The internet is full of different ideas and ways to make a Still Air Box DIY (SAB), all for different purposes and details. Today, we aim to compile all the DIY insights into a comprehensive and detailed guide. If you're seeking a thorough overview of Still Air Box choices, our ultimate guide is the perfect resource to start.
This will help you learn everything you need to know to build a really good SAB for growing mushrooms. You won't need to make or buy a costly laminar flow hood with a hepa filter trying to achieve laminar flow.
We'll look closely at important things to think about, like:
the best dimensions,
the best ways to build it, and
the key extra accessories that will make your SAB work better.
Our aim is to guide you in creating a DIY still air box that ensures a sterile environment for clean work in mycology, tissue culture, or any contamination-sensitive area.
We'll start by explaining the best size and ways to build a Still Air Box. Then, we'll dive deeper, showing how detailed our method is. This approach is what led to the complete creation of the Trippy Tek SAB, based on in-depth and extensive research.
Trippy Tek
Trippy Tek aims to make mycology more accessible and widespread by reducing entry costs and improving the growing experience, all while preserving the joy of cultivating mushrooms from scratch. We value mycelium's diverse benefits, from psilocybin therapy to sustainable packaging.
We've dedicated countless hours to researching online resources and engaging with the mushroom growers' community. Filtering the best from the rest, we've drawn conclusions enriched with personal tips and tricks. Additionally, we've rigorously tested our own product, designed based on these same proven fundamentals!
"Fungi are the grand recyclers of the planet and the vanguard species in habitat restoration."
Paul Stamets is a renowned mycologist and author known for his work on the medicinal and environmental benefits of fungi.
Blog Content
TL;DR: Best Still Air Box DIY looking for the best still air box? What materials should my DIY Still air box be? What size container for a still air box? What should the size of the holes be? Where should the holes be located? How to make a homemade still air box (DIY) Change Idea and don't want to do it yourself? Top Accessories to Improve Your DIY Still Air Box The Trippy Tek Still Air Box Conclusion: What we have learn
TL;DR: Best Still Air Box DIY
Box Material: Large Plastic Container
Size of the Box: 90 to 120 Quarts. (1.5 to 2 feet wide)
Size of the Holes: 5 to 6 inches in diameter
Horizontal placement of the Holes: about 9.5 inches between the two holes edge
Vertical placement of the Holes: roughly 7 inches above the flat bottom of the box
Cutting method: Hot Tin Can
Accessory 1: 5cm Elevated Wire rack
Accessory 2: LED Strip Light
Accessory 3: Induction sterilizer for your scalpel
DIY SAB Box and holes dimensions
looking for the best still air box?
The Trippy Tek SAB was made based on these exact considerations. Grow more mushrooms from day one now!
What materials should my DIY Still air box be?
The top choice for material has been, and still is, a CLEAR PLASTIC CONTAINER.
Many different versions and materials have been used for the still air box. People have experimented with plexiglass, acrylic, and cardboard boxes.
Now, there are also options using PVC pipes for the frame with plastic wrapped around it. All these choices are made with the goal of solving a specific problem but there are not cost-effective.
The standard plastic box or the Collapsible
The Standard Plastic Box
There are various types of plastic containers to consider. Of course, there's the basic $10 plastic container you can find at Walmart, Target, or any hardware store. These were the first versions of the SAB and also the cheapest to make. We still recommend them as a budget-friendly and simple option.
The Collapsible Plastic Box Design
Now, there are innovative plastic containers that can collapse, making them easy and secure to transport. These collapsible storage boxes have doors, allowing you to easily put your equipment inside through the side door.
Consider the visibility through the plastic
Another factor to think about is how well you can see through the plastic.
The biggest downside of the basic $10 plastic container from the hardware store is its clarity. Some alternative materials, as we mentioned earlier, aim to address this issue.
Ensure the plastic is very clear. You'll need clear visibility for your work inside the SAB, especially when working with agar and liquid cultures.
What size container for a still air box?
The size of the SAB matters. If it's too big or too tall, there will be areas you can't reach, leading to wasted space. The placement of your holes is also crucial, which we'll discuss later.
Taller rather than wider plastic container
If possible, choose a box that is taller rather than wider. The main reason to choose a taller box over a large plastic container one is because much of your work will involve agar, right? If you plan to work with many petri dishes in one session, you'll stack them on top of each other, which takes up vertical space. This approach is all about efficiency.
Large enough for your supplies
But you also need it to be large enough so you have plenty of room to stack your supplies and work comfortably for an extended period.
We recommend the size of the Box 90 to 120 Quarts
Aim for between 1.5 to 2 feet large.
What should the size of the holes be?
The size of the holes is the second most important thing to consider. We all have different hand and arm sizes, but there are general guidelines to follow.
Recommended hole size diameter
We've tried using holes with a 4-inch diameter. While your hands can fit through, it's tough to move around and reach every part of the box. With a 5-inch diameter for the holes, you'll find it comfortable to work for hours.
A hand comfortably going through a 5 inches diameter hole
A hand inside a 4 inch hole, not the most optimal
Using holes larger than 5 inches in diameter, such as 6 inches as we discussed, could also be a good choice. Because the holes are bigger, you create less turbulence when you put pressure withyour hands through them.
We recommend 5 inches diameter holes
Why we don't recommend to cover the holes
One important point is that we don't recommend covering the holes. Covering them can cause turbulence (piston effect). The potential contaminants on the surface of the Still Air Box are very sensitive to air movement and can easily become airborne particles.
By keeping the holes open and clear, we aim to maintain the air inside as still as possible, which means minimizing air movement. Your movements inside the box should be slow and precise because still air means there's no air movement.
Bonus Tips: Move Slowly
Ensure all your movements inside the SAB are slow and steady. Plan your next steps in advance. Some people choose to work shirtless during sessions and even wear a mask to avoid contamination.
Move your hands slowly in and out of the SAB!
To minimize the need for moving hands in and out, we recommend using an induction coil to sterilize tools directly inside the box.
Where should the holes be located?
The placement of the holes is crucial to the effectiveness of your still air box. It's often why people build a new one if they find the original placement uncomfortable.
Ensuring a distance that is large enough to be comfortable.
It's important to choose a spot for the holes where your arms can comfortably and naturally rest for a long time. Ideally, the best position for the holes is at a width that matches the distance between your shoulders.
Example with car's steering wheel and chair armrests
The standard size of a steering wheel is around 14 to 15 inches
The standard distance between the armrests of a chair is 17 to 20 inches
Consider this for a moment: The size of our car's steering wheel is roughly the width of our shoulders. Similarly, when we sit in our office chair, the correct posture involves resting our elbows on the chair's armrests, and then we work with our hands close together.
The standard distance between the armrests of a chair is 17 to 20 inches. However, these armrests are a bit further out than where our hands would be. In the still air box, the arm holes themselves are positioned closer to our wrists, similar to how we hold a steering wheel.
SAB distances between holes of 14.5 inches
We aim to recreate these conditions. A standard width between shoulders is about 15 inches (from the center line of one hole to the center of the other). Indeed, the standard size of a steering wheel is around 14 to 15 inches. So, keep this in mind when deciding on the placement of your holes.
We recommend 14-15 inches large between the center of your 2 armholes
Find the desire height
The height of the holes is also crucial, though there's a bit more flexibility with this measurement. The biggest mistake would be making them too high, as this can lead to fatigue over time.
If the holes are too low, you won't be able to reach all the areas inside the still air box.
7 inches hole height on a SAB
For optimal use and comfort, we advise placing the holes approximately 7 inches above the bottom edge of the Still Air Box. This recommendation is based on achieving a balance between accessibility and the effective operation of the box, ensuring that users can comfortably reach inside.
We recommend placing the holes approximately 7 inches above the bottom edge of the Still Air Box
Variation: Holes Positioned at Varying Heights
Online, we've seen a version where the holes had different heights. For right-handed individuals, the right-hand hole was slightly lower than the left one, purely for comfort.
This is an idea you could consider, but we don't immediately recommend it. Similarly, for left-handed individuals, having the left hole slightly higher could be considered.
the right-hand hole was slightly lower than the left one
Bonus tips: Plan your moves
Ensure all your movements inside the SAB are slow and steady. Plan your next steps in advance. Some people choose to work shirtless during sessions and even wear a mask to avoid contamination.
Visualize yourself working sit down or stand up. Most work in the Still Air Box is done sitting, similar to being at a computer, so ensure the table isn't too high. Standing is an option but may be more tiring.
Consider an adjustable table for the best height during long SAB sessions.
Before starting any mycology work, thoroughly wipe down the interior of your still air box with 70% isopropyl alcohol to ensure a sterile environment. Allow it to air dry completely to eliminate any potential contaminants.
How to make a homemade still air box (DIY)
Based on all the previous factors (box material, size, hole size, and location), you've completed the tough part! Draw circles where the holes will go on the plastic container. Once you're happy with the placement, the next step is figuring out how to cut those holes in the plastic.
How do you cut a still air box diy
There are many different ways to cut the holes, and we'll show you several options based on preference. It all depends on what tools you have available at home.
Option 1: Hot Tin Can Method: Creating Smooth Holes with Stovetop Heat
The first method involves using a stovetop. This is the hot tin can method. Heat a tin can on the stove and use it to melt through the plastic, creating a smooth-edged hole. Use the rim of the pot, with a pot lid, to melt the plastic. The heat from the stove will melt the plastic, forming perfect holes.
The diameter of the holes will depend on the size of your pot lid. You might notice a smell from the melting plastic, but it will only be temporary. You can also smooth out the holes by scraping the edges, so you don't cut yourself when you insert your arms.
Option 2: Hole Saw Technique: Precision Cutting with Reduced Risk of Cracking
The second method involves using a hole saw, a tool you might already have or can purchase at a hardware store. Buying a drill bit and hole saw could raise the cost of your project. Perhaps you have a helpful neighbor you could borrow it from, which would be convenient!
When using a hole saw on the plastic container, there's a higher risk of cracking. A great tip that people have discovered is to cut slowly and with the saw in reverse rotation. This approach significantly reduces the chances of cracking. Give it a try for better results!
Hot Tin Can Method: Creating Smooth Holes with Stovetop Heat
Hole Saw Technique: Precision Cutting with Reduced Risk of Cracking
Option 3: Dremel Rotary Tool Method: Carving Custom Shapes with Precision
Use a Dremel Rotary Tool for precision in carving custom hole shapes in plastic. This method is ideal for those who prefer specific shapes over perfect circles.
Ensure to choose the right bit: Select a cutting bit meant for plastic to avoid melting or cracking. After cutting, switch to a sanding or grinding bit to smooth out edges for a clean, safe finish.
Option 4: Least recommended option: sharp knife
You can also try using a sharp knife to cut the plastic, but this is the least recommended option. It often leads to poor results, making it difficult to achieve a round shape.
Surprisingly, this method is frequently used, which is why you're seeking better options. You aim to avoid common mistakes and ensure your DIY still air box doesn't end up with poorly shaped holes.
Dremel Rotary Tool Method: Carving Custom Shapes with Precision
Least recommended option: sharp knife
Cut your plastic container by heating a tin can on the stove and use it to melt through the plastic
Change Idea and don't want to do it yourself?
We got you covered!
Top Accessories to Improve Your DIY Still Air Box
After mastering the basic build of your still air box, it's time to consider adding accessories. These extras can improve your work by reducing contamination and making the process more enjoyable. Plus, they're affordable to add.
Don't waste time with contaminated batches
Mycology work requires a lot of precision and careful procedure to maintain sterility. It's disheartening to go through many sessions of agar work, only to find contamination and have to start over.
Many beginners in mushroom cultivation face contamination issues at first. The Trippy Tek SAB is designed to give you a head start, reducing the need to build everything from scratch and increasing your chances of success from the outset.
Elevated Wire Rack
An elevated wire rack inside a Still Air Box (SAB) keeps work above the surface, reducing contamination risk by minimizing contact with airborne particles, thanks to the SAB's design and limited airflow.
Available in various sizes and shapes, a higher rack is preferable for lessening the distance to essential items like grain jars, further lowering contamination risks. Ideally, jars are placed beside the rack, with agar petri dishes directly on it, ensuring a clean and efficient workspace.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMlZMptGPSw
While a 2cm high rack is better than nothing, aiming for a height between 5 to 10 cm is preferable.
As for the rack's surface area, bigger is better. A rack that covers the entire surface of the still air box is optimal.
Various size for wire rack mycology
A wet towel in combination with a wire rack.
As an alternative, a wet towel might help 'trap' contaminants. However, after thoroughly wiping down your SAB with 70% isopropyl alcohol, we suggest sticking with hand gloves and a wire rack for the best protection against contamination.
https://www.reddit.com/r/MushroomGrowers/comments/c3k9qw/technique_made_a_big_improvement_on_my_still_air/?rdt=51729
We recommend aiming for a wire rack height between 5 to 10 cm
LED Light
Working in a well-lit area is crucial. Depending on your choice of box, seeing through the plastic container might not offer the best visibility. Every scientist makes sure their workspace is brightly lit before starting any precise task, just like what we plan to do.
The best lighting solution: Led Strip light
The best lighting solution we've found is using LED strip lights. These lights are affordable, provide excellent illumination, and are easy to install. You can simply stick them inside with the adhesive side provided. Ideally, you should make a small hole for the cable to exit and connect to power.
Surprisingly, not many SAB setups include this simple enhancement, which can significantly improve your lighting, much more so than other alternatives.
The best lighting solution we've found is using LED strip lights
Item already at home: A desk lamp and phone's flashlight
Some might consider using a desk lamp they already own, but we find this option less adaptable for our needs.
Online, you might find suggestions to use your phone's flashlight. This is another bad idea; even using your desk lamp would yield better results!
Superior lighting does more than just improve visibility—it's key to producing high-quality videos. This is especially true for recording your agar work sessions, an activity beloved by mycology enthusiasts.
Adding a Sterilization Tool: An induction Sterilizer
When working with a scalpel for agar work, using a sterilization tool is essential. Traditionally, an alcohol lamp or butane torch was used, but in recent years, the mushroom cultivation community has been excited about a better alternative called the induction sterilizer.
https://rdoinduction.com/fundamentals-of-induction-heating.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=HXuAy_8nxG4
The induction heater utilizes an induction coil to rapidly heat your scalpel to a red-hot temperature, all without the need for an open flame, significantly minimizing burn hazards.
It functions by generating an electromagnetic field that induces heat directly in the metal of the scalpel, a technology borrowed from various fields and notably inspired by innovations within the dynavap community. This method is specifically tailored for sterilizing scalpels efficiently and safely.
Among the models favored for this purpose, the ZVS 5V stands out for its reliability and can be easily purchased on Amazon. For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, AliExpress offers the same model at a lower price, albeit with longer shipping times.
Some versions come with a button, while others feature a foot pedal for hands-free operation. It's recommended to activate the coil only when there's a scalpel in it to prolong the module's life, hence the usefulness of the foot pedal.
We recommend using an induction coil (also name induction heater, induction scalpel sterilizer)
The Trippy Tek Still Air Box
Having an induction sterilizer allows you to sterilize your equipment inside the SAB without needing to remove your hands, thus reducing the risk of contamination.
The Trippy Tek SAB comes integrated with an induction sterilizer, which is laser-operated, eliminating the need for buttons or pedals. Just place your scalpel in the coil, and it heats up in 3 seconds, offering convenience and efficiency.
Conclusion: What we have learn
The top choice for material has been, and still is, a CLEAR PLASTIC CONTAINER.
We recommend the size of the Box to be 90 to 120 Quarts
Aim for between 1.5 to 2 feet large
We recommend 5 inches diameter holes
We recommend 14-15 inches large between the center of your 2 armholes
We recommend placing the holes approximately 7 inches above the bottom edge of the Still Air Box
Cut your plastic container by heating a tin can on the stove and use it to melt through the plastic
We recommend aiming for a wire rack height between 5 to 10 cm
The best lighting solution we've found is using LED strip lights
We recommend using an induction coil (also name induction heater, induction scalpel sterilizer)
That's everything we've gathered on creating a DIY still air box, and we've incorporated all this knowledge into designing the Trippy Tek SAB. Our aim was to create an affordable still air box packed with as many features as possible, and we believe we've achieved that perfect balance.
Of course, you're welcome to build your own DIY still air box using this guide. That's what this blog is all about. Trippy Tek's mission is to make mycology accessible and encourage its wider adoption. We want everyone to benefit from and explore this fascinating field!
If you have new ideas for the SAB, feel free to reach out and comments below. We're always looking to add value to our product in a way that remains affordable for everyone.
Trippy Tek
Trippy Tek is committed to further democratizing the world of mycology, making this hobby more accessible to everyone! We recognize the wide-ranging potential benefits of mycelium, from psilocybin therapy for mental health to sustainable mycelium-based packaging.
Wider adoption is achieved by lowering entry costs and enhancing the mushroom growing experience, without diminishing the rewarding sensation of cultivating mushrooms from scratch.
