Home | Community | Message Board


This site includes paid links. Please support our sponsors.


Welcome to the Shroomery Message Board! You are experiencing a small sample of what the site has to offer. Please login or register to post messages and view our exclusive members-only content. You'll gain access to additional forums, file attachments, board customizations, encrypted private messages, and much more!

Shop: North Spore Injection Grain Bag   Kraken Kratom Red Vein Kratom   Mushroom-Hut Substrate Bags   Original Sensible Seeds Bulk Cannabis Seeds   Left Coast Kratom Buy Kratom Extract   PhytoExtractum Kratom Powder for Sale

Jump to first unread post Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Next >  [ show all ]
InvisibleD3_Myc
Weeb Trash
I'm a teapot


Registered: 05/06/18
Posts: 4,399
Loc: Year Zero
Trusted Cultivator
D3's Perfect transfers and agar TEK. * 65
    #26628234 - 04/25/20 09:35 PM (3 years, 8 months ago)

Perfect Transfers and Agar TEK


I'm frequently asked how I get my agar so clear, the colors and how I get such perfect transfers. The following below is a detailed explanation of the process. There's many ways to achieve similar results but this what works for me. Feel free to experiment with different recipes and nutrient levels.



Tools Required






Petri Dishes




By far Polystyrene and Glass will give the best clarity. I use polypropylene for streaks or other circumstances where I don't expect to show off samples. Nothing beats the cheap disposable dishes though. I've tried no pours, deli cups, glad mini rounds.. none where for me. The particular brand I'm using right now is Celltreat. I'm open to others suggestions on brands. Right now a case is averaging me around $100 for 500 count.

The Agar


I've tried several brands of agar agar and premade mixes. Most left fibrous bits in my petris detracting from the overall appearance. Ultimately I have found that this brand gives consistent results



For nutrients i'm using Maltoferm light malt extract it disolves clean and clear.



For coloring, Misty turned me onto this brand. Wilton Neon Gel it has given best results and color doesn't break down in the PC. But after continued testing and anecdotal evidence it has been found that the red and purple dyes contain red#3 or erythrosin which is naturally fungicidal. It’s caused abnormal, stunted or sporadic growth and my recommendation to avoid those two colors or any other dyes that contain red#3 I’ll be doing a side by side comparison and updating a link here for future users. (Updated 10-22-20) Here's the current link on the experiment thread



Another great brand is Chef Master Neon Gel


Another option is pouring black plates using this Charcoal Powder approximately 1g per 100ml but honestly I don't even measure.

9-15-21 New link for charcoal



Ingredients


The following recipe will produce about 40 petri dishes. You can reduce by half if pouring only one sleeve of 20. I've had best results so far with this amount of nutrients, feel free to experiment with more or less levels of LME. Lower the nutrients the more likely you will get rhizomorphic growth, higher nutes more tomentos. Of course genetics and other environmental conditions come into play as well.

  • 20g agar agar
  • 16g LME
  • 1000ml distilled water


Edit 8-4-21

To switch things up can also add 1g nutritional yeast to the above recipe. I like to pour plates of each and send transfers to both medias.

Note: when using nutritional yeast, agar will become cloudy. I recommend using the charcoal powder for yeast plates.

Directions


1. Add distilled water to pot and begin heating to light boil.
2. While water is heating up, measure out dry ingredients.
3. Once water is beginning to lightly boil, whisk in dry ingredients and reduce heat to prevent boil over.
4. If you have a stick blender, blend for 30-45 seconds thoroughly.



5. Continue to lightly boil agar for 1-2 minutes stirring to prevent foaming and boil over.
6. Add food coloring to media bottles. Personally I use 3 bottles for a 1000ml batch. 3 drops food coloring or 1 drop per 100ml per media bottle. Have fun, experiment with mixing colors.
7. Funnel agar mix into media bottles distributing evenly among bottles. Swirl to distribute food coloring, cap loosely and cover top with foil if you desire. After a few years I’ve pretty much eliminated using foil for most things.



Edit 8-4-21

8. Add enough water to PC for a 20 minute run. For fairly cheap you can get a raised rack for your PC keeps your jars and media bottles out the water. Fill PC to just under or touching the rack.



9. Follow the manufacturer instruction for purging and bringing PC up to a boil prior to adding the weight. I use the modified weight with 2 quarters tapped to it. This reduces rattle and allows the pressure cooker to reach pressures above 15psi.
10. Bring the PC up to 15-17psi and set timer for 20 minutes. Continue to monitor pressure don't allow it to exceed 17psi for safety sake.
11. Once time is up, turn off heat and allow pressure to release naturally, use this time to shower, prep SAB if using one, wipe down your prep surfaces ect.
12. In pot large enough to hold media bottles, heat several inches of water to 140f (60c) or if you own a sous vide this is even better.
13. Carefully remove media bottles from PC, place into pot of water ( this serves two purposes, one it helps cool the bottles down to handling temps and helps keep bottles warm to prevent from setting up while pouring other bottles) move your pot and media bottles to where you will be performing pours.
14. Using a laser temp probe measure the media bottles temperature. I begin pouring once temperature reaches 135-140f (57-60c)

Once all plates are poured leave unwrapped in SAB with arm holes covered for several days or several hours in front of flowhood to allow condensation to subside.

 

The end result is a crystal clear plate with no condensation




Taking Transfers


This method of taking transfers can be performed within a SAB or in front of a flow hood. For obvious reasons a flow hood is much easier to work in front of.



Tools Needed


The main focus of this method utilizes a punch or stainless steel straw to act as a cookie cutter making perfectly round holes in your agar for transfer. The method has been floating around on the groups for some time now. You can make one these out of brass tubes, metal straws what ever. You're only limited by your imagination. I’ve been using a custom punch made with brass tubing and has an acrylic handle.



  • Leather hole punch
  • Flowhood or SAB
  • Scalpel
  • Torch or alcohol burner
  • Parafilm or cling wrap... what ever you prefer wrapping your plates with
  • Petri dishes transferring from.
  • Poured petri dishes for transferring to.
  • Spare dish for cooling heated tools ( I use a ugly dish, one that had sediment or perhaps agar started to gel toward end of pours)



Directions


1. Select the plates you will be transferring from.
2. Prep you work surfaces as usual, wipe down with iso ect.
3. Flame sterilize your scalpel and place into a container blade up.
4. Flame sterilize your punch.You will not be able to get the steel red hot without burning yourself and not being able to handle the tool. Just gently flame the tip and slot opening for a few good seconds like shown in video above.
5. Cool the leather punch / transfer tool in the spare petri dish by gently depressing into agar several times until it stops sizzling. If using brass tubing, ss straw ect this will be not necessary as the metal cools fairly quickly on its own.
6. Use the punch to cut perfect lil circles into the leading edge of your myc





7. Using your previously flame sterilized scalpel, gently poke into the side of your transfer disc and lift. This may take a little practice but it's extremely easy once you have done it a couple times. i recommend practicing on a blank petri until you get the hang of it.







By gently pressing the disc onto the recieving plate it should stick and allow you to slide your scalpel out. Sometimes if your scalpel slipped too far into the disc you may have a little difficulty getting it free.

You're left with a perfect little transfer disc in the center of your agar.



The end result after a few transfers are beautifully symmetrical dishes.





Hope this little tutorial helps you elevate your agar and transfer game. I'll update periodically with better videos and pictures.

Thanks, D3


Edited by D3_Myc (10/22/21 08:03 PM)


Extras: Unfilter Print Post Top
InvisibleD3_Myc
Weeb Trash
I'm a teapot


Registered: 05/06/18
Posts: 4,399
Loc: Year Zero
Trusted Cultivator
Re: D3's Perfect transfers and agar TEK. [Re: hallmaker]
    #26628454 - 04/25/20 11:36 PM (3 years, 8 months ago)

Quote:

hallmaker said:
Nice right up duuuuude. Gonna definitely use the food coloring and leather punch tips. Couple quick questions.
1. In a earlier post, I seen you cross breed using liquid streaks. Would putting multiple agar punches from 2 different strains do the same? Also, I'm gonna use the marker on the petri dish lid to trace the streak tip.
2. Do you do anything special with your camera for clearer shots. Both my camera and phone blur just before the shot
3. Is your leather punch particularly extra sharp or will a decent set from Amazon be ok?

Thanks for the help




Any set should be fine, there’s also other options like dermal punches. I got a tool being made for me right now that has a custom made handle of either wood or acrylic. Look forward to trying it out.

I’ve never used liquid inoculant for streaks only spores. I traced my streaks out and labeled them before hand to just help
Me plan and remember what was streaked where since I was doing so many different cross attempts.



As far as the sandwiching agar pucks for crosses I’m not sure. Probably a better question for the more experienced folks over on the strain crossing thread.


Extras: Unfilter Print Post Top
InvisibleHobbit GDF
Deadhead
Male


Registered: 02/14/19
Posts: 3,385
Loc: Terrapin station Flag
Re: D3's Perfect transfers and agar TEK. [Re: D3_Myc]
    #26629983 - 04/26/20 01:58 PM (3 years, 8 months ago)

Ok so this is what I came up with. I haven't used it yet. The grip off the ink pen should work as a insulator.  I pushed both in half way.
The punch is 3/16 matched with back of ink pen and gripper off the ink pen.



It's pretty stable with just the gripper connection . Once I use it and see how it acts I'll decide if I use electrical tape or not.


Extras: Unfilter Print Post Top
InvisibleD3_Myc
Weeb Trash
I'm a teapot


Registered: 05/06/18
Posts: 4,399
Loc: Year Zero
Trusted Cultivator
Re: D3's Perfect transfers and agar TEK. [Re: redhandmat]
    #26633136 - 04/27/20 09:52 PM (3 years, 8 months ago)

Was just sent a picture of my new agar punch. Really excited, should be here in the next week or so. Can't wait to give it a try. Hopefully it works as well or better than my leather punch.



Extras: Unfilter Print Post Top
InvisibleGrumio


Registered: 10/18/19
Posts: 126
Re: D3's Perfect transfers and agar TEK. [Re: ouuwee] * 3
    #26655438 - 05/07/20 03:55 PM (3 years, 8 months ago)

I just use metal drinking straws now after getting annoyed waiting for punches to cool down.

They are thin wall stainless steel so ideal for this use and your hands are further away too, even better if you use the bent straws as well to save your hand hovering above.



Extras: Unfilter Print Post Top
InvisibleD3_Myc
Weeb Trash
I'm a teapot


Registered: 05/06/18
Posts: 4,399
Loc: Year Zero
Trusted Cultivator
Re: D3's Perfect transfers and agar TEK. [Re: Grumio]
    #26656180 - 05/07/20 10:07 PM (3 years, 8 months ago)

Got my new agar punch in yesterday and gave it its first test run today. Worked really good.



Did some transfers on these plates before they went to grain. Transfers off to cold storage









Extras: Unfilter Print Post Top
InvisibleHobbit GDF
Deadhead
Male


Registered: 02/14/19
Posts: 3,385
Loc: Terrapin station Flag
Re: D3's Perfect transfers and agar TEK. [Re: Sockadin]
    #26663062 - 05/10/20 07:21 PM (3 years, 8 months ago)

Yeah he does good job.

They heat up fast and cool fast. I dig these tools d3monic


Edited by Hobbit GDF (05/10/20 07:23 PM)


Extras: Unfilter Print Post Top
InvisibleD3_Myc
Weeb Trash
I'm a teapot


Registered: 05/06/18
Posts: 4,399
Loc: Year Zero
Trusted Cultivator
Re: D3's Perfect transfers and agar TEK. *DELETED* [Re: D3_Myc]
    #26664953 - 05/11/20 04:47 PM (3 years, 8 months ago)

Post deleted by D3monic

Reason for deletion: oof


Extras: Unfilter Print Post Top
OfflineX-Ray Cat
Sees through wooden doors

Registered: 05/12/20
Posts: 134
Last seen: 6 months, 22 days
Re: D3's Perfect transfers and agar TEK. [Re: D3_Myc]
    #26673194 - 05/15/20 05:47 PM (3 years, 8 months ago)

Thanks for this write-up D3.  I've officially moved on from DFA now, and only for aesthetic reasons :lol:.  I was wondering what you thought about a tool like yours but with a 90 degree angle towards the end, like this...

That way I wouldn't have to have my hand right above the plate.  If your guy could even make something like that.


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

"It says number one son on the license plate. That's me. I'm the number one son."
"What about me, Mom?"
"You're number one son too"


Extras: Unfilter Print Post Top
Invisiblecircles

Registered: 06/15/16
Posts: 344
Re: D3's Perfect transfers and agar TEK. [Re: X-Ray Cat]
    #26673268 - 05/15/20 06:14 PM (3 years, 8 months ago)

Quote:

X-Ray Cat said:
Thanks for this write-up D3.  I've officially moved on from DFA now, and only for aesthetic reasons :lol:.  I was wondering what you thought about a tool like yours but with a 90 degree angle towards the end, like this...

That way I wouldn't have to have my hand right above the plate.  If your guy could even make something like that.





They already exist:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Dental-Tissue-Punch-5mm-Angled-L-Shape-Premium-Surgical-Instruments/253262685996?hash=item3af7a1e72c:g:ElwAAOSwnHZYQbZ4


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


Extras: Unfilter Print Post Top
OfflineX-Ray Cat
Sees through wooden doors

Registered: 05/12/20
Posts: 134
Last seen: 6 months, 22 days
Re: D3's Perfect transfers and agar TEK. [Re: circles]
    #26673287 - 05/15/20 06:21 PM (3 years, 8 months ago)

Quote:

circles said:
Quote:

X-Ray Cat said:
Thanks for this write-up D3.  I've officially moved on from DFA now, and only for aesthetic reasons :lol:.  I was wondering what you thought about a tool like yours but with a 90 degree angle towards the end, like this...

That way I wouldn't have to have my hand right above the plate.  If your guy could even make something like that.





They already exist:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Dental-Tissue-Punch-5mm-Angled-L-Shape-Premium-Surgical-Instruments/253262685996?hash=item3af7a1e72c:g:ElwAAOSwnHZYQbZ4




:shocking:

Thank you!


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

"It says number one son on the license plate. That's me. I'm the number one son."
"What about me, Mom?"
"You're number one son too"


Extras: Unfilter Print Post Top
OfflineSockadin
Male User Gallery


Registered: 01/03/10
Posts: 7,244
Last seen: 2 months, 19 days
Trusted Cultivator
Re: D3's Perfect transfers and agar TEK. [Re: PMBastian] * 3
    #26676296 - 05/17/20 05:47 AM (3 years, 8 months ago)

Demonic punch action...



Extras: Unfilter Print Post Top
OfflineRoundabout
On again off again

Registered: 04/02/20
Posts: 80
Last seen: 1 year, 8 months
Re: D3's Perfect transfers and agar TEK. [Re: D3_Myc] * 1
    #26688425 - 05/22/20 03:17 PM (3 years, 8 months ago)

Poured plates and did some agar a few weeks ago, looks way better than my old stuff!

I bought a punch set, but also picked up a 1/4" brass rod, cut it short, and dremeled it to give a flame hole. No fancy resin handle but it seems to work pretty well. It gets slightly warm if I flame too long but not a problem.




I noticed today that some of the plates it looks like the mycelium is breaking down the dye or something. The "pucks" that went in weren't colored, but the Golden teacher is back to normal MEA color for a lot of it.


Thanks for the write up D3monic!


Extras: Unfilter Print Post Top
OfflineCrackatoa
Stranger in a strange land
I'm a teapot User Gallery


Registered: 03/31/19
Posts: 5,399
Loc: Over by your Mama's house Flag
Last seen: 2 days, 12 hours
Trusted Cultivator
Re: D3's Perfect transfers and agar TEK. [Re: PCaddict]
    #26690342 - 05/23/20 12:56 PM (3 years, 8 months ago)


Its not as round as yours, my punch is way smaller. But digging though. Thanks man.


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

Crack's Tek's and Shit



Edited by Crackatoa (05/23/20 12:57 PM)


Extras: Unfilter Print Post Top
InvisibleD3_Myc
Weeb Trash
I'm a teapot


Registered: 05/06/18
Posts: 4,399
Loc: Year Zero
Trusted Cultivator
Re: D3's Perfect transfers and agar TEK. [Re: Crackatoa]
    #26690677 - 05/23/20 03:33 PM (3 years, 8 months ago)

Quote:

Crackatoa said:

Its not as round as yours, my punch is way smaller. But digging though. Thanks man.





Looks good to me, nice work man


Extras: Unfilter Print Post Top
OfflineSockadin
Male User Gallery


Registered: 01/03/10
Posts: 7,244
Last seen: 2 months, 19 days
Trusted Cultivator
Re: D3's Perfect transfers and agar TEK. [Re: D3_Myc]
    #26693489 - 05/24/20 07:16 PM (3 years, 8 months ago)

Just wanted to drop these here.


Extras: Unfilter Print Post Top
InvisibleHobbit GDF
Deadhead
Male


Registered: 02/14/19
Posts: 3,385
Loc: Terrapin station Flag
Re: D3's Perfect transfers and agar TEK. [Re: D3_Myc]
    #26695780 - 05/25/20 09:16 PM (3 years, 7 months ago)

I have quite a few pretty ones. Some over grown, some just starting. Had one set cross contam 4 plates with bacteria.
Got to keep clean and sterilize.



Extras: Unfilter Print Post Top
Invisibleeatyualive
Eat's You Alive :)
 User Gallery


Registered: 08/17/01
Posts: 19,026
Loc: In Your Head
Trusted Cultivator
Re: D3's Perfect transfers and agar TEK. [Re: D3_Myc] * 2
    #26697643 - 05/26/20 06:03 PM (3 years, 7 months ago)



--------------------
EAT GETS SHIT DONE


:flame::chief:JOIN THE POW WOW:chief::flame:


Extras: Unfilter Print Post Top
Invisibleeatyualive
Eat's You Alive :)
 User Gallery


Registered: 08/17/01
Posts: 19,026
Loc: In Your Head
Trusted Cultivator
Re: D3's Perfect transfers and agar TEK. [Re: Hobbit GDF] * 1
    #26705580 - 05/29/20 07:43 PM (3 years, 7 months ago)

I tried the emulsifier blender with this pasty recipe. It’s a little tough but I think it made the plate mix smoother. I put dark purple food coloring so it’s tough to see. I didn’t like the all metal tool. I need some kind of holder so it doesn’t burn my hand. And I almost set my table on fire tonight using a paper towel to hold it while flame sterilizing the utensil. Yep noob here. Anyway, I used the smaller tool this time and I like the size. I used a bigger tool last time and had some difficulty.



--------------------
EAT GETS SHIT DONE


:flame::chief:JOIN THE POW WOW:chief::flame:


Extras: Unfilter Print Post Top
Offlinetomcards
Male


Registered: 04/24/15
Posts: 427
Loc: San Francisco
Last seen: 10 months, 19 days
Re: D3's Perfect transfers and agar TEK. [Re: Sockadin] * 1
    #26708775 - 05/31/20 09:28 AM (3 years, 7 months ago)

The punches arrived.  I used the 5/16" punch because I wanted a slightly larger puck to manipulate on my first attempt.

After sterilizing and cooling, I punched the plate and it cut a perfect puck.  On the second punch, the puck stuck in the punch. This was my first agar pour and my agar is deep.  I poked out the puck with the scalpel and left it on the plate.  I punched another puck and it stayed on the plate.

I speared the edge of one puck with the scalpel and transferred it to the plate.

I somehow managed to slide the scalpel under the second puck and lifted it off the tray.  It was time to load the slant.

Instead of turning the scalpel upside down, hoping the puck would stick to it while I inserted it into the slant, I inserted the scalpel, with the puck balanced on top, into the horizontal slant.  I rotated the slant on its horizontal axis so that the agar was above the scalpel and puck.  I raised the scalpel, sticking the puck to the agar.  Then I rotated the slant and scalpel on its horizontal axis again so that the agar was back on the bottom.  I slid the scalpel off the puck without a problem.

I'll let them grow a bit and then into the fridge they go for long-term storage.





I also bought your recommended agar, malt extract and food coloring.  I'll use them for my next pour.


Thanks again.


Extras: Unfilter Print Post Top
Jump to top Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Next >  [ show all ]

Shop: North Spore Injection Grain Bag   Kraken Kratom Red Vein Kratom   Mushroom-Hut Substrate Bags   Original Sensible Seeds Bulk Cannabis Seeds   Left Coast Kratom Buy Kratom Extract   PhytoExtractum Kratom Powder for Sale


Similar ThreadsPosterViewsRepliesLast post
* Agar Tek Aristar 5,810 12 08/01/03 06:42 PM
by shirley knott
* ?NO,AGAR TEK AT SHROOMERY?? bluelou 5,730 8 12/13/19 06:16 PM
by mushboy
* transferring agar meatman 2,484 3 10/02/02 01:13 PM
by tripndicular
* Re: Peroxidated Agar Tek sparks 4,551 6 05/08/00 12:43 AM
by Anonymous
* agar tek? the man 2,771 4 12/16/02 10:45 AM
by the man
* Water agar questions med man 300 7 08/20/23 02:48 PM
by phenyl
* Agar ;)
( 1 2 all )
SCIOpenEyedDream 7,177 25 09/01/04 09:58 AM
by fastfred
* AGAR ENVY! (Anything and All things agar!)
( 1 2 3 4 ... 1253 1254 )
TormatoMFacebookDiscordReddit 540,837 25,073 01/27/24 01:46 AM
by Phaethon

Extra information
You cannot start new topics / You cannot reply to topics
HTML is disabled / BBCode is enabled
Moderator: Shroomism, george castanza, RogerRabbit, veggie, mushboy, fahtster, LogicaL Chaos, 13shrooms, Stipe-n Cap, Pastywhyte, bodhisatta, Tormato, Land Trout, A.k.a
50,927 topic views. 20 members, 170 guests and 40 web crawlers are browsing this forum.
[ Show All Posts | Sort by Score | Print Topic ]
Search this thread:

Copyright 1997-2024 Mind Media. Some rights reserved.

Generated in 0.037 seconds spending 0.012 seconds on 17 queries.