The filters will have no problem handling bacteria. It's when you get down to the virus size that they become less effective.

As long as your moisture content is correct to begin with you will not have a problem with your substrate drying out.

What substrate mix are you using? And what strain? What size jars? These things will determine how long it will take to colonize a jar. Quart jars of grain with cubensis will take 10 to 14 days. 1/2 pint jars of grain/rice with cubensis will take between 21 and 34 days. All assuming a temp of between 82 and 86 degrees. Good Luck!!!

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[This message has been edited by Shroom Mage (edited February 06, 2000).]

im tryin cubz & cyanz... w/quinoa, aramath& brownrice combo; and maybe some flour&grain cakes as well... hopefully they'll colonize quickly! the advantages are, as far as im aware of are: a) no contams, also allowing jars to be removed from p.cooker earlier so they can cool quicker, b)no vermiculite seals to worry about--> thus more space for substrate, c)excellent air flow (would this cause pf style cakes to fruit?), and d)no rusty lids to deal w/. any others? advice?

[This message has been edited by tha mad pRopHet (edited February 06, 2000).]