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Omer
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Registered: 01/28/21
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substrate shelf life
#27618506 - 01/14/22 09:27 PM (1 year, 25 days ago) |
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hi all i made 3 buckets of coco/verm substrate last night for three monotubs but found out this morning that i have to leave town for a month and i don't want to start my pe, gt, and dutch until i get back. i don't want to toss the substrate but don't know how long it can be left in buckets before being transferred to monotubs? Anybody had this experience before? not a big deal except i can't find vermiculite this time of year here?
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bigfootscreepyuncl
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Re: substrate shelf life [Re: Omer] 1
#27618542 - 01/14/22 09:59 PM (1 year, 25 days ago) |
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I'm 99% sure it will be just fine. I've made huge amounts of coir and left it for a month or longer with no ill effects.
The only reason I'm not 100% sure it will be fine is because lately it seems like a lot of coir brands have been getting contaminated, which is strange. But, if you're unlucky enough to have contaminated coir it would mold after you spawn anyway. So, long rant short you'll either be completely fine or it will be moldy
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I 5318008 NOT a virgin!
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Omer
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Sorry guys am i better off leaving it in the buckets still sealed from original mixing OR put it in monotubs without the myc since i want no growth for awhile? Never found myself n this position before?!?
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bigfootscreepyuncl
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Re: substrate shelf life [Re: Omer]
#27618657 - 01/14/22 11:26 PM (1 year, 25 days ago) |
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I would just leave it sealed in the bucket to help keep it from losing any moisture
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I 5318008 NOT a virgin!
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Omer
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hi bigft appreciate the info, just a quick question: i notice that you've been at this for about as long as i have, have you done this personally or is this info you have read here or seen elsewhere?
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bigfootscreepyuncl
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Re: substrate shelf life [Re: Omer]
#27618722 - 01/15/22 12:10 AM (1 year, 25 days ago) |
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I've done it personally (5lbs coir dry at a time, used throughout the month) and I've read plenty of other people (TCs included) doing the same thing. By all means wait for someone else to chime in or just use the search function and see that it's pretty common practice. Some of the higher end coir brands come pre-hydrated in bags even. Best of luck
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I 5318008 NOT a virgin!
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bigfootscreepyuncl
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I 5318008 NOT a virgin!
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LotKid
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Registered: 01/08/17
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leaving it sealed is a good way to lose the substrate to mold. leave them cracked open so they can breathe. when you get back you'll just have to add some water to it
-------------------- LotKid's PE Tips LotKid's Chocolates
 "The galaxys in all their glory. What a sight to behold?" - James Webb
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bigfootscreepyuncl
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Re: substrate shelf life [Re: LotKid]
#27618750 - 01/15/22 12:33 AM (1 year, 25 days ago) |
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Quote:
LotKid said: leaving it sealed is a good way to lose the substrate to mold. leave them cracked open so they can breathe. when you get back you'll just have to add some water to it
Thanks for specifying that detail @LotKid - my hydrated coir has never been completely sealed (just rubbermaid tubs) so I shouldn't have advised for it to remain sealed. Sorry for the confusion OP
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I 5318008 NOT a virgin!
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Omer
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Registered: 01/28/21
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Last seen: 1 year, 24 days
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thanks all i read through several of the posts but did not get an answer which is why i posted but the one thing i cannot find again is how to rehydrate the medium after it has been stored? Also, since there has to be a little air to keep from contam, should i transfer to monotub which is not as airtight? or just lift the lids a bit and leave in buckets?
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LotKid
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Registered: 01/08/17
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Re: substrate shelf life [Re: Omer]
#27618860 - 01/15/22 01:54 AM (1 year, 25 days ago) |
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you re hydrate by adding water until you reach your desired capacity..... yes, it's really that simple.
leave them in the buckets with the lids cracked. it wont contam unless it cant breathe.
-------------------- LotKid's PE Tips LotKid's Chocolates
 "The galaxys in all their glory. What a sight to behold?" - James Webb
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Tight Lunchbox
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Re: substrate shelf life [Re: Omer]
#27618902 - 01/15/22 02:23 AM (1 year, 25 days ago) |
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I've been running small Ms grows lately in search of clones and what I do is make a batch of CV, divide it up into gallon bags and put them in the deep freeze until I need them.
-------------------- "it's all a joke between mom contractions and coffin fittings" The most useful tool for noobs
Edited by Tight Lunchbox (01/15/22 02:24 AM)
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