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techtech2
Stranger

Registered: 09/07/17
Posts: 11
Last seen: 7 years, 2 months
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#24610868 - 09/07/17 06:13 AM (7 years, 4 months ago) |
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Thank you for the info. Just saved me an unnecessary cost.
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MycoMechanic
Stranger

Registered: 05/30/17
Posts: 103
Last seen: 6 months, 18 days
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: techtech2]
#24651619 - 09/22/17 12:15 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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bump 'cause I'm still bitter about it LOL.
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outofservice
I never get to touch no monkey

Registered: 04/27/17
Posts: 160
Loc: Sun & Sand
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#24651741 - 09/22/17 01:18 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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my experience and advice... This is my first grow.
I bought the Mega kit from M**W***G***
1. I put 24 jars in it. WAY too many in my opinion. They may say to jam them in there but I do not agree! Not enough room for the air to circulate.
2. I bought another tub and split the cakes. 10 cakes each. (I tossed 4 cakes that looked weird. I couldn't get any answers to what was on them so to play it safe I tossed 'em). Much better. Fruits looked healthier but still gnarly.
3. If you keep the lid closed you will need to fan often. Even if you have the Hydroponic humidifier. If you do have the HH, buy a stronger Air pump. I bought a 60 Gal rated pump. I have it set to run 1hr every 2hrs. After buying the larger pump I only fanned 2 or 3 times. Mostly just morning and sometime in the evening.
I've recently changed to keeping the lid slightly off-center (lengthwise) all day. About a 1/4 to 1/2 inch. The open end is opposite where your air hose (if you have a kit with a pump) is coming into.
4. I bought 65K LED strip light and have them stuck on the underside of the lid. This helps with convection. So between the pump pushing moist air, the lid cracked and the lights, I feel there is plenty of FAE/circulation. The HH resupplies moister so things don't dry out. This is apparent in my substrate not looking dry and I don't mist, not ever. I do spray the Perlite each wknd with about a cup (1/2c water, 1/2c Hydro Peroxide) of water to keep the humidity up.
These are Tamps. This is the first flush with the Kit set to vendor specifications. As you can see they grew super gnarly, not enough FAE. The weight shown on the scale is of it wet.

Second Flush with my Modifications. As you can see, I also "cased" them differently. I saw the growth (1st flush) all coming from where it was in contact with the substrate (where it had created a micro climate) and not from any other part of the cake. So I layed them down for more surface contact while also pushing the sub up and around them. Big difference between each flush.

I will say this. The kits aren't a horrible idea but they are not the greatest. After looking at what each item cost you can buy all of it for much cheaper and also better quality items. I now have two "no hole" kits going and they are set and forget. I don't mist. I prolly don't have to fan but I still do, it's generally a lite fanning in the morning and before going to bed. The Hygrometer (Fischer, Synthetic Hair. Amazon) was Essential to learning about conditions and how to tweak this tek. I was able to track the humidity during all the adjustments I made and have dialed in what works for my place. I have central air so this is what works in my apartments conditions.
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wildernessjunkie
Reshitivest


Registered: 06/13/10
Posts: 8,118
Loc: HTTP 404 Not Found
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: outofservice] 1
#24844219 - 12/13/17 04:10 PM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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Bump up for the new kids.
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BattyKoda
WCA President



Registered: 09/11/17
Posts: 8,023
Loc: Boof Hard Or Go Home
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#24844236 - 12/13/17 04:23 PM (7 years, 1 month ago) |
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Yes! 
Much needed revive!
Nice write up dude! 
Edit: This needs to be stickied!
--------------------
 
A Man Must Learn To Sail In All Winds. RIP ModestMouse & Big Worm
Edited by BattyKoda (12/13/17 04:29 PM)
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MushNoob589
Stranger



Registered: 10/16/17
Posts: 143
Loc: Oklahoma
Last seen: 4 years, 14 days
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#24960918 - 02/01/18 11:44 PM (6 years, 11 months ago) |
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Super glad I read this! Already decided against a kit but this just gives me even more reasons not to! Not knocking anyone that does, just too much stuff to keep up with ya don't need to start.
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Philosopherski
Love is the meaning of life



Registered: 11/16/17
Posts: 85
Loc: NYC
Last seen: 1 year, 2 months
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: MushNoob589]
#24960961 - 02/02/18 12:13 AM (6 years, 11 months ago) |
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One more tip!
Some vendors have a call-in order option. Use that and be nice. That has usually gotten me a cheaper price + freebees as OP stated when you mention shroomery.
Just don't be sketchy and mention growing. This is all for microscopy needs and I just LOVEEEE looking at spores under a microscope.
-------------------- Don't panic!
Always remember to bring a towel.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800-273-8255
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Ziran
The Hero of Time




Registered: 02/03/16
Posts: 6,034
Loc: Temple of Time
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Philosopherski] 1
#24961046 - 02/02/18 01:44 AM (6 years, 11 months ago) |
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they should sticky this imo
-------------------- Song Of Healing
Updated Pf Tek Guide
Ziran's Teks
AMU Q&A Thread
The Chinese word for nature is zìrán and it means that of which is of itself.

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Burbles
Stranger

Registered: 03/24/08
Posts: 1,015
Last seen: 1 year, 3 months
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Ziran]
#24961054 - 02/02/18 02:04 AM (6 years, 11 months ago) |
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I made a website to help people decide if they should buy or make their own sterilized grain. I'd like to further build on the calculator but it is hard to figure out all the variables involved. It's www.substratecalculator.com. If anyone wants to help with it I'd let you have the code or could upload what you built.
I'm mostly against kits despite selling sterilized grain.
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wildernessjunkie
Reshitivest


Registered: 06/13/10
Posts: 8,118
Loc: HTTP 404 Not Found
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Burbles]
#24961081 - 02/02/18 02:29 AM (6 years, 11 months ago) |
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For the price of the kits, anyone that really wants to learn how to do this can get what they need to do it right, for the same price or less.
One of the key components to making this all work on your own is a PC. If you get that, then you open the door to almost all of the other aspects of this endeavor, namely the capability to do agar and grain. With the one time investment of a PC, I cant see a cost advantage of purchasing pre-sterilized anything.
I think I need to summon some motivation to do a cost analysis write up on growing...
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Burbles
Stranger

Registered: 03/24/08
Posts: 1,015
Last seen: 1 year, 3 months
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Burbles]
#24961122 - 02/02/18 03:12 AM (6 years, 11 months ago) |
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Did you look at the calculator? It tells you your break even points based on prices. Needs to be updated though.
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dracolusus
Eternal Noob



Registered: 01/22/16
Posts: 242
Loc: In a state of being
Last seen: 2 years, 8 months
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Burbles] 1
#24961149 - 02/02/18 04:06 AM (6 years, 11 months ago) |
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Calculator is pretty good. And if the grain is sterilised properly and shipped quickly, will be a good deal. I'm just thinking that a bunch of noobs shooting up these bags in open air with Whores101 syringes and then claiming it is your fault is going to be an issue.
-------------------- Need cultivation questions answered, head over to AMU Q&A
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Burbles
Stranger

Registered: 03/24/08
Posts: 1,015
Last seen: 1 year, 3 months
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: dracolusus]
#24961202 - 02/02/18 05:21 AM (6 years, 11 months ago) |
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I've done tests with open air and working quickly to inoculate them and have had a high success rate. If they use a shitty syringe they can just get a replacement @ my material and shipping costs. Hopefully that's a fair way to deal with that situation for everyone.
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kayo
Stranger


Registered: 01/16/18 
Posts: 300
Loc: Ul'dah
Last seen: 5 years, 3 months
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Burbles]
#24961317 - 02/02/18 06:59 AM (6 years, 11 months ago) |
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Those grow kits are too expensive to be sure. I bought pre-made jars from Midwest for my first grow but thats because it wasnt that much more expensive than buying it all and doing it myself. Im also surprisingly in a area where verm is hard to find for some reason. Id have more materials for multiple grows but im going for a popcorn/monotub grow next anyway. I will be buying presterilized horse poo though, no way im cooking that.
One obvious thing I should mention for anyone buying pre-made jars or kits which i didnt realize until i got them... they get shipped to you. No matter how awesome your supplier is theyre going to get tossed around for a few days on the way to you. Not good for the dry verm layer. Midwest in particular does not bother taping up their lid holes either so mine had wet verm all over the lid.
So far no contams but still felt I had to leave foil on for a few days just in case.
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wildernessjunkie
Reshitivest


Registered: 06/13/10
Posts: 8,118
Loc: HTTP 404 Not Found
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: Burbles]
#24962773 - 02/02/18 08:24 PM (6 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
Burbles said: I've done tests with open air and working quickly to inoculate them and have had a high success rate. If they use a shitty syringe they can just get a replacement @ my material and shipping costs. Hopefully that's a fair way to deal with that situation for everyone.
Whether or not you get a clean inoculation without the use of a SAB has little to do with the grain and more to do with the environment. Its a big gamble, and when you gamble in mush cult, you usually end up losing time and money.
Its the same thing with using a spore syringe to 'noc up grain. Can it work? Yes. Are there TC's and Experienced cultivators doing it? No. And for good reason.
Learning to grow doesn't have to break the bank. Invest in the right equipment to begin with and every grow after that will be a positive experience with a fairly predictable outcome.
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Ziran
The Hero of Time




Registered: 02/03/16
Posts: 6,034
Loc: Temple of Time
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie] 1
#24963055 - 02/02/18 10:04 PM (6 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
wildernessjunkie said: For the price of the kits, anyone that really wants to learn how to do this can get what they need to do it right, for the same price or less.
One of the key components to making this all work on your own is a PC. If you get that, then you open the door to almost all of the other aspects of this endeavor, namely the capability to do agar and grain. With the one time investment of a PC, I cant see a cost advantage of purchasing pre-sterilized anything.
I think I need to summon some motivation to do a cost analysis write up on growing...
Shit for the price of most grow kits I can buy myself a 23 quart presto. and bam, a big chunk of your cost is now paid for.
Quote:
wildernessjunkie said:
Quote:
Burbles said: I've done tests with open air and working quickly to inoculate them and have had a high success rate. If they use a shitty syringe they can just get a replacement @ my material and shipping costs. Hopefully that's a fair way to deal with that situation for everyone.
Whether or not you get a clean inoculation without the use of a SAB has little to do with the grain and more to do with the environment. Its a big gamble, and when you gamble in mush cult, you usually end up losing time and money.
Its the same thing with using a spore syringe to 'noc up grain. Can it work? Yes. Are there TC's and Experienced cultivators doing it? No. And for good reason.
Learning to grow doesn't have to break the bank. Invest in the right equipment to begin with and every grow after that will be a positive experience with a fairly predictable outcome.
Yep. I've done MS to grains. Only a few times. I'm honestly surprised that it worked the few times I did it. But a few of the times they jars went green a week later. Waste of time imo, when I can just go straight to agar, take some mycelium and xfer to a new plate, and have a clean culture within 1 to 3 transfers.
-------------------- Song Of Healing
Updated Pf Tek Guide
Ziran's Teks
AMU Q&A Thread
The Chinese word for nature is zìrán and it means that of which is of itself.

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DamskoFusion
Stranger


Registered: 01/11/18
Posts: 39
Loc: Global
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: wildernessjunkie]
#24980201 - 02/10/18 05:31 AM (6 years, 11 months ago) |
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'' - 1 Big ass pot, you probably already have on in your kitchen. Check a thrift store if not.''
What do i have to picture thinking of a big ass pot? Any specifics on this? Plastic, glass, stone, volume, size, see-through, non see-through, air tight..?
Not bitching, just trying to make sure i know what i am getting at to get started properly.
-------------------- Be like water my friend. Very colourfull water.
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Apples in Mono
Not a puppet


Registered: 09/21/17
Posts: 3,240
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: DamskoFusion]
#24980390 - 02/10/18 08:17 AM (6 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
DamskoFusion said: '' - 1 Big ass pot, you probably already have on in your kitchen. Check a thrift store if not.''
What do i have to picture thinking of a big ass pot? Any specifics on this? Plastic, glass, stone, volume, size, see-through, non see-through, air tight..?
Not bitching, just trying to make sure i know what i am getting at to get started properly.
I prefer see-through stone
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bodhisatta 
Smurf real estate agent


Registered: 04/30/13
Posts: 61,916
Loc: Milky way
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: DamskoFusion]
#24980412 - 02/10/18 08:29 AM (6 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
DamskoFusion said: '' - 1 Big ass pot, you probably already have on in your kitchen. Check a thrift store if not.''
What do i have to picture thinking of a big ass pot? Any specifics on this? Plastic, glass, stone, volume, size, see-through, non see-through, air tight..?
Not bitching, just trying to make sure i know what i am getting at to get started properly.
Don't over complicate a big pot with a lid...
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DamskoFusion
Stranger


Registered: 01/11/18
Posts: 39
Loc: Global
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Re: So you're thinking about buying a grow kit? Read this. [Re: bodhisatta] 1
#24985146 - 02/11/18 07:57 AM (6 years, 11 months ago) |
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I notice in all the descriptions here the experts want the noobs to read and learn in as much detail possible , so to learn best as possible. But when asked detailed questions about undetailled things, one gets mostly sarcastic replies. Really helps guys. How bout just saying nothing..?
-------------------- Be like water my friend. Very colourfull water.
Edited by DamskoFusion (02/11/18 07:57 AM)
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