gotten to where no water gets under foil before. You don't think it compromises the dry barrier?
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mushboy
modboy



Registered: 04/24/05
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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: mushboy]
#23967813 - 12/30/16 10:53 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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100% as in 100% failure. no one lets a jar 100% contaminate... at least i hope not.
cover the holes with tape. remove after inoculation. solves that problem.
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MagicalMysteryTor
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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: camerinkw]
#23967816 - 12/30/16 10:54 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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Mix looks good, maybe try an fill a little below lid.
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Pastywhyte
Say hello to my little friend



Registered: 09/15/12
Posts: 37,810
Loc: Canada
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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: Tmethyl]
#23967827 - 12/30/16 10:57 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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Quote:
Tmethyl said: I haven't read the whole thread but I wanted to add that when people get 100% contams it's almost always a sterilization procedure problem. Even if your spores or inoculant had some mold or bacteria in it, you would still get some successful jars because there is more spores of the mushrooms than of the mold/bacteria and the mushroom mycelium out paces the contams.
Exactly. Should always be a few that make it unless the syringe is completely trash. But that is rare unless you get your syringes from whores101 or drunksters.
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camerinkw
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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: camerinkw]
#23967852 - 12/30/16 11:05 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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How's the new sgf? It's 66 qt. Please say perfect. I'm gonna do it right this time..
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r.lutece
gave Columbia her wings.


Registered: 09/06/15
Posts: 745
Loc: ∅
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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: Pastywhyte]
#23967856 - 12/30/16 11:07 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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Quote:
Pastywhyte said:
whores101 or drunksters.

I think that SGFC looks pretty great! Holes on the bottom too right? What's the distance between your holes? It's difficult to tell from the photo, but the standard is a 2" x 2" grid pattern.
-------------------- One goes into an experiment knowing one might fail. But one does not undertake an experiment knowing one HAS failed.
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Tiamo
Trust in LITFA




Registered: 04/07/16
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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: Tmethyl]
#23967866 - 12/30/16 11:10 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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Quote:
Tmethyl said: I haven't read the whole thread but I wanted to add that when people get 100% contams it's almost always a sterilization procedure problem. Even if your spores or inoculant had some mold or bacteria in it, you would still get some successful jars because there is more spores of the mushrooms than of the mold/bacteria and the mushroom mycelium out paces the contams.
OP mentioned he had a 4qt PC. What brand is it? Does it reach 15 psi? Does it have an accurate gauge? It's only PF tek so just a pot should be fine but maybe your PC is just crap?
--------------------
If you have used a Miraculix Psilocybin QTest, could you please share your results? Shipping free Ps. natalensis spore prints to any address in The Netherlands, just
Mush love
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camerinkw
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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: Tiamo]
#23967891 - 12/30/16 11:22 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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It's presto. It does reach 15psi(supposed to, at least). No accurate gage. And yes, one of the pics was the bottom. I left out the pic of the lid because I hadn't done it yet. And i'm not sure if it's exactly 2in but it's close.
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camerinkw
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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: camerinkw]
#23967892 - 12/30/16 11:22 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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Thank you, ALL, for your help! Like always, it is very much appreciated!
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Tiamo
Trust in LITFA




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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: camerinkw]
#23967949 - 12/30/16 11:46 AM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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If you're in the US I can recommend a Presto 23Qt should be around $70. 16Qt should be fine too, it's the same diameter just shorter.
--------------------
If you have used a Miraculix Psilocybin QTest, could you please share your results? Shipping free Ps. natalensis spore prints to any address in The Netherlands, just
Mush love
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Tmethyl
Smear in the shale


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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: Tiamo]
#23968030 - 12/30/16 12:27 PM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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Honestly the size of the PC doesn't matter, other than being inconvenient. And even not reaching 15 PSI is not an issue, I have a grow going right now with 25+ containers all steam sterilized without a pressure cooker, all successfully germinated and 0 contams.. (grains included)
If you don't know what PSI your PC is reaching, that's a huge problem. Have you looked up the model #? A google search of the model # will tell you everything about it.
If you can't figure it out, steam sterilize until you get another one.
-------------------- ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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Tiamo
Trust in LITFA




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Re: I'm gettin really sick of these setbacks. Input appreciated. [Re: Tmethyl]
#23968040 - 12/30/16 12:30 PM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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Yea, I know he's doing PF tek that's why I said "A pot should be just fine". I'm just wondering about his equipment and procedure.
--------------------
If you have used a Miraculix Psilocybin QTest, could you please share your results? Shipping free Ps. natalensis spore prints to any address in The Netherlands, just
Mush love
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