Check out our new monotub tutorial here! https://youtu.be/P0-JONnMgwY
Monotub supplies: https://northspore.com/collections/monotub-supplies?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=monotub_video_walkthrough_1
The monotub mushroom cultivation tek or method is how many professional indoor edible mushroom farmers get their start. It's the fastest and easiest way to grow mushrooms indoors for beginners.
In this video, we will take you through the entire process of making a monotub and using it to grow manure loving edible mushrooms. The video includes segments on how to make your own master grain spawn using a culture syringe and injection port bag and optional upgrades to take your mushroom grow to the next level.
Pre-made Monotubs and Supplies: https://northspore.com/collections/monotubs?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=monotub_video_walkthrough_1
Full monotub walkthrough article that contains links to all the materials used: https://northspore.com/pages/mono-tub-cultivation-method-walkthrough?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=monotub_video_walkthrough_1
Monotub Grow Kit Bundle: https://northspore.com/collections/monotubs/products/boomr-bag-monotub-mushroom-grow-kit?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=monotub_video_walkthrough_1
Boomr Bags: https://northspore.com/products/boomr-bag-manure-based-sterile-substrate-5lb?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=monotub_video_walkthrough_1
CVG Substrate: https://northspore.com/collections/cvg-bulk-substrate?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=monotub_video_walkthrough_1
Sterilized Grain Bags with Injection Port: https://northspore.com/products/sterilized-grain-bags-with-injection-ports-3lbs?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=monotub_video_walkthrough_1
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00:30 Materials list for making your monotub
02:04 Using an Injection Port Bag to make your own Master Spawn
04:39 Making your monotub
09:57 Sterilizing your tub with rubbing-alcohol before inoculation
12:28 Filling your tub with a manure-based bulk substrate and grain spawn
20:48 Casing your colonized substrate with coco coir
24:09 Harvesting your mushrooms
28:01 Optional upgrades for your mono tub overview
28:58 Optional air exchange system for managing CO2 levels in your tub
31:50 Using a cycle timer
32:48 Optional humidity control system for managing moisture in your tub
34:28 Optional lighting system for areas without an ambient light source
Spray Painting bottom vs. Trash Bag Liner- consensus is that using the contractor/trash bag liner method is superior to the spray paint method shown in the video. As the substrate colonizes with mushroom spawn it will pull away from the sides of the tub (as shown in the video at 21:27). When this happens microclimates form that will cause mushrooms to grow along the sides. If an opaque trash bag is used to line the bottom part of the tub the bag will pull away with the shrinking substrate and minimize these microclimates.
Drilling the Holes in the tub- Reversing the direction of the drill will minimize any potential of cracking the tub. The friction of the hole saw will burn the hole through the tub.
Polyfil and Location of Holes- putting the holes 1 inch above the substrate seems to be ideal and less polyfil is needed then demonstrated in the video. The end holes should be slightly higher than the hole sides to help with airflow. There are plenty of alternatives to polyfill including micropore tape. Plenty of other ideas (none of which we have tested) have been suggested in the comments.
We use the word 'sterilize' in the video when we should use the word 'sanitize'. You're never going to make the process completely sterile, but you can inhibit microbial activity by sanitizing all your materials and your workspace using alcohol!
A warning about using Isopropyl! Isopropyl alcohol and its metabolite, acetone, act as central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Poisoning can occur from ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption.
The needle coming out of the package should be sterile, but it is standard practice to flame sanitize after opening. In our laboratory we use an alcohol lamp that won't leave any carbon residue.
The fan intake filter came with a filter on the outside of it. At the point in the process where you would use the fan (once the tub is fully colonized), there isn't much risk of contamination. We've tried setting up the fan to exhaust with success too. Don't use the fan during your initial colonization period!
Ideal temperatures for colonization/fruiting will vary depending on species and strain. Check the specs on any liquid culture/lineage of the spores that you're using. Usually the hotter the temperatures the faster the colonization and fruiting but the more prone to contamination by mold. Certain species require cooler temps!