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Persistent Trich Outbreaks in Large(ish) Grow
    #25750488 -

Hey folks. I'm looking for suggestions and critiques of my system in the hopes of saving future grows. I'll try to be thorough and detailed, but brief.

THE STORY SO FAR

Grow #1 - Homemade grow tent in basement. Approx 14 tubs. Success rate was good, until I started experimenting with casing layers. Didn't have proper pH measuring tools, or buffering agents, so a low pH casing caused a trichoderma outbreak. I was slow to quarantine and would regret it as all tubs broke out before or just after the second flush.

Grow #2 - Got access to a full bedroom in the upper floor, where the temperatures didn't require a heater to be run (winter in Canada means basement temps at 16C/60F). Staggered tubs spawning in the hopes of catching an outbreak, but forgot to clean off a fan that had been in the other room during the past outbreak. Foolish! All tubs got trich after first flush. An air purifier introduced halfway through produced no improvement.

Grow #3 - No more screwing around. Room was emptied and bleached, from ceiling to floor. Vents were opened and bleached as well. Antechamber built around door with PVC/Poly and bleached as well. Masks, gloves and lab coveralls worn while in room. Everything entering room washed with iso alcohol in antechamber before entering. Spawning done within grow room. 25 tubs in all. Despite meticulous efforts, trich outbreak hit 80% of tubs before first flush even started pinning. Even a casing layer buffered to pH 8.8 showed growth, if minor.

The Grow Room:




Grow Room Temp: 19-21C (without heater), 23C (with heater)
Grow Room RH: 30% (without humidifier)
Spawn Rate: 2:1

TEKs:
Spitball's Monotub Tek
BOD's Easy AF Coir (CVG)
Pastywhyte's Easy Micropore Dialed Monos
Liquid Inoculant ( NEW version)

The Laboratory:






Lab also contains an antechamber for suiting up and keeping contams out.

Process:
Rye spawn boiled until saturated, then in pressure cooker for 1.5 hrs for jars and 2 hrs for bags. Liquid inoculant (see TEKs) from clean agar cultures to jars, then G2G into 5L of rye spawn in bags. All inoculation done in front of a flow hood, and colonization takes place within lab. Careful aseptic technique used at all times. Once colonized, spawn bags went straight from the lab to the grow room to be spawned that day or the next.

Results:

TRICH!


Possible Vectors:

Idea #1 - Air in the house is dense with trich spores from poor quarantine/removal practices. Furnace filter does little to reduce this spore load. All air in house will likely cause contamination.

Idea #2 - Monotubs seemed to get unusually dry on round 3, even while still sealed, and especially when close to ground. Drying weakened substrates, and rehydrating exacerbated outbreak.

Idea #3 - I'm introducing it the spawn somehow during inoculation, despite my best efforts. Not my favorite idea, but I have to accept the possibility.


Hopefully that gives you a solid idea of what I'm up to. I'd love suggestions on how to improve or possibly chase down this ongoing contamination outbreak. At this point, I'm hemorrhaging rent money on this room and may need to get a roommate who may not understand my particular hobby. Feel free to ask questions for clarification or for more pictures. I'm happy to provide it.

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: Persistent Trich Outbreaks in Large(ish) Grow [Re: Sonoluminescent]
    #25750516 -

What's a furnace filter? I can't see any vents on your grow boxes...I would recommend a couple of holes at the casing level plugged with polyfill.

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: Persistent Trich Outbreaks in Large(ish) Grow [Re: mullugh] * 2
    #25750519 -

Gotta tell ya from someone else running a bunch of monotubs... quit focusing on your fruiting room. No matter what you do there you're still gonna be getting trich. Tenting off your tubs in a room is pointless. Trust me.

It's your spawn. As much as you may not want to believe it... it is.


Focus on transfers and getting a clean culture.

You don't need a special casing layer for classic cubes. Just keep some sub to the side to put a light top layer on your sub to act as a casing. :thumbup:

And if you're worried about pollutant spore load in the house you can always get 1 or 2 large room hepa filters and run them in your house. They sell them wally world. If you live in the US.


--------------------

:mushroom2: LotKid's PE Tips        :shpongle:    LotKid's Chocolates :mushroom2:
:dancingbear: :dancingbear:

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: Persistent Trich Outbreaks in Large(ish) Grow [Re: LotKid]
    #25750524 -

I've got a small bedroom air filter thats hepa and had an ionizer. I still get occasional issues with mould in winter because my windows are all closed. The fresh air in summer really makes a difference, but then I have to keep gnats at bay. Spawn obviously will be the number one vector, but I'm convinced fresh (more so than clean/sterile) Air is key.

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: Persistent Trich Outbreaks in Large(ish) Grow [Re: mullugh]
    #25750526 -

Spawn is key:mushroom2:


--------------------
How I make and preserve tea


Consuming consumes a man That was never a purpose of life To only crave for material joys Is believing the lie - Mellow Mood

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: Persistent Trich Outbreaks in Large(ish) Grow [Re: mullugh]
    #25750530 -

mullugh said:
I've got a small bedroom air filter thats hepa and had an ionizer. I still get occasional issues with mould in winter because my windows are all closed. The fresh air in summer really makes a difference, but then I have to keep gnats at bay. Spawn obviously will be the number one vector, but I'm convinced fresh (more so than clean/sterile) Air is key.



Or you could listen to this guy... up to you... :shrug:


--------------------

:mushroom2: LotKid's PE Tips        :shpongle:    LotKid's Chocolates :mushroom2:
:dancingbear: :dancingbear:

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: Persistent Trich Outbreaks in Large(ish) Grow [Re: LotKid] * 1
    #25751188 -

Noob-ish here, take with a grain of salt from fresh eyes:

It sounds like you have a few extra things that just make contam more likely, my recommendation would be look at removing steps from your process and aim for as KISS as possible:

  • Lots of things added to your substrate. What about just 100% coco coir, nothing else. Use a top/casing layer of just coir.
  • You're using liners still. Maybe cut that part out and aim for surface conditions.
  • What about switching to the "UnBODified" monotub tek? Less steps, less things to possibly add contam.
  • That liquid inoculate tek you use has a lot of possibilities of adding contams. I know it likely saves you a ton of time, but maybe back down to just using agar dropped onto grains for a bit to aim for cleaner spawn?


I always try to go with the teks that are the most KISS type of things. The more you add the more likely you've carried a contam with you :shrug:

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: Persistent Trich Outbreaks in Large(ish) Grow [Re: LotKid]
    #25751237 -

LotKid said:
It's your spawn. As much as you may not want to believe it... it is.



Okay, I can work with that. I know it's the usual advice, but I appreciate the second set of eyes looking over my work and saying "You're looking in the wrong place".

So it's my spawn. I'm just not sure how yet. I haven't seen a visible contam on a petri dish in half a year. Never had trich appear in a spawn jar or bag. Is it that good at hiding? And if it is, what are some possible vectors I can try to close up?

ShaperDreaming, I'll try to cut the LI TEK out of the process. See if that helps. I've gotta run some tests before I ramp back up anyways.

I've been sealing bags with bag clamps and (when I run out) tightly rolling them and stapling them shut. It  actually seals it up pretty well, but an impulse sealer is safer and a better seal, so perhaps I should invest in that.

Any other ideas?

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: Persistent Trich Outbreaks in Large(ish) Grow [Re: ShaperDreaming]
    #25751253 -

You're setup looks rather professional. The only thing that jumps out at me is - depending on the size of the spawn bags you want more than 2 hours in the PC. Lots of people go 3 or 4 hours for a PC full of spawn bags.

And after you mention you're stapling spawn bags. Yeah, those should be sealed.

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: Persistent Trich Outbreaks in Large(ish) Grow [Re: Sonoluminescent] * 1
    #25751261 -

Sonoluminescent said:
I've been sealing bags with bag clamps and (when I run out) tightly rolling them and stapling them shut. It  actually seals it up pretty well, but an impulse sealer is safer and a better seal, so perhaps I should invest in that.

Any other ideas?



Hmm possibly cut out bags and move over to like gallon sized jars or something? Something you can easily steralize and ensure that nothings getting in. I'm sure staples work, but who knows if there's any contams over time that creep in with those :shrug: Honestly I'm just trying to think of ways to do/touch/open things less.

Also, if you're ramping back up, this makes me think you don't have anything running right now. Have you thought about switching to shoeboxes? This will spread out your likely-hood of contamination and give you possible clean boxes and dirty one, so you don't lose everything in one box (i.e. monotubs), and possibly allow you to watch and see why X boxes have trich and Y boxes don't. You have a ton of monotubs, so this may be more hassle than it's worth though.

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: Persistent Trich Outbreaks in Large(ish) Grow [Re: Sonoluminescent]
    #25751295 -

What spawn bags do you use and how much do you get them for. But i work in nowhere near as clean conditions.  I spawn outside. And make g2g trnasfers in my office. The guys above are spot on with your spawn issues


--------------------
"pain is the only way we can all be equal"- a dude
"If we all stopped focusing on feelings and just faced facts maybe we'd be at fucking mars already"-the dude with a beard
"Because democracy basically means, governemnt by the people of the people  for the people. But the people are retarded."- Indian dude with beard

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: Persistent Trich Outbreaks in Large(ish) Grow [Re: ShaperDreaming] * 2
    #25751313 -

ShaperDreaming said:
Noob-ish here, take with a grain of salt from fresh eyes:

It sounds like you have a few extra things that just make contam more likely, my recommendation would be look at removing steps from your process and aim for as KISS as possible:

  • Lots of things added to your substrate. What about just 100% coco coir, nothing else. Use a top/casing layer of just coir.
  • You're using liners still. Maybe cut that part out and aim for surface conditions.
  • What about switching to the "UnBODified" monotub tek? Less steps, less things to possibly add contam.
  • That liquid inoculate tek you use has a lot of possibilities of adding contams. I know it likely saves you a ton of time, but maybe back down to just using agar dropped onto grains for a bit to aim for cleaner spawn?


I always try to go with the teks that are the most KISS type of things. The more you add the more likely you've carried a contam with you :shrug:



I use coir/verm for substrate.
I've gone back to using liners because it makes cleaning your tubs after a run WAY easier.
DON'T switch to an unbodified tub! Mushies like air and when dealing with lots of tubs flipping all the lids become ridiculous really quick. Holes with poly-fil and a fan to move some air around works great. I might have to mist a tub or 2 before the first flush finishes but for the most part they are set and forget.

I do recommend going agar to grain and cutting out liquids. I used to use a lot of liquids and now I rarely do. You can get a lot of expansion from plate->master jars->spawn bags->monotubs.






It could definitely be hiding in your culture. I've had similar problems with cultures before. They look great but would trich faithfully after the first flush. Every tub. It was the culture. It happens to the best of us. It's nothing to beat yourself up over. Aside from making a bunch of transfers on the culture you have going I recommend straking some spore and starting from there with a culture and not taking it to liquid.


I don't think switching to shoeboxes is gonna help. :lol:

I would stop using staples. That definitely sounds like a possible vector for contams. You're better off using zip-ties. They work well.

But if you wanna step your game up and play with the big boys...

https://www.amazon.com/AIE-305HIM-12-Handheld-Heat-Impulse/dp/B0093PL8YA/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1547838467&sr=1-1&keywords=aie-305him


--------------------

:mushroom2: LotKid's PE Tips        :shpongle:    LotKid's Chocolates :mushroom2:
:dancingbear: :dancingbear:

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: Persistent Trich Outbreaks in Large(ish) Grow [Re: LotKid]
    #25751326 -

:whathesaid:

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Re: Persistent Trich Outbreaks in Large(ish) Grow [Re: LotKid]
    #25751328 -

LotKid said:
ShaperDreaming said:
Noob-ish here, take with a grain of salt from fresh eyes:

It sounds like you have a few extra things that just make contam more likely, my recommendation would be look at removing steps from your process and aim for as KISS as possible:

  • Lots of things added to your substrate. What about just 100% coco coir, nothing else. Use a top/casing layer of just coir.
  • You're using liners still. Maybe cut that part out and aim for surface conditions.
  • What about switching to the "UnBODified" monotub tek? Less steps, less things to possibly add contam.
  • That liquid inoculate tek you use has a lot of possibilities of adding contams. I know it likely saves you a ton of time, but maybe back down to just using agar dropped onto grains for a bit to aim for cleaner spawn?


I always try to go with the teks that are the most KISS type of things. The more you add the more likely you've carried a contam with you :shrug:



I use coir/verm for substrate.
I've gone back to using liners because it makes cleaning your tubs after a run WAY easier.
DON'T switch to an unbodified tub! Mushies like air and when dealing with lots of tubs flipping all the lids become ridiculous really quick. Holes with poly-fil and a fan to move some air around works great. I might have to mist a tub or 2 before the first flush finishes but for the most part they are set and forget.

I do recommend going agar to grain and cutting out liquids. I used to use a lot of liquids and now I rarely do. You can get a lot of expansion from plate->master jars->spawn bags->monotubs.






It could definitely be hiding in your culture. I've had similar problems with cultures before. They look great but would trich faithfully after the first flush. Every tub. It was the culture. It happens to the best of us. It's nothing to beat yourself up over.

I would stop using staples. That definitely sounds like a possible vector for contams. You're better off using zip-ties. They work well.

But if you wanna step your game up and play with the big boys...

https://www.amazon.com/AIE-305HIM-12-Handheld-Heat-Impulse/dp/B0093PL8YA/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1547838467&sr=1-1&keywords=aie-305him






Just gunna leave this here

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00L2N5X38/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_1?smid=A3I7YR3JPLXUO3&psc=1


--------------------
"pain is the only way we can all be equal"- a dude
"If we all stopped focusing on feelings and just faced facts maybe we'd be at fucking mars already"-the dude with a beard
"Because democracy basically means, governemnt by the people of the people  for the people. But the people are retarded."- Indian dude with beard

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: Persistent Trich Outbreaks in Large(ish) Grow [Re: Sklaytz]
    #25751334 -

I like the price on that one. Now I got hankerin' for a new sealer. So many goodies to buy.

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Re: Persistent Trich Outbreaks in Large(ish) Grow [Re: vikingsc]
    #25751341 -

vikingsc said:
I like the price on that one. Now I got hankerin' for a new sealer. So many goodies to buy.





I know right it almost like theres too many options which to chose.


--------------------
"pain is the only way we can all be equal"- a dude
"If we all stopped focusing on feelings and just faced facts maybe we'd be at fucking mars already"-the dude with a beard
"Because democracy basically means, governemnt by the people of the people  for the people. But the people are retarded."- Indian dude with beard

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: Persistent Trich Outbreaks in Large(ish) Grow [Re: LotKid]
    #25751342 -

LotKid said:
A lot



Thanks for coming in and filling my gaps in knowledge! Greatly appreciated :takingnotes:

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: Persistent Trich Outbreaks in Large(ish) Grow [Re: LotKid]
    #25751420 -

Re:Sklaytz
I'm using the large bags with the 0.2 micron filters from Shroom-Supply currently.

Re: LotKid
Lots of good suggestions. Impulse sealer and A2G sounds like some solid straightforward steps. Maybe I'll try one mini-mono for running tests at the very least.

Its always driven me nuts that so many growers on here seem to have no problem making this work in a carpeted apartment with only an SAB and not a care in the world. And yet no matter how meticulous I get, I struggle to succeed. But I suppose some get lucky in their environment.

I'll just keep ironing shit out until it works. Thanks guys.

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Re: Persistent Trich Outbreaks in Large(ish) Grow [Re: LotKid] * 1
    #25751423 -

LotKid said:
Gotta tell ya from someone else running a bunch of monotubs... quit focusing on your fruiting room. No matter what you do there you're still gonna be getting trich. Tenting off your tubs in a room is pointless. Trust me.

It's your spawn. As much as you may not want to believe it... it is.


Focus on transfers and getting a clean culture.

You don't need a special casing layer for classic cubes. Just keep some sub to the side to put a light top layer on your sub to act as a casing. :thumbup:

And if you're worried about pollutant spore load in the house you can always get 1 or 2 large room hepa filters and run them in your house. They sell them wally world. If you live in the US.



:whathesaid:


Nice tub politics tho lol..
If flipping a lid is tedious do it from day one. But stuffing Holes isn't tedious lol. My tubs get more airflow than monotubs with polyfill. The gaps are bigger surface area than the holes in a mono and they're not stuffed with anything.

Protip: they both work great. And require almost no work

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
Re: Persistent Trich Outbreaks in Large(ish) Grow [Re: bodhisatta]
    #25751517 -

I have one of the cheap impulse sealers too. It's collecting dust.

I use .5 micron bags. I pre-seal before putting them into the sterilizers.

I then inoculate with g2g from master jars. The cheap sealers really suck at getting a bag to seal after I've inoculated it. There's usually some kind of moisture and cheap sealers don't get hot enough. The expensive ones get hot enough to evap any lil bit of moisture and actually seal your bag.

If the sealer saves bags from the trash it's worth the investment to me. And it's got a magnet to hold it in place while it seals.

The cheap ones are cheap for a reason and the pricey ones are pricey for a reason. (they work)


--------------------

:mushroom2: LotKid's PE Tips        :shpongle:    LotKid's Chocolates :mushroom2:
:dancingbear: :dancingbear:

Extras: Filter Print Post Top
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