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LukeTheDuke187
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Condensation on Plates
#26922855 - 09/07/20 11:24 AM (3 years, 5 months ago) |
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I have been getting a lot of condensation on my agar plates after I transfer a pieces of colonized mycelium. The plates are initially clear and then after a day or so they become foggy. I am using saran wrap to wrap them. Any ideas? Thanks!
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Goatrider
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Yeah, they condensate due to different temperature in/outside. It should regulate itself, don`t worry about.
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hunter s thompson
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Re: Condensation on Plates [Re: Goatrider]
#26922953 - 09/07/20 12:22 PM (3 years, 5 months ago) |
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Flipping them can help a bit. But as Goatrider said no worries.
-------------------- Anything worth doing, is worth doing right.
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Goatrider
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With flipping i`d be careful. Due to gravity water may be forced out and your plate gets dry. But also placing in a zip lock bag will regulate temperature swings. Also an empty dummy plate on top works for me.
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verum subsequentis
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Re: Condensation on Plates [Re: Goatrider]
#26923103 - 09/07/20 01:31 PM (3 years, 5 months ago) |
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Depends how bad it is. It can present problems for sure. If it's just a tad and making it hard to see then you don't need to worry about it. If it's enough to from drips and run around the plate it can spread contams around and make a huge mess of your culture.
Most important thing is to maintain relatively steady temps when dealing with plates, jars or bags because (as stated above) temperature fluctuations create condensation. If you can't maintain relatively stable temps it can help to throw the dishes in an insulated lunch box (or do any other thing to help insulate them and slow down temp swings. Like the dummy plate mentioned above.)
If it's too cloudy and you want to get a good view before a session, microwave a mug of water and set the warm (not too hot) mug on top of the plate. That'll clear it up enough to get a good view of whats going on in there.
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Funky Monkey
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Quote:
verum subsequentis said: If it's too cloudy and you want to get a good view before a session, microwave a mug of water and set the warm (not too hot) mug on top of the plate. That'll clear it up enough to get a good view of whats going on in there.
That's what I clicked on this thread to say. Works great when you're pouring petris, works great after the fact down the road.
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verum subsequentis
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You do that on the top of a stack after pouring? Interesting idea. I've never tried that. I don't really have condensation issues anywho but the top two plates do fog up a tad from time to time.
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AlsetAlokin
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You do it at the point you want to see the plate to check on growth.
It only works for a little, but gives you a time window to see your plate clearly before opening it.
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Funky Monkey
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Quote:
verum subsequentis said: You do that on the top of a stack after pouring? Interesting idea. I've never tried that. I don't really have condensation issues anywho but the top two plates do fog up a tad from time to time.
brain by the scoop Getchu Some (:
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verum subsequentis
seeker of truth



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AlSet, I'm aware of that but thanks for lookin out.
funky. I'm always down for some brain sauce. I really doubt I'll start doing that but it aint a bad idea for those who can't seem to pour their plates at the right temperature.
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Goatrider
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Total agree, a few degrees make a huge difference. I always pour at 48°C and next day condensation is nearly gone.
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Funky Monkey
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Quote:
verum subsequentis said: it aint a bad idea for those who can't seem to pour their plates at the right temperature.
I have been guilty of this indeed. Especially in the beginning. Now I don't have much of an excuse as I use a temp gun rather than trying to "train my hands" to "feel" that it's ready
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verum subsequentis
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i know the feeling
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LukeTheDuke187
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Sweet, thanks for the input. Any thoughts on using non condensation filled extra lids or even lids from clean cultuers that I am no longer to swap out the foggy ones?
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verum subsequentis
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It's possible but a risky idea. How would you guarantee that the new lid was sterile? Remember that there is a world of difference between sanitary and sterile.
I'd highly suggest not doing this. Rather, just prep the sab as per usual and then gently lift the lid an inch or so to allow you to see what's what. Set it back down and think about your options. Figure out your game plan. Take another careful look if you need then do it to it.
Also, a flashlight can help you see what's going on in hard to observe plates.
PS. did you try the hot cup of water trick?
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LukeTheDuke187
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I have a laminar flow hood so it wouldnt be so bad to lift them and check. I did try the hot glass trick and it works well, just takes a few minutes. Would it be an issues if I dont use saran wrap to wrap the dishes and leave them as is?
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verum subsequentis
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Not if they sit undisturbed in a windless and completely temperature stable environment. Basically, they may be fine but it's not worth risking as it's so easy and cheap to wrap them. Alternatively, They can be placed in fresh ziplock bags but that's more expensive.
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