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TonyCanoli
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Let’s talk Agar Recipes 1
#28360655 - 06/15/23 10:21 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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I know there are likely multiple threads for all the different agar recipes and they likely contain a ton of useful information.
I’m basically trying to compile all that information with this thread.
Share your agar recipes and process! Let’s hear it!
I’m blown away by how clear some of you guys can get your plates and I’d like to know what some of the pros are using in real time.
I use the PGT Agar recipe: 3 parts potato flakes - 12 grams 2 parts agar agar - 8 grams 1 part corn syrup - 4 grams Water - 400 ml - 2 cups
And I can’t imagine I’ll ever get clear agar using something like potato flakes .
So let’s talk about it!
The what and why, let’s go bros! I’m due for a new batch of agar so I’ll start trying some recipes!
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Edited by TonyCanoli (06/15/23 10:22 AM)
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mushhead
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: TonyCanoli] 1
#28360658 - 06/15/23 10:27 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Best recipe I can recommend is 10-15G LME, 8-10g agar-agar, and Filtered or Distilled water. PC at 45min. Trust I have gone through about 20 or so different recipes.
 
-------------------- Meditation Principles
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TonyCanoli
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: mushhead]
#28360661 - 06/15/23 10:30 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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So do you bring the ingredients to a boil together and then PC or do you just mix and then PC and let the PC cook?
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mushhead
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: TonyCanoli] 1
#28360665 - 06/15/23 10:32 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Honestly I adopted the way Stipe does his agar. It has produced nothing but good results for me and I was having a rough time because of a few different issues. Pro-tip: Don't use five-six year old LME. https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/28354611#28354611
-------------------- Meditation Principles
Silence: Giving you room to listen / Stillness: Giving you room to feel / Spaciousness: Just giving you room
IRC: ##mycology on Libera.chat come hang!
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Stipe-n Cap
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: TonyCanoli] 4
#28360670 - 06/15/23 10:40 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Agar doesn't require loads of nutrients. Click the why agar link in my signature, it's pretty comprehensive.
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TonyCanoli
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I can’t see your signature. Am I missing something? I’m relatively stupid so pardon me lol.
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TonyCanoli
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Quote:
mushhead said: Honestly I adopted the way Stipe does his agar. It has produced nothing but good results for me and I was having a rough time because of a few different issues. Pro-tip: Don't use five-six year old LME. https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/28354611#28354611
Quote:
Stipe-n Cap said: Agar doesn't require loads of nutrients. Click the why agar link in my signature, it's pretty comprehensive.
Oh ok just read it. So literally just ingredient in to watching temp water. Give it the shake weight treatment. PC that sucka for a while, cool, pour? Would i add food coloring with the other ingredients if I wanted to color it?
-------------------- Exploring the Myceliverse sharing Spore Stories
Edited by TonyCanoli (06/15/23 10:59 AM)
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Stipe-n Cap
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: TonyCanoli] 3
#28360699 - 06/15/23 11:18 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Malt and agar dumped into room temp distilled h2o, then pc for 45 mins @ 15psi.
You can add food coloring or other ammendments to taste, however I'd recommend starting with the the simple recipe first; as you gain experience, tinker as required.
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mushhead
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: Stipe-n Cap] 2
#28360705 - 06/15/23 11:26 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
Stipe-n Cap said: Malt and agar dumped into room temp distilled h2o, then pc for 45 mins @ 15psi.
You can add food coloring or other ammendments to taste, however I'd recommend starting with the the simple recipe first; as you gain experience, tinker as required.

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TonyCanoli
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: mushhead]
#28360707 - 06/15/23 11:32 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
Stipe-n Cap said: Malt and agar dumped into room temp distilled h2o, then pc for 45 mins @ 15psi.
You can add food coloring or other ammendments to taste, however I'd recommend starting with the the simple recipe first; as you gain experience, tinker as required.
Quote:
mushhead said:
Quote:
Stipe-n Cap said: Malt and agar dumped into room temp distilled h2o, then pc for 45 mins @ 15psi.
You can add food coloring or other ammendments to taste, however I'd recommend starting with the the simple recipe first; as you gain experience, tinker as required.
 
Heck yeah dudes thank you. Just bought some LME and some more plates right now. I’ll be trying this out on the 18th!
Can we break down the recipe though? So, 10-15G LME, 8-10g agar-agar, how much water for let’s say 10 & 8 LME & Agar
-------------------- Exploring the Myceliverse sharing Spore Stories
Edited by TonyCanoli (06/15/23 11:33 AM)
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Mycolorado
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: TonyCanoli] 2
#28360716 - 06/15/23 11:41 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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2% nutes and agar of final media volume.
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altford78
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: TonyCanoli] 2
#28360719 - 06/15/23 11:41 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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You'd be better off going for percentage rather than a gram based recipe how you are doing it. Your life will be way easier. Like I see "recipes" with grams and I just zone out.
I asked Stipe and he does 2% AA/ 2% LME for all his plates. It's all in his thread here https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/28188696#28188696
Once you have the target concentration, you then get the grams needed for the total volume. Plug your numbers in here and you'll get the grams you need https://www.calculator.net/percent-calculator.html
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Mycolorado
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: altford78] 3
#28360727 - 06/15/23 11:44 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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You need a calculator for that?
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altford78
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: Mycolorado] 1
#28360733 - 06/15/23 11:49 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Yes. 
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Mycolorado
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: altford78]
#28360738 - 06/15/23 11:52 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Hysteria
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SnC I just switched to your brand of LME and method and did my first batch with it last night. I was using a different brand and Bod's method, but I never get that strong rope-like rhizo that other people get. It's usually much thinner and and doesn't look as strong. That, and I almost always get a fuzzy layer over the rhizo layer if I let it grow out. It's the same color as the rhizo and doesn't outpace it, and usually it's as uniform as "fuzzy" can be, so not necessarily mold or anything. I want to see if making this switch gives me better-looking plates. Thank you for sharing, as always.
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Stipe-n Cap
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: TonyCanoli] 3
#28360756 - 06/15/23 11:59 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
TonyCanoli said: Can we break down the recipe though? So, 10-15G LME, 8-10g agar-agar, how much water for let’s say 10 & 8 LME & Agar
Every ml of h2o weights 1 gram. 1 kilo/ 1 Liter = 1000 grams, it's easy to remember 
So, if you're using 400ml to pour a sleeve of 25: 2% of 400 = 8
If using 600ml: 12
1000ml: 20
2% agar/ 2% nutrients. 45 mins @ 15 psi, vent your pc  
Quote:
Hysteria said: SnC I just switched to your brand of LME and method and did my first batch with it last night. I was using a different brand and Bod's method, but I never get that strong rope-like rhizo that other people get. It's usually much thinner and and doesn't look as strong. That, and I almost always get a fuzzy layer over the rhizo layer if I let it grow out. It's the same color as the rhizo and doesn't outpace it, and usually it's as uniform as "fuzzy" can be, so not necessarily mold or anything. I want to see if making this switch gives me better-looking plates. Thank you for sharing, as always.
Keep in mind that whatever morphology you manage to achieve on agar will not be guaranteed to persist on grain. Rhizomorphs v tomentose is irrelevant.
Edit:
Whatever recipe you find, including the ones listed by either bod or myself are not our own intellectual property. We all borrow and adopt methods/recipes from the wider world of microbiology.
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Hysteria
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: Stipe-n Cap] 1
#28360767 - 06/15/23 12:07 PM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
Stipe-n Cap said:
Keep in mind that whatever morphology you manage to achieve on agar will not be guaranteed to persist on grain. Rhizomorphs v tomentose is irrelevant.
Yes, I have read that, just don't have the experience to forsee what will happen on grain from the plate yet, so the more picture-perfect, the better for me, at this level.
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altford78
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Quote:
Stipe-n Cap said:
So, if you're using 400ml to pour a sleeve of 25: 2% of 400 = 8
Tf everyone pours entire sleeves with 400ml but I tap out at around 16-18 90mm petris. Probably need to pour hotter.
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Stipe-n Cap
The Pride of Cucamonga


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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: altford78] 2
#28360784 - 06/15/23 12:26 PM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Yeah, I pour pretty hot, just shy of removing my fingerprints 
Otherwise I lose some to hardening at the end. I let the plates sit in flow for an hour or so before storing. The top plate usually has some condensation but the rest are fine. I always have blanks made well in advance of use, any condensation has evaporated by then. I find that if I wait until I need them I often won't feel like fucking with agar, so, preparing them when I feel like it definitely helps
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FeelFighters
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What's easier/simpler for someone who has never worked with Agar before? Pour or no-pour? I read the massive thread on why No-pour sucks by Rua (which I don't think it does) but for someone who has never done it, I feel fairly confident in doing pour but it seems a little more involved. Seems as though you prefer poured. Any insight?
-------------------- How would you feel if you hadn't eaten breakfast?
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Stipe-n Cap
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I've never used no-pour agar, petri dishes are super simple. Either of them are a good choice, both are easy af. Petri dishes are more of an investment, financial resources would be the determining factor.
I've made a number of comments in the thread you mentioned, the issue was user error in the end, I believe.
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FeelFighters
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: Stipe-n Cap] 1
#28360957 - 06/15/23 02:08 PM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Thank you! And yes it seemed user error did him in, though it was as if he was in denial the whole time... I've been trying to read as many threads as I can to kind of get an idea of what I'm getting into with Agar. I think I'll do the pour method, any borosilicate media bottle with gl45 cap will work for the pc correct? And a sleeve of 40 petri dished 90mmx15 seems to be the most common? Thanks again!
-------------------- How would you feel if you hadn't eaten breakfast?
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altford78
What do I put here

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40 sleeve? that's not going to fit in any standard sab
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Stipe-n Cap
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I buy boxes of 500. 100mm x 15:
https://www.coleparmer.ca/i/celltreat-scientific-products-229694-slideable-sterile-petri-dishes-100-x-15-mm-500-cs/0193228
And use 500ml Pyrex media bottles, orange cap, 4 pack:
Pyrex 1399-500CN-M Slim line Media Bottle Easy Pour Corning 500ML Ca, Glass (Pack of 4) https://a.co/d/iV6rVMo
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FeelFighters
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: altford78]
#28361038 - 06/15/23 02:56 PM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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It's a pretty big SAB, what's the typical number in a sleeve when pouring? Since it's my first time I don't want to go balls to wall per se, but money also is not an issue. SnC buys in box of 500, not sure how many per sleeve, but just starting out idk if I want THAT many. Thank you!
-------------------- How would you feel if you hadn't eaten breakfast?
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FeelFighters
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Thank you for the help! Cheers!
-------------------- How would you feel if you hadn't eaten breakfast?
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Stipe-n Cap
The Pride of Cucamonga


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Quote:
FeelFighters said: SnC buys in box of 500, not sure how many per sleeve
The Celltreat are 20 plates/sleeve. Other brands usually come with 25/sleeve.
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FeelFighters
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: Stipe-n Cap] 2
#28361084 - 06/15/23 03:34 PM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Just found some celltreat on Amazon $90 for 500, and a pack of 4 slimline pyrex media bottles w/ orange caps $65. Ordered. LME is on the way and I picked up Telephone agar last night. Next week I should be doing my own pours. Whats your opinion on the premade agar plates? They seem pretty expensive for how little you get, and perhaps a little sketchy coming in and not being contamd. Thanks again for the help!!
-------------------- How would you feel if you hadn't eaten breakfast?
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mushhead
Livonia Wanderer



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Don't ever buy premade agar plates or grain spawn. Always make your own and sterilize your own, this way you can make sure it's usable
-------------------- Meditation Principles
Silence: Giving you room to listen / Stillness: Giving you room to feel / Spaciousness: Just giving you room
IRC: ##mycology on Libera.chat come hang!
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FeelFighters
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: mushhead]
#28361163 - 06/15/23 04:14 PM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Noted. Thank you.
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sprocket
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Would using 1.6-1.8% nutrients help with cleaning up germ plates
-------------------- How do pirates clone their mushrooms?
With agarrrrrr.
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Stipe-n Cap
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: sprocket]
#28361216 - 06/15/23 04:46 PM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Use a loop or cell spreader. Properly applying spores to agar will significantly increase your chances of separation.
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sprocket
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I meant for taking transfers from a germ plate or from a plate with some contamination. I know I should take my transfer far from Amy obvious contamination just seeking an expert opinion on low nutrient agar. I've been battling some contaminated jars and want to get the cleanest mycelium possible to eliminate it as a source of contamination. I will also be PCing my jars for a full 2 hours from now on.
-------------------- How do pirates clone their mushrooms?
With agarrrrrr.
Edited by sprocket (06/15/23 04:51 PM)
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Stipe-n Cap
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: sprocket] 2
#28361230 - 06/15/23 04:57 PM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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In all fairness to the OP, let's move that line of questioning to the gen discussion thread, or the agar envy thread so as not to high jack this thread.
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sprocket
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Ok, sorry for that.
-------------------- How do pirates clone their mushrooms?
With agarrrrrr.
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TonyCanoli
I deserve to be a stranger.


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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: sprocket] 1
#28361729 - 06/16/23 05:39 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Heck yeah guys this conversation went way further than I ever imagined. Love this place.
-------------------- Exploring the Myceliverse sharing Spore Stories
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dna24
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: mushhead] 1
#28361844 - 06/16/23 08:25 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
mushhead said: Honestly I adopted the way Stipe does his agar. It has produced nothing but good results for me and I was having a rough time because of a few different issues. Pro-tip: Don't use five-six year old LME. https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/28354611#28354611
shit i use 10yr old lme and its perfectly fine, its how its held that matters
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Stipe-n Cap
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: dna24] 1
#28361886 - 06/16/23 09:20 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Storing your powders in air tight containers will keep them indefinitely. I keep my malt in a glass, swing-top container.
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WhatEyeFind
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: TonyCanoli] 1
#28361918 - 06/16/23 10:09 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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I am on my fifth batch of agar, I had many failures, and I have learned five ways to NOT make agar plate and cup. Allow me to share.
I just got my agar to show life starting from a few spores in just three days. Finally. It seems that I have found two ways that work, and are crystal clear.
I boiled a scrubbed red potato (not washed, just lightly scrubbed with brush under water, no soap), about 110-135g (sliced) boiled in 500ml 'purified' water (a plastic 20+/- oz bottle is 500 ml) for 15 minutes and then I fished out the slices with a fork. Allow the water to cool and top up to 500 ml with purified water to compensate for evaporation during cooking.
- Lightly salt and eat the potato slices while waiting to cool to room tempº -
Added 8-10g agar to cooled water and stir. (** I should say, if you really want it crystal clear, use a coffee filter first, before agar, to remove any remaining red skin flits or starch cloudiness) mine is clear enough for me. Agar mixes into cool water better than into hot liquid. (Ask grandma about mixing gravy with flour water or corn starch, she'll tell you to mix it cool) Cook (slow boil) for 10 minutes and then pour into your media bottle. I recycled a few glass kombucha bottles with a long neck as I couldn't afford fancy liquor like Roger Rabbit. PC for 20 minutes @ 15psig AFTER the recommended 15 minutes of PC venting. Turn off stove and let cool (under pressure) at very least, until the safety plunger drops, but better to cool for about two hours. Go watch Alice in Wonderland on DVD? -and then allow it to cool until you can barely stand to handle it. Using a flow hood or SAB, follow stack pouring petri plate techniques and don't forget to twist the bottle like a sommelier serving fancy wine at the end of each plate fill. I also pour fill about a dozen 2oz Redi cups.
My first agar attempt (and first agar failure) was PGT's 3-2-1 and I think I learned that my 2 year old potato flakes AND / OR the Karo Corn (fresh) syrup was the break point on that. BUT I did learn my PC, and I got practice pouring in my SAB... I was later advised that it was too nutrient rich and had I just used potato flakes and not used sugar (Karo), I might have had better success.
Attempts 2-5 were better, nice, clear, 2% nutrient... I learned from my previous mistakes BUT that shit couldn't culture a sneeze.
I now believe that perhaps my Walmart GEL food coloring, that the sulfites and preservative may have been my problem.
 I merely dipped a bamboo toothpick and swirled to tint but nothing would grow. They sure were pretty plates though...


* I am just getting started so take my advice with a pinch of... 'nutritional yeast'?
Edited by WhatEyeFind (06/16/23 11:02 AM)
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sprocket
G-strain



Registered: 04/24/23
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How are they working so far?
-------------------- How do pirates clone their mushrooms?
With agarrrrrr.
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mushhead
Livonia Wanderer



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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: dna24]
#28363631 - 06/17/23 07:00 PM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
dna24 said:
Quote:
mushhead said: Honestly I adopted the way Stipe does his agar. It has produced nothing but good results for me and I was having a rough time because of a few different issues. Pro-tip: Don't use five-six year old LME. https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/28354611#28354611
shit i use 10yr old lme and its perfectly fine, its how its held that matters
Quote:
Stipe-n Cap said:

Storing your powders in air tight containers will keep them indefinitely. I keep my malt in a glass, swing-top container.
Ah. Well. Now I will admit, it was kept in a ziplock.
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dna24
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: mushhead]
#28363694 - 06/17/23 07:58 PM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
mushhead said:
Quote:
dna24 said:
Quote:
mushhead said: Honestly I adopted the way Stipe does his agar. It has produced nothing but good results for me and I was having a rough time because of a few different issues. Pro-tip: Don't use five-six year old LME. https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/28354611#28354611
shit i use 10yr old lme and its perfectly fine, its how its held that matters
Ah. Well. Now I will admit, it was kept in a ziplock.

ya mines kept in a glass jar with a tight lid. even then though unless it was infected with some nasty stuff it should have still worked. malt extract is very rich and even oxidized it should still produce growth.
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Zakkery



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This has piqued my interest a bit. Would LME that's not been stored properly be a potential contam vector even after PCing?
I've got some old LME that's clumped together. It's a pain in the arse to use as I've got to break it down but I'm wondering if it could be resulting in some contamination.
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Screwup
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: Zakkery] 1
#28364032 - 06/18/23 04:58 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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My LME is clumped and when I asked someone else they had clumped LME too. Neither of us have issues.
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PBJ710
Strangler


Registered: 07/05/19
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: Screwup]
#28364079 - 06/18/23 06:41 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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My LME turns into a brick due to humidity even when kept in airtight jars. I use a HDPE bottle and when it's time to use it, I just beat it on the edge of the counter until the LME breaks up enough, then pour the chunks out to weigh it. It takes a little longer to dissolve that free flowing powder, but it dissolves and works perfectly fine.
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mushhead
Livonia Wanderer



Registered: 08/22/14
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Loc: Dimension G-452
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: PBJ710]
#28364096 - 06/18/23 07:06 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Well, I kept mine in a ziplock bag, no humidity, sealed in a box inside of a storage unit until I could get back to cultivation. Once I was able to get back to cultivation I pulled it all out, and the plates I did were clear and looked proper. However the mycelia that grew on it, clone, spore, transfer or otherwise - even the contam - would look weak and tepid as though I did not provide enough nutrition. I spent weeks trying to figure it out when someone - can't remember who - suggested that my LME might be too old so I got new LME and I'm back in business. With the old stuff I have to use 4-5% nutes to 500ML water to get the reaction of 2% nutes with this new LME.
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Mycolorado
Hobbyist


Registered: 07/23/16
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: mushhead]
#28364116 - 06/18/23 07:41 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Same.
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Stipe-n Cap
The Pride of Cucamonga


Registered: 08/04/12
Posts: 8,269
Loc: Canada
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: Zakkery] 1
#28364159 - 06/18/23 09:00 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
Zakkery said: This has piqued my interest a bit. Would LME that's not been stored properly be a potential contam vector even after PCing?
I've got some old LME that's clumped together. It's a pain in the arse to use as I've got to break it down but I'm wondering if it could be resulting in some contamination.
No, there's nothing special about clumped powder. I doubt that exposure to the environment will have any negative effects whatsoever, but if you're experiencing unknown problems perhaps it's a good idea to replace any poorly handled/stored materials. When my brown sugar used for cooking becomes clumped into a brick, I throw it out an buy more, then store the new stuff in a jar. The same should apply to my DME or agar powder. My swing top has kept my DME fresh and powdery for years without any issues.
Ample sterilization cycles combined with proper venting will produce clean media. 45 mins @ 15 psi will cover a multitude of sins.

Shorter exposures may not dissolve the powders as effectively. The above chart shows the cycle duration is dependent upon volume. Most folks are running their cycles for 15-20 mins, this is a mistake, imo. Less is not more with regards to sterility assurance. The standard 15- 20 minute cycle falls below the minimum threshold for the minimum volume people are using for agar and LC. Most people are mixing 500-1000ml of agar when prepping agar.
Too many people wondering why they have contamination, strange or weak growth, sediments, etc. Increase your cycle times 
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dna24
Darth Randal



Registered: 04/19/22
Posts: 511
Loc: Savages
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: mushhead]
#28364232 - 06/18/23 10:36 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
mushhead said: Well, I kept mine in a ziplock bag, no humidity, sealed in a box inside of a storage unit until I could get back to cultivation. Once I was able to get back to cultivation I pulled it all out, and the plates I did were clear and looked proper. However the mycelia that grew on it, clone, spore, transfer or otherwise - even the contam - would look weak and tepid as though I did not provide enough nutrition. I spent weeks trying to figure it out when someone - can't remember who - suggested that my LME might be too old so I got new LME and I'm back in business. With the old stuff I have to use 4-5% nutes to 500ML water to get the reaction of 2% nutes with this new LME.

i would like to assume you could just increase your lme in your mix and cut the nutes. now i want this lme that doesnt work to see what its like. i brewed for many years and learned a lot about malt and thats why im curious why this one doesnt seem to want to play ball. i use more sorghum syrup these days than lme just cause its easier to deal with, i hate how hydrophobic lme is.
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TonyCanoli
I deserve to be a stranger.


Registered: 03/16/23
Posts: 218
Last seen: 1 year, 6 months
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: dna24]
#28364332 - 06/18/23 12:32 PM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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This has been amazing! I’ve got my LME and my new plates.
Today I’ll be making a new batch of agar.
The plan is to take 300 ML distilled water + 2% LME (6 gram) + 2% Agar Agar (6 gram). Mix at room temp in a jar, PC @ 15 PSI for 45 minutes. Pour at around 130°-135°F
Am I missing anything?
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mushhead
Livonia Wanderer



Registered: 08/22/14
Posts: 2,242
Loc: Dimension G-452
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: TonyCanoli] 2
#28364411 - 06/18/23 01:49 PM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Well Tony, I would do 400-500ml if your vessel can contain it. Why half fill your agar vessel?
 Got new LME and stored in glass containers as suggested.
-------------------- Meditation Principles
Silence: Giving you room to listen / Stillness: Giving you room to feel / Spaciousness: Just giving you room
IRC: ##mycology on Libera.chat come hang!
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Zakkery



Registered: 10/15/18
Posts: 299
Loc: UK
Last seen: 4 months, 24 days
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Quote:
Stipe-n Cap said:
Quote:
Zakkery said: This has piqued my interest a bit. Would LME that's not been stored properly be a potential contam vector even after PCing?
I've got some old LME that's clumped together. It's a pain in the arse to use as I've got to break it down but I'm wondering if it could be resulting in some contamination.
No, there's nothing special about clumped powder. I doubt that exposure to the environment will have any negative effects whatsoever, but if you're experiencing unknown problems perhaps it's a good idea to replace any poorly handled/stored materials. When my brown sugar used for cooking becomes clumped into a brick, I throw it out an buy more, then store the new stuff in a jar. The same should apply to my DME or agar powder. My swing top has kept my DME fresh and powdery for years without any issues.
Ample sterilization cycles combined with proper venting will produce clean media. 45 mins @ 15 psi will cover a multitude of sins.

Shorter exposures may not dissolve the powders as effectively. The above chart shows the cycle duration is dependent upon volume. Most folks are running their cycles for 15-20 mins, this is a mistake, imo. Less is not more with regards to sterility assurance. The standard 15- 20 minute cycle falls below the minimum threshold for the minimum volume people are using for agar and LC. Most people are mixing 500-1000ml of agar when prepping agar.
Too many people wondering why they have contamination, strange or weak growth, sediments, etc. Increase your cycle times  
I figured as much but just want to narrow things down. I sterilise no pours for 45 mins. Had some contam repeatedly but they're in aliens 'holy grail' containers and are showing contams around the edges mostly.
I'm thinking the containers are failing or I'm taking them out too hot and air is getting sucked in some how? Either way I've got some push close containers to try out now, as I also had some glad mini pots that didn't contam at all which were sterilised in the same cycle.
I've also revised my millet prep/sterilisation as per your write up. I was being a lazy no rinse/no soaker previously. Hopefully my current jars will go the distances. Been trich city here for my last few grows.
But yeah keeping it on topic, remember to sterilise properly and make good container choices for no pours.
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TonyCanoli
I deserve to be a stranger.


Registered: 03/16/23
Posts: 218
Last seen: 1 year, 6 months
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: mushhead]
#28365128 - 06/19/23 06:37 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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I just don’t need that many plates so 300 is good for me.
Unfortunately though I had my first PC fail last night. Lid on my jar was too loose and my mix boiled out in to the PC.
Round 2 is tonight.
-------------------- Exploring the Myceliverse sharing Spore Stories
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Stipe-n Cap
The Pride of Cucamonga


Registered: 08/04/12
Posts: 8,269
Loc: Canada
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: Zakkery] 1
#28365223 - 06/19/23 08:44 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
Zakkery said: I sterilise no pours for 45 mins. Had some contam repeatedly but they're in aliens 'holy grail' containers and are showing contams around the edges mostly.
I'm thinking the containers are failing or I'm taking them out too hot and air is getting sucked in some how?
If this is happening without opening the containers, try cooling them completely in the pc overnight. If they were drawing a vacuum which sucked in contamination, cooling them in the pc should prevent that.
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Zakkery



Registered: 10/15/18
Posts: 299
Loc: UK
Last seen: 4 months, 24 days
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Re: Let’s talk Agar Recipes [Re: Stipe-n Cap] 1
#28365244 - 06/19/23 09:12 AM (1 year, 6 months ago) |
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Quote:
Stipe-n Cap said:
Quote:
Zakkery said: I sterilise no pours for 45 mins. Had some contam repeatedly but they're in aliens 'holy grail' containers and are showing contams around the edges mostly.
I'm thinking the containers are failing or I'm taking them out too hot and air is getting sucked in some how?
If this is happening without opening the containers, try cooling them completely in the pc overnight. If they were drawing a vacuum which sucked in contamination, cooling them in the pc should prevent that.
That's another precaution I'll be taking for sure. I used to get away with all this shit but apparently my luck has run out somewhere! Appreciate the advice as always my guy
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