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Blue Helix
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Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts 2
#26800865 - 07/03/20 07:02 AM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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I've been asked before how to make a filter lid for LCs that do not leak and work perfectly for mushroom growing. Below is a picture of the lid, and here are the exact components I recommend:

Plastic Widemouth canning lids https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-Large-Jar-Lids/21312095
Gaskets for Lids (a must to prevent leaking and superior to the ones in the picture in my opinion) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TSQ9DZ1/
Another option for the gasket and lids combined: you can get the gasket and lid together here for less than either alone, but I don't know this brand personally (the others I do): https://www.amazon.com/Aozita-Plastic-REGULAR-Mouth-Silicone/dp/B07T1G3MNK/
Vacutainers (BD 366430) with red septums which are about ten times as good as the grey stoppers (note this price is INSANELY low and I just found it today. I've had friends buy these at $50 for 100-count) https://www.walmartpetrx.com/p-5289-bd-vacutainer-serum-blood-collection-tubes-10-ml-16-x-100-mm-100-pk.aspx
22um, PTFE (hydrophobic), 32mm syringe filters (at 50 for $20 this is the best deal I've seen. Also these are very high quality.) https://www.ebay.com/itm/32mm-PTFE-Syringe-Filter-0-22um-Pore-Size-Non-sterile-10-1000-pieces/153574497916
Price per lid with option 1 above: $2.21 Price per lid with option 2 above: $1.18
To make these, you gotta drill two holes - that's it! Assuming you are going to use the red septums of the vacutainers as an injection port (which you should use over the separate grey ones which are a lower quality), the two drill bit sizes for the two holes you need to drill are as follows:
Required Drill Bits for Above Red silicone septum for injection port - 1/2" Blue hydrophobic filters listed above - 7/32"
If you are using a hand drill, you better drill a smaller 1/8" or even 7/32" hole to drive the half-inch bit in (or it can jump on you).
Hope that helps!
Edited by Blue Helix (10/04/20 06:48 PM)
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The Fresh Prints
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Blue Helix] 1
#26800921 - 07/03/20 07:33 AM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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How much use do you get from the vacutainer caps before theyre compromised? Are the tubes of any use? 10ml is Probably too small for a slant, eh?
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lefty24
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: The Fresh Prints]
#26800930 - 07/03/20 07:38 AM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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Why wouldn't self healing vial stoppers work? So you have to use the vacutainers?
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Blue Helix
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: The Fresh Prints]
#26800935 - 07/03/20 07:39 AM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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That's the thing. If you use say a needle of 14-gauge or higher (meaning smaller), those red septums will last a hundred injections if not more. I use a fat-ass 12-gauge stainless steel needle in them and they still last a long time if I'm careful. Most people here use 16-gauge needles and they'll last probably 100 to 200 injections if not more with those tiny needles. The little grey septums last maybe a tenth that. Given how cheap those vacutainers are (I used to pay twice that price on eBay) from Walmart Pets is now, I wouldn't even bother with the grey stoppers at all. If you don't want the tubes, just toss them and keep the septums.
PS - I shit you not that I found those red septums on sale on eBay for "mushroom use" for $12 each. I'm not kidding.
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Blue Helix
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: lefty24]
#26800940 - 07/03/20 07:42 AM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
lefty24 said: Why wouldn't self healing vial stoppers work? So you have to use the vacutainers?
No, you don't have to use the test tube part of the vacutainers if you don't want. I happen to store my LCs in the refrigerator in them, but you can throw them away. The real treasure on those is that red septum which I guess you call a "self-healing vial stopper" if you want. Go find those for 15 cents each now, though. You won't find them for that. I saw them on eBay for $12 EACH a few hours ago even. The vacutainers are a great deal if you use the test tube part or not.
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The Fresh Prints
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Blue Helix]
#26801008 - 07/03/20 08:13 AM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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Yeah I stop trusting the grey SHIPs after their second PC cycle. I'll go ahead and snag a pack of those. Thanks for the heads-up!
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Blue Helix
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: The Fresh Prints]
#26801382 - 07/03/20 12:32 PM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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Another option for the gasket and lids combined: you can get the gasket and lid together here for less than either alone, but I don't know this brand personally (the others I do): https://www.amazon.com/Aozita-Plastic-REGULAR-Mouth-Silicone/dp/B07T1G3MNK/
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Blue Helix
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Blue Helix]
#26805313 - 07/05/20 01:38 PM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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One other comment I should have added above: sometimes the syringe filter discs do clog after repeated use. I don't know exactly how or why, but it does happen. Before I put anything in the pressure cooker, I test the filter disc by blowing air with my lips through it. Air should pass through with some resistance. If there is no resistance or if it's totally clogged, just replace the filter disc with a new one.
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sandman420
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Blue Helix]
#26805461 - 07/05/20 03:04 PM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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You like those gaskets with the tall inner rim that stick to the jar like in your first pic? I tried them and found they can come half loose when you take the lid off to drop agar in. The normal clear silicone gaskets without that flange stick to the inside of the lid and stay out of the way a lot better IMO.
edit: I might be thinking of a different brand of gasket that has that extra inner rim like in your first picture that stick to to the jar rim, I guess the county line ones dont have that. Whatever ones have that are a bit of a pain.
Edited by sandman420 (07/05/20 03:31 PM)
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Blue Helix
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: sandman420]
#26805599 - 07/05/20 04:31 PM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
sandman420 said: You like those gaskets with the tall inner rim that stick to the jar like in your first pic? I tried them and found they can come half loose when you take the lid off to drop agar in. The normal clear silicone gaskets without that flange stick to the inside of the lid and stay out of the way a lot better IMO.
edit: I might be thinking of a different brand of gasket that has that extra inner rim like in your first picture that stick to to the jar rim, I guess the county line ones dont have that. Whatever ones have that are a bit of a pain.
Sorry, I had the wrong link, and I've corrected it (thank you for pointing this out). These are the gaskets I use:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LWX1BCC/
This type I have not noticed falling in. Maybe those others would.
Edited by Blue Helix (07/05/20 04:40 PM)
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L0rdk4in
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Blue Helix]
#26821980 - 07/13/20 09:55 PM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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The amazon page for the lids say not suitable for pressure cooking. Is that true?
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Blue Helix
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: L0rdk4in]
#26837090 - 07/21/20 09:01 PM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
L0rdk4in said: The amazon page for the lids say not suitable for pressure cooking. Is that true?
I'm actually not sure. I use the white Mainstays lids like those at Walmart. They do not warp in the pressure cooker:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-Large-Jar-Lids/21312095
I'll change the link.
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L0rdk4in
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Blue Helix]
#26839436 - 07/22/20 10:20 PM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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I just got my order of the amazon linked ones in. I will try them this weekend and let you know. If not Ill grab those.
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Kernale
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Blue Helix]
#26839502 - 07/22/20 11:02 PM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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Im not sure if these are exactly the same ports, but they are for the same purpose.
https://www.sciplus.com/lg-orange-stopper-50288-p
20 for $2.50
No tubes, if that matters to you, but it's about half the price.
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Pastywhyte
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Kernale]
#26839601 - 07/23/20 12:03 AM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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Nice post. I like a good LC lid, often they are useful for a few things. I love LC too but that’s a different story.
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Blue Helix
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Kernale]
#26839634 - 07/23/20 12:30 AM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
Kernale said: Im not sure if these are exactly the same ports, but they are for the same purpose.
https://www.sciplus.com/lg-orange-stopper-50288-p
20 for $2.50
No tubes, if that matters to you, but it's about half the price.
That's a really good price for those. I wonder if they are stronger than the ones that are on the vacutainers? And shipping looks to be only $7.50 no matter if you get 20 or 100. For that price, I should get a hundred or so and find out! Does anyone have any experience with these and big needles (say 14 gauge or fatter)?
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Blue Helix
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Pastywhyte]
#26839638 - 07/23/20 12:32 AM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
Pastywhyte said: Nice post. I like a good LC lid, often they are useful for a few things. I love LC too but that’s a different story.
Yeah, for example, one thing I like to do is load up a quart jar with 10ml syringes with needles and needle caps on and sterilize the while jar of them. Then when I want one, I just open the jar, quickly remove one, and close it back fast. You can do a lot of stuff like that with a good LC lid.
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Kernale
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Blue Helix]
#26839678 - 07/23/20 01:06 AM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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I've found that site has pretty slow shipping, but other than that they are great. They have a few other useful things for this hobby if you look hard enough. You might get a few laughs too; the guy that writes the item descriptions is hilarious.
I haven't actually used them so I can't speak to their quality compared to other ports I've used. But I assume they are the real deal, legit medical surplus, probably high quality material.
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mushpunx
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Blue Helix]
#26839713 - 07/23/20 02:03 AM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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Nice thread! I recently made some of these up to give a try. I used the "autoclave safe" plastic lids you can get off cultivation sites (I think I got mine off FP). I've given these a really good shaking with water in the jar and haven't found them to leak at all without having to use a silicone gasket.
I have some of the heavy duty rubber injection ports but I haven't set them in yet.
Have you ever had a contaminant introduced from pulling syringes up thru the injection port? Do you just sanitize it with ISO first?
Thanks!
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Blue Helix
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: mushpunx]
#26839813 - 07/23/20 05:12 AM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
mushpunx said: Nice thread! I recently made some of these up to give a try. I used the "autoclave safe" plastic lids you can get off cultivation sites (I think I got mine off FP). I've given these a really good shaking with water in the jar and haven't found them to leak at all without having to use a silicone gasket.
I have some of the heavy duty rubber injection ports but I haven't set them in yet.
Have you ever had a contaminant introduced from pulling syringes up thru the injection port? Do you just sanitize it with ISO first?
Thanks!

I tend to fill the dimple on top of the injection port with a spray of ISO. Then when the needle is going in, it passes through it. When you remove it, it passes through it. I've never had contamination spread via the route.
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rickyswamps
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Blue Helix] 1
#26839850 - 07/23/20 06:26 AM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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I quit using LC lids and just use my grain lids. Do inoculation free pouring and it does great. Unless there is a certain reason it has to go into a syringe. Just another step and process to worry about.
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mushpunx
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Blue Helix]
#26839862 - 07/23/20 06:41 AM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
Blue Helix said:
Quote:
mushpunx said: Nice thread! I recently made some of these up to give a try. I used the "autoclave safe" plastic lids you can get off cultivation sites (I think I got mine off FP). I've given these a really good shaking with water in the jar and haven't found them to leak at all without having to use a silicone gasket.
I have some of the heavy duty rubber injection ports but I haven't set them in yet.
Have you ever had a contaminant introduced from pulling syringes up thru the injection port? Do you just sanitize it with ISO first?
Thanks!

I tend to fill the dimple on top of the injection port with a spray of ISO. Then when the needle is going in, it passes through it. When you remove it, it passes through it. I've never had contamination spread via the route.
Thanks man! Maybe I'll try this then. Loading a number of syringes up sounds a lot easier this way.
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 Amateur Mycologists United AMU Q&A
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mushpunx
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: rickyswamps]
#26839866 - 07/23/20 06:51 AM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
rickyswamps said: I quit using LC lids and just use my grain lids. Do inoculation free pouring and it does great. Unless there is a certain reason it has to go into a syringe. Just another step and process to worry about.
I always just used my grain lids too, but after I had an accident when a shelf in the refrigerator fell I decided to give them a try for safer storage. They're so cheap and easy I think I'm gonna stick with them.
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 Amateur Mycologists United AMU Q&A
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sandman420
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: mushpunx]
#26839901 - 07/23/20 07:23 AM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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Free pour just not really possible to inoculate spawn bags. The floppy top of the bag is too unwieldy.
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Camera93
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: mushpunx]
#26839905 - 07/23/20 07:30 AM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
mushpunx said:

I get confused around what this is?
On my lids i have a hole with sfd over it, and another hole i put one of those heavy duty rubber SHIPS. I got timid when I went to use it tho, as it seemed to require quite a bit of force to get the needle to pierce thru. I opted for opening the jar and at an angle aspirating to syringe. I really would rather do it with lid on the whole time lol. what does that syringe filter I quoted do? Does it act like my SFD or do you suck up the LC thru that?
an example of my lids:
-------------------- All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz, and I’m fine. Whatever you decide won’t really impact our survival Close your eyes, and do the best that you can
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rickyswamps
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: sandman420] 1
#26839963 - 07/23/20 08:20 AM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
sandman420 said: Free pour just not really possible to inoculate spawn bags. The floppy top of the bag is too unwieldy.
Not really true. Do it all the time and works fine. Open the bag in front of the hood and pour in. Bag will stand straight up if you folded it well before PCing.
Anyways, don't really want to derail the how to make a lid thread. Just know that its an option that works.
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Pastywhyte
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: rickyswamps]
#26840006 - 07/23/20 08:43 AM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
rickyswamps said:
Quote:
sandman420 said: Free pour just not really possible to inoculate spawn bags. The floppy top of the bag is too unwieldy.
Not really true. Do it all the time and works fine. Open the bag in front of the hood and pour in. Bag will stand straight up if you folded it well before PCing.
Anyways, don't really want to derail the how to make a lid thread. Just know that its an option that works. 
I agree. I’ve done free pour many times and it’s no more difficult than G2G is.
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sandman420
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Pastywhyte]
#26840009 - 07/23/20 08:44 AM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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When I tried it the liquid hits the side of the bag and makes it want to fold over sometimes. It was a bit of a struggle to keep the bag open.
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Blue Helix
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: sandman420]
#26843896 - 07/25/20 01:28 AM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
sandman420 said: Free pour just not really possible to inoculate spawn bags. The floppy top of the bag is too unwieldy.
Free pouring isn't, but the use of LCs into spawn bags is what I always have done. Every single grow I have on this site was done via LC directly inoculating and injected into a spawn bag without any spawn ever having been created. My substrates always include grain as a component, but I've never used grain jars - not once. I've covered this topic many, many times, but basically, I just inject in a tap-reinforced part of the spawn bag and cover with hot glue. It works PERFECTLY and you don't waste your time with spawn.
   
Again, this is how ALL my grows are done. I've never touched spawn for 20 years. Here are the typical results too:
      
How I am growing the mushrooms is easier than using agar and spawning. The first time I inoculate LCs with a tiny bit of spores (the only time I ever use a SAB). Ever after I don't touch the SAB or flow hoods or anything like that. Instead, everything is injection-based so how clean the room is doesn't matter. All subsequent LCs are inoculated with a half or one ml of some stored LC. LCs are stored in vacutainers which are like 15 cents each and last forever, so I don't need to go back to spores. I don't see a lot of people doing what I do, but I cannot seem to change people's old habits even when they are harder. Growers just seem to keep with the PK tek or agar and spawning for some strange reason.
Edited by Blue Helix (07/25/20 01:52 AM)
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mushpunx
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Camera93] 1
#26843953 - 07/25/20 03:18 AM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
Camera93 said:
Quote:
mushpunx said:

I get confused around what this is?
On my lids i have a hole with sfd over it, and another hole i put one of those heavy duty rubber SHIPS. I got timid when I went to use it tho, as it seemed to require quite a bit of force to get the needle to pierce thru. I opted for opening the jar and at an angle aspirating to syringe. I really would rather do it with lid on the whole time lol. what does that syringe filter I quoted do? Does it act like my SFD or do you suck up the LC thru that?
an example of my lids:

It's a syringe wheel filter, it has a micron filter inside. They are meant for gong on the end of syringes to pull liquid thru (it will filter out some bacteria, particlulates etc). We don't use them for that though, we repurpose them to use as GE filters.
It's just a GE filter that works very well with LC because it's spill proof. You wouldn't want to get an SFD or polyfil etc soaked with LC. You don't aspirate through the syringe filter. I just started using these, I open the cap but you can add a rubber SHIP like OP did if you want.
They're only $1.00 or so. For the one I used I just drill a hole with a 5/32 drill bit and pop it thru,no silicone or anything. It's a good lid for LC.
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 Amateur Mycologists United AMU Q&A
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sandman420
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: mushpunx]
#26843994 - 07/25/20 04:56 AM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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LC rules and your tek is solid my man. Always been an inspiration to me Mr Helix.
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Kernale
Big Guy



Registered: 07/08/20
Posts: 96
Loc: Bikini Bottom
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Blue Helix]
#26844889 - 07/25/20 04:27 PM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
Blue Helix said:
Quote:
sandman420 said: Free pour just not really possible to inoculate spawn bags. The floppy top of the bag is too unwieldy.
Free pouring isn't, but the use of LCs into spawn bags is what I always have done. Every single grow I have on this site was done via LC directly inoculating and injected into a spawn bag without any spawn ever having been created. My substrates always include grain as a component, but I've never used grain jars - not once. I've covered this topic many, many times, but basically, I just inject in a tap-reinforced part of the spawn bag and cover with hot glue. It works PERFECTLY and you don't waste your time with spawn.
   
Again, this is how ALL my grows are done. I've never touched spawn for 20 years. Here are the typical results too:
      
How I am growing the mushrooms is easier than using agar and spawning. The first time I inoculate LCs with a tiny bit of spores (the only time I ever use a SAB). Ever after I don't touch the SAB or flow hoods or anything like that. Instead, everything is injection-based so how clean the room is doesn't matter. All subsequent LCs are inoculated with a half or one ml of some stored LC. LCs are stored in vacutainers which are like 15 cents each and last forever, so I don't need to go back to spores. I don't see a lot of people doing what I do, but I cannot seem to change people's old habits even when they are harder. Growers just seem to keep with the PK tek or agar and spawning for some strange reason.
That seems super convenient. After it all colonizes do you just break it up and put it in a tub? Do you have a substrate recipe? How have I never seen this style before...
I think this needs to be a tek!
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Edited by Kernale (07/25/20 04:28 PM)
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Blue Helix
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Kernale] 3
#26845427 - 07/26/20 01:58 AM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
sandman420 said:
That seems super convenient. After it all colonizes do you just break it up and put it in a tub? Do you have a substrate recipe? How have I never seen this style before...
I think this needs to be a tek!
I guess it sort of is a tek, but yeah, you can use LC to create spawn or, like I do, to just go directly to the sterilized bulk substrate. I use a big ass 12-gauge needle and 140ml to inoculate, but that's not necessary; you could use a small 16-gauge needle dispensing only 60 ml too with probably the same results (hell you might be able to use even 20ml for all I know - never tried it). When it comes time to lay the trays, I spread the colonized substrate out and even the top as much as I can with a baking roller (no pressure is applied though and you could do this with your hand probably about as well). Sometimes I let it recolonize a little (I call it reconsolidation) by putting some saran wrap with toothpick holes over the tray for 1 to 4 days at fruiting temps. I then apply the 50:50 casing around 1/4" for pan cyans (maybe a little deeper for cubes), and it's off to the fruiting chamber. I set the fruiting temperature to 78F and the humidity to 100%. The chamber air has very gentle circulation via two tiny USB clip fans I bought. The circulation should never be strong and never be directed forcefully directly at the tray surface. If you can feel it above the tray with a dry hand, it's probably too much airflow. I also mist the trays extra sometimes by hand or with a hand mister until I see pins. Once the pins are about an inch or two, I drop the humidity to 90 to 95% to encourage them to reach full maturity nicely (that last little drop seems to help but many folks don't bother with it).
If you search my alias "Blue Helix" you can find lots of grow logs on here as well as on Mycotopia (I think I actually have more grow logs on Mycotopia than here). I tried all sorts of fancy substrates over the years, but I didn't find the fancy ones worked any better than the basics to be honest. In fact, it seemed to me that the more fancy they were, the worse they worked. Anymore I always use the same simple substrate recipe because it gives me the best results of any of them:
Quote:
Manure-based Standard Substrate- Dehydrated Horse Manure 44 oz
- Wild bird seed 10 oz
- Vermiculite 1.5 L
- Water ~100 oz
Pressure cook for 4 to 5 hours. Makes about 10 pounds total at 65%+/-1% moisture, but you can scale it down or up as you want.
Edited by Blue Helix (07/26/20 02:08 AM)
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Kernale
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Blue Helix]
#26845988 - 07/26/20 11:44 AM (3 years, 6 months ago) |
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Im gonna have to try this out for sure. I hate PCing jars and love (clean) LC so this seems like my kind of method. Thanks for writing it down man! Ill have to take a gander at your growlogs too.
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Blue Helix
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Kernale] 1
#26854324 - 07/30/20 08:10 PM (3 years, 5 months ago) |
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Quote:
Kernale said: Im gonna have to try this out for sure. I hate PCing jars and love (clean) LC so this seems like my kind of method. Thanks for writing it down man! Ill have to take a gander at your growlogs too.
If, after looking at my grow logs here and on Mycotopia, you still have any questions, please shoot my PM. I promise you this: once you go LC direct to fruit-out substrate, you will never go back to spawn unless you are opening a big mushroom farm where it makes sense.
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Kernale
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Blue Helix]
#26854639 - 07/30/20 11:45 PM (3 years, 5 months ago) |
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Hell yeah, thanks man.
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coAsTal
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Blue Helix]
#26855312 - 07/31/20 11:07 AM (3 years, 5 months ago) |
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I took your advice on these parts and have ordered the components to get my LC game going-- I also like the vials as a long-term storage medium.
-------------------- I am certain of nothing but the holiness of the Heart's affections and the truth of Imagination-- John Keats Spore Trading List
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senescence
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Blue Helix]
#26855449 - 07/31/20 12:23 PM (3 years, 5 months ago) |
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Hey Blue, I just made a thread the other day where I was seeking out your LC-straight-to-Bulk TEK in particular. It's ahead of it's time for sure, can't figure out why more people aren't doing it. I'm going to be trying it this week by just free pouring some LC into the bags (no syringe for now), and I think I'm just going to cut the tops off of the bags once fully colonized (or maybe even remove the plastic completely like people do for Shiitake blocks) and move them into a dedicated fruiting room.
Quote:
Blue Helix said: you will never go back to spawn unless you are opening a big mushroom farm where it makes sense.
Why does it make more sense to make spawn at a commercial op? I can't see how using LC to bulk at a big farm wouldn't also be super useful/competitive.
Edited by senescence (07/31/20 12:26 PM)
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Blue Helix
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: coAsTal]
#26855451 - 07/31/20 12:24 PM (3 years, 5 months ago) |
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Quote:
coAsTal said: I took your advice on these parts and have ordered the components to get my LC game going-- I also like the vials as a long-term storage medium.

You are going to love it! You gotta drill two holes - that's it! Assuming you are going to use the red septums from the vacutainers as an injection port (which you should use over the separate grey ones which are a lower quality), the two drill bit sizes for the two holes you need to drill are as follows:
Required Drill Bits for Above Red silicone septum for injection port - 1/2" Blue hydrophobic filters listed above - 7/32"
For the half inch I use a diamond bell bit from Harbor Freight, but you could probably get away with using a normal drill bit if you take it slow (and if you are using a hand drill you can't really use those bells unless they have a center anchor bit which they usually don't for a half-inch one like that). If you are using a hand drill rather than a table one, I'd recommend first drilling a much smaller hole, though, (say 1/8" or even the 7/32") to guide the 1/2" bit in so it doesn't jump (again, for the buck at least, Harbor Freight is your friend as long as you don't mind supporting the Chinese I guess).
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Edited by Blue Helix (07/31/20 12:41 PM)
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coAsTal
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Blue Helix]
#26855481 - 07/31/20 12:41 PM (3 years, 5 months ago) |
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Many thanks for the advice-- I have both those sizes, but they're DeWalt standard bits-- I have many more of the lids coming than I will use for this project, so I expect no problems if I crack one or two.
Funny you mentioned the smaller pilot holes, because I was thinking that was going to be the approach I took as well. Super excited to get them all put together. I'll be careful-
You don't mention using any red sealant at the hole edges-- unless I missed it. I would like to make sure I have everything on hand when I put them together (probably sometime next weekend)
-------------------- I am certain of nothing but the holiness of the Heart's affections and the truth of Imagination-- John Keats Spore Trading List
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AlsetAlokin
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: mushpunx]
#26855496 - 07/31/20 12:49 PM (3 years, 5 months ago) |
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Quote:
mushpunx said:
Quote:
Camera93 said:
Quote:
mushpunx said:

I get confused around what this is?
On my lids i have a hole with sfd over it, and another hole i put one of those heavy duty rubber SHIPS. I got timid when I went to use it tho, as it seemed to require quite a bit of force to get the needle to pierce thru. I opted for opening the jar and at an angle aspirating to syringe. I really would rather do it with lid on the whole time lol. what does that syringe filter I quoted do? Does it act like my SFD or do you suck up the LC thru that?
an example of my lids:

It's a syringe wheel filter, it has a micron filter inside. They are meant for gong on the end of syringes to pull liquid thru (it will filter out some bacteria, particlulates etc). We don't use them for that though, we repurpose them to use as GE filters.
It's just a GE filter that works very well with LC because it's spill proof. You wouldn't want to get an SFD or polyfil etc soaked with LC. You don't aspirate through the syringe filter. I just started using these, I open the cap but you can add a rubber SHIP like OP did if you want.
They're only $1.00 or so. For the one I used I just drill a hole with a 5/32 drill bit and pop it thru,no silicone or anything. It's a good lid for LC.
This is exactly what I was looking for and the first time seeing it. Have you had any problems with them holding up in PC? Have you experimented with using more than 1, or is just this filter sufficient for GE?
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Blue Helix
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: AlsetAlokin]
#26855600 - 07/31/20 02:03 PM (3 years, 5 months ago) |
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Quote:
AlsetAlokin said:
Quote:
mushpunx said:
Quote:
Camera93 said:
Quote:
mushpunx said:

I get confused around what this is?
On my lids i have a hole with sfd over it, and another hole i put one of those heavy duty rubber SHIPS. I got timid when I went to use it tho, as it seemed to require quite a bit of force to get the needle to pierce thru. I opted for opening the jar and at an angle aspirating to syringe. I really would rather do it with lid on the whole time lol. what does that syringe filter I quoted do? Does it act like my SFD or do you suck up the LC thru that?
an example of my lids:

It's a syringe wheel filter, it has a micron filter inside. They are meant for gong on the end of syringes to pull liquid thru (it will filter out some bacteria, particlulates etc). We don't use them for that though, we repurpose them to use as GE filters.
It's just a GE filter that works very well with LC because it's spill proof. You wouldn't want to get an SFD or polyfil etc soaked with LC. You don't aspirate through the syringe filter. I just started using these, I open the cap but you can add a rubber SHIP like OP did if you want.
They're only $1.00 or so. For the one I used I just drill a hole with a 5/32 drill bit and pop it thru,no silicone or anything. It's a good lid for LC.
This is exactly what I was looking for and the first time seeing it. Have you had any problems with them holding up in PC? Have you experimented with using more than 1, or is just this filter sufficient for GE?
A couple comments: first you do not need the silicone. Yes, I tried that, but I did testing with and without it; it's not necessary unless you don't drill the EXACT size hole I specify. As for 5/32" inches I can tell you that is too small if you use a drill press and purchased the exact filter discs I mention above (others I've gotten did require a smaller 5/32" hole). For a hand drill there can be considerable wobble, though, which makes the hole maybe 1/64" larger than a drill press.
I have had ZERO problems with them holding up EXCEPT when I tried using high-temp silicone. That stuff just got soft and peeled off way to easily (just like every glue I tried did). Luckily I discovered I didn't need it as long as the hole was drilled the exactly right size.
I have tried a couple types of filter discs and let me tell you that they ARE NOT all the same, even within the hydrophobic ones. The ones I recommend are 25mm to 32mm across with filters made of material PTFE. This is important because I tried filters that used PVDF and they had over twice the airflow resistance if my mouth is to be any guide. If you get exactly what I specified above, one filter disc is enough. If you got say PVDF, maybe you need two or three. It's important to understand what those are for, though: they really aren't for gas exchange in the sense you probably are thinking. They allow air in when you draw the solution out and when the jar cools and the steam condenses in the jar. The let air out when the air heats up in the pressure cooker. As far as day-to-day gas exchange, there is VERY little of that. In fact maybe there is one exchange from Brownian motion every other day or something. Whatever it is, it's enough if you use the filter I suggested (0.22um, 32 to 25mm across, hydrophobic and made of PTFE).
One other thing: if the filter gets wet, it can clog temporarily until it dries out. If it got wet from the sugar solution, it may need to be replaced because even once dried the sugar residue will block the filter. You might be able to clean it with an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner or boiling water but it might take several days to dry. Just remember to never push air or LC back into the jar if the filter disc is under water; you might ruin it if you do that. And before each pressure cook, gently blow through it to make sure the airflow is fine going both directions. It's fine to feel some resistance, but it should not be clogged. If it is totally clogged and you cook it, it might just pop out in the pressure cooker when the jar heats up.
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coAsTal
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Blue Helix]
#26855617 - 07/31/20 02:16 PM (3 years, 5 months ago) |
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Outstanding-- thanks for the detail! I remember a method to help stabilize drill bits when precision is needed (at least on a flat plane) that I picked up somewhere long forgotten-- you take a flat 2x4 or 1x4 or whatever wood piece with a pre-drilled vertical hole, and it is placed on the item surface. Then sit it on your surface to be drilled.
This helps to eliminate the "wobble" from open-air drilling since the large part of the bit is inside an existing hole.
I haven't used the method on a jar lid (or plastic) before, but I can't see why it wouldn't work if the plastic is prevented from bowing down as pressure is applied, and/or high speed/low pressure penetration is used.
Look forward to seeing how it works.
-------------------- I am certain of nothing but the holiness of the Heart's affections and the truth of Imagination-- John Keats Spore Trading List
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coAsTal
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: coAsTal]
#26883052 - 08/16/20 09:08 AM (3 years, 5 months ago) |
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-------------------- I am certain of nothing but the holiness of the Heart's affections and the truth of Imagination-- John Keats Spore Trading List
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Blue Helix
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: coAsTal]
#26883385 - 08/16/20 12:19 PM (3 years, 5 months ago) |
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Quote:
coAsTal said:



You got the right one! It looks perfect. Now try it and let everyone know how well it works!
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coAsTal
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Blue Helix]
#26883715 - 08/16/20 04:48 PM (3 years, 5 months ago) |
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I will for sure-- should get something made up this-coming week.
-------------------- I am certain of nothing but the holiness of the Heart's affections and the truth of Imagination-- John Keats Spore Trading List
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swungodungo
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: coAsTal]
#26890993 - 08/21/20 01:04 AM (3 years, 5 months ago) |
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Thanks for making this thread! Lots of great info here.
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senescence
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: swungodungo]
#26921612 - 09/06/20 05:25 PM (3 years, 4 months ago) |
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How do you determine proper syringe filter specs? The original ad in the link is gone. I was planning on using my blunt tip 14G needles for this, what filter specs would work with that?
Anyway thanks for the tek! I also want to mention I copied your LC to bulk tek (using sterilize bags of grains and coir) and it's coming along very nicely. I just poured straight from a quart jar full of LC into the bags; pretty surprised there haven't been any contams yet.
Edited by senescence (09/06/20 05:29 PM)
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Blue Helix
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: senescence] 2
#26969652 - 10/04/20 06:47 PM (3 years, 3 months ago) |
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Hi, I wanted to update this post with respect to the silicone gaskets. I no longer recommend the ones I did in this post that stay on the jar. While they are advertised to not fall in the jar--and they don't--it's highly annoying have them stay on the jar when trying to inoculate the jar. It's all too easy to knock them into the jar. Basically they do the opposite of what they should in this context.
I have changed the link to these better (and far less expensive) gaskets. The reason I like them is that (a) they are far cheaper but just as good and (b) they stick (albeit weakly) in the plastic lid when you take it off. This allows the cultivator full access to the jar's top without an annoying silicone seal in the way, and you don't expose the seal to as much outside air.
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maniac1886
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Re: Making LC cultivation lids - how and where to get the parts [Re: Blue Helix]
#26969703 - 10/04/20 07:18 PM (3 years, 3 months ago) |
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Ive been kicking around the idea of making some of these. I use baby jars right now. Gets the job done, but these look much more efficient!
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