In the past few years, we have seen a surge in interest in the fascinating world of growing mushrooms at home, also known as mycology. This practice has been gaining popularity, especially due to a combination of the rising interest in:
- psychedelic drugs (called shroom boom ),
- the release in 2019 of the great documentary Fantastic Fungi ,
- great advancement in research for psilocybin therapy (curing mental health and depression) and
- a great revolution in mycelium packaging .
As a result, people are eager to gain the knowledge and skills for growing them. Cultivating mushrooms from scratch is incredibly fulfilling, offering you a profound understanding of the growth process.
However, greater rewards come with greater challenges, particularly in managing contamination risks. We’ll delve deeper into the alternative subjects in time, but today, let's focus on designing the optimal Still Air Box. We'll also explore how DIY options stack up against ready-to-purchase solutions on the market.
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!
"Mycelium is Earth's natural Internet."
Paul Stamets is a renowned mycologist and author known for his work on the medicinal and environmental benefits of fungi.
TL;DR:
The Still Air Box is a budget-friendly, top-notch option for those growing mushrooms at home. It delivers results comparable to a laminar flow hood. Plus, it does this without costing a lot.
Experimentation showed that glove boxes can make air currents stronger, raising contamination risks. On the other hand, the Still Air Box's smart design keeps the air calm by limiting airflow.
For those just starting with mushroom growing, making your own Still Air Box (SAB) is more rewarding and valuable than buying one already made. Often, the ones you buy don't offer much more than what you can make yourself.
Upgrading your Still Air Box with essential accessories like LED lighting for visibility, an elevated wire rack for reduced contamination, and a safer, induction coil sterilizer can vastly improve your cultivation experience and efficiency.
It's best to skip using open flames for sterilizing tools inside the Still Air Box because it can be risky with 70% isopropyl alcohol vapors around. There are safer ways to get your tools sterile.
Trippy Tek introduces the optimal Still Air Box, combining affordability with advanced features like a flameless induction sterilizer, LED lighting, and an elevated wire rack to boost precision, safety, and efficiency in home mycology, enabling mushroom cultivation with reduced contamination risk and extended sessions
Trippy Tek SAB design beats the homemade setups by being easy to store and carry, kicking off your mushroom growing with a win from the start.
Blog Content
TL;DR: Still Air Box vs Laminar Flow Hood for sterile environment? The Laminar Flow Hood (Budget: 200-500$) The Still Air Box (SAB) History and Origin The Advantages of the Still Air Box Over the Glove Boxes Is a still air box necessary? How does a still air box work? Are still air boxes effective? How to clean and sanitise a still air box? Still Air Boxes : Today's Market Options (Budget: 40-80$) Still air box (SAB) DIY (Budget: 10-20$) How to make a still air box Upgrade your SAB with these top accessories Still air box alternative materials Number 1 Mistake to Avoid with Your Still Air Box A New Era of Home Mycology: The Still Air Box Design by Trippy Tek Introducing the Trippy Tek Still Air Box Convinced that DIY is cheaper? Think Again! FAQ Conclusion
Still Air Box vs Laminar Flow Hood for sterile environment?
The most recommended equipment to ensure a well clean and sanitized area are:
- a laminar flow hood or
- a STILL AIR BOX.
Deciding on a still air box or flow hood for mycology work is crucial, with each offering benefits and drawbacks. Available pre-made or DIY, your choice ultimately hinges on budget, experience, and time commitment.
Still Air Box vs Laminar Flow Hood
The Laminar Flow Hood (Budget: 200-500$)
A laminar flow hood keeps a steady, one-way stream of HEPA-filtered air moving over your workspace. This helps keep dust, spores, and other contaminants floating in the air away from your work area.
Its main downside is the high cost, making it a significant investment for hobbyists. Despite this, its effectiveness in ensuring successful cultivation makes it a valuable tool for serious mycology enthusiasts.
Large laboratory-grade laminar flow hoods can reach prices up to $2000, while smaller versions are available around $200-500. In contrast, a SAB offers a more affordable alternative, potentially yielding similar results at a fraction of the cost.
The Still Air Box (SAB)
Dive Deeper into the World of Still Air Boxes (SABs).
History and Origin
The Still Air Box (SAB) was born from the mycology community's need for an affordable cultivation tool, a response to the pricey laminar flow hoods.
Conceived in online forums , the SAB democratized mushroom growing by offering a simple, cost-effective way to maintain a sterile environment, opening up the hobby to a broader audience.
The Advantages of the Still Air Box Over the Glove Boxes
Experimentation with glove boxes (rubber gloves attached in the arm holes) uncovered their limitations in managing air movement, essential for minimizing contamination. Their sealed nature often leads to a "piston effect," amplifying air currents and particles, thereby increasing the risk of contamination.
This understanding has led the mycology community to agree that the Still Air Box, with its better design, offers a more reliable way to keep conditions sterile.
Is a still air box necessary?
Yes, Its design effectively limits the flow of air, ensuring that any potential contaminants stay settled on surfaces rather than becoming airborne particles.
How does a still air box work?
The Still Air Box is basically a plastic container with two arm holes designed based on principles of physics to create a workspace with very little air movement. Its design effectively limits the flow of air, ensuring that any potential contaminants stay settled on surfaces rather than becoming airborne particles.
Are still air boxes effective?
This reduction in air movement dramatically lowers the risk of contamination during the sanitization process, making it a critical tool for maintaining a sterile environment in mushroom cultivation.
How to clean and sanitise a still air box?
Wipe the interior with a cloth dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol, allowing it to air dry for effective cleaning and sanitization.
Still Air Boxes : Today's Market Options (Budget: 40-80$)
If you're a beginner interested in diving into this hobby, you might seek a hassle-free option. While Still Air Boxes are readily available on the market, considering their price and features, they may not offer the best value for you. These products often don't provide substantial benefits over a basic DIY Still Air Box.
Increased Contamination Risk : Many of these models feature covered holes for hand integration, which can create air turbulence as you move your hands in and out (piston effect), particularly when sterilizing tools such as scalpels. This is by definition not STILL AIR and can increase your contamination issues.
Prone to Damage : These models consist of a thin plastic layer and a zipper, making them susceptible to damage. Likely, this design choice was intended to optimize shipping efficiency by minimizing volume.
Missing Sterilization Tool : Working within a still air box inherently involves using a sterilization tool; one is essential to the other. However, they are not typically sold together as a package.
Limited Visibility : Operating within a Still Air Box requires precise manipulations where accuracy is crucial. Yet, these units do not come equipped with lighting to improve visibility.
Still air box (SAB) DIY (Budget: 10-20$)
At Trippy Tek, we believe you'll find greater value in constructing your own SAB. It can be done more affordable than purchasing premade options available on the market, adding to the fulfilling experience of home mycology work.
The essence of this hobby lies in the joy of growing mushrooms from scratch—crafting your setup and engaging in hands-on work makes it uniquely rewarding. After all, there's a special satisfaction in building something with your own hands.
How to make a still air box
Setting up a SAB is incredibly easy, requiring only a couple of steps:
Select an appropriate Clear Plastic container (90 Qt is sufficient)
Create two arms openings.
And that's everything! You'll likely find all the required materials and equipment around your house or in your workshop.
Upgrade your SAB with these top accessories
LED light (Budget: 10$)
Adding a light source is simple yet effective. Placing a desk lamp above or installing LED strip lights inside significantly improves visibility through the plastic container. Given the precision required for our tasks, optimal lighting is crucial.
Elevated Wire Rack (Budget: 20$)
Another useful add-on is an elevated wire rack. This rack allows us to work above the area where contaminants are most likely to be found, mirroring the best practices of professional scientists.
Sterilize your scalpel with an induction sterilizer (Budget 35$ DIY / 130$ Pre-Built)
Many are moving away from flame sterilization to adopt a safer, more efficient method for sterilizing scalpel blades: the induction coil. This technique, utilizing electromagnetic fields, offers quick and safe sterilization.
Integrating it into your SAB creates a highly organized setup. You can purchase a ready-to-use model, though it may be costly, or opt to build one yourself for a more budget-friendly solution.
Still air box alternative materials
DIY Still Air Boxes vary greatly in quality, from basic to expertly crafted. The typical choice of material is a plastic container, though plexiglass versions offer durability and aesthetics at a higher cost without significant benefits.
Some opt for a budget-friendly approach using cardboard and saran wrap (for visibility), aiming for an inexpensive, collapsible design that saves space when not in use.
Number 1 Mistake to Avoid with Your Still Air Box
Keep in mind, most tasks in the SAB involve a scalpel, especially for agar work. Ensuring the blade is sterile is crucial. You could use a new blade each time or opt for disposable scalpels. Alternatively, you can sterilize blades by heating them until red hot, making them ready for reuse.
While some opt for UV light sterilization inside the SAB as a precaution, it's often more than necessary for our purposes.
Some people use an alcohol lamp, butane torch, or lighter to FLAME STERILIZE their scalpel. However, using OPEN FLAMES can be dangerous, especially if done INSIDE THE SAB where 70% ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL fumes may create a flammable atmosphere.
There have been many reports of SABs being damaged due to explosions from this practice. It's a lesson best learned from others rather than experiencing it firsthand.
Simulation of a SAB explosion showing the risk of flame sterilize inside.
A New Era of Home Mycology: The Still Air Box Design by Trippy Tek
Fortunately, there's a Still Air Box available that includes all these top accessories at a price more affordable than attempting a DIY project to cut costs.
This is why we've assembled what we believe to be the most optimal SAB available on the market today, even surpassing the affordability of DIY methods.
Introducing the Trippy Tek Still Air Box
Merging cost-effectiveness with high-tech additions enabling growers to achieve better yields and extend their cultivation sessions!
All-in-one Still Air Box Bundle
Induction Sterilizer Integrated
Elevated Wire Rack
Led Strip Light
GROW PLENTY OF MUSHROOMS LIKE A PRO FROM THE GET-GO!
Its design minimizes air movement (True STILL AIR), reducing contamination risk and includes an elevated wire rack for extra safety.
LAUNCH IMMEDIATELY INTO MUSHROOM GROWING SUCCESS!
Trippy Tek's Still Air Box bundle delivers unmatched value, beating DIY and competitor costs in both affordability and quality.
BOOST YOUR PRECISION!
Clear plastic and LED lighting enhance visibility, reducing errors for precise agar work and culture handling in a SAB.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM BLOWING UP!
A flameless induction heater provides a safer, no-flame sterilization method, removing ignition risks when sanitizing with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
EXTEND YOUR SESSIONS WITH EFFORTLESS CULTIVATION!
Our Still Air Box streamlines cultivation with a side-mounted, laser-operated induction sterilizer for easy, one-handed tool sterilization, enabling longer, uninterrupted sessions.
SAVE SPACE WHEN NOT IN USE!
Our collapsible design saves space and enhances portability, allowing for easy storage and transport.
Convinced that DIY is cheaper? Think Again!
The Trippy Tek Still Air Box was born from the inspiration of DIY enthusiasts seeking greater value than what the current market offers. Acknowledging that pre-made Still Air Boxes sell for between $40 and $80, and mycology-specific induction heaters can reach up to $150, we recognize the need for a more affordable solution. It's clear why many turned to DIY alternatives to escape these steep costs.
Yet, through innovative design and engineering, Trippy Tek aims to make the hobby more affordable for all! A key enhancement is integrating a laser operated induction sterilizer into the SAB. For those interested in a DIY approach, here's an overview of the materials and costs involved:
DIY vs Trippy Tek SAB
FAQ
Isn't a DIY Still Air Box much cheaper than buying one?
While it's true that DIY projects can sometimes be more cost-effective, our Still Air Box offers unbeatable value through its durability, integrated induction heater, and LED lighting, which DIY versions typically lack. Plus, we save you time and the hassle of sourcing and assembling parts.
How do I know your Still Air Box is more effective than other models?
Our Still Air Box has been rigorously tested and designed with feedback from the mycology community. Its unique features, like the contactless induction sterilizer and optimal air flow design, ensure a superior and more reliable cultivation experience.
Can't I just use any container as a Still Air Box?
While any container might serve the basic function, our Still Air Box is specifically engineered for mycology. Its clear design for visibility, integrated lighting, and built-in sterilization tool are tailored to enhance your cultivation process significantly.
Are the materials and technology really safe and long-lasting?
Absolutely. We use high-quality, durable materials designed to withstand the rigors of mushroom cultivation. Plus, our flameless induction heater offers a safer alternative to open flame sterilization, minimizing risk.
What if I encounter issues or am not satisfied with the product?
We stand by the quality of our Still Air Box and offer customer support to address any concerns. Additionally, we provide a satisfaction guarantee to ensure you're happy with your purchase and a one year warranty.
Do I really need all the features your Still Air Box offers?
While you might not need every feature immediately, our comprehensive design ensures you have everything at your disposal as you delve deeper into mycology. It's about providing convenience and options for both beginners and advanced users.
Why does your Still Air Box not have enclosed hand holes like your competitors?
Our Still Air Box is designed to adhere strictly to the principle of maintaining still air, which we believe is fundamental to its true function. Enclosed hand holes can disrupt this stillness, potentially increasing air currents that could carry contaminants.
By keeping the hand holes open, we ensure that the air remains as undisturbed as possible, significantly limiting contamination risks. This design choice is rooted in our commitment to providing a truly effective sterile environment, enhancing the reliability and safety of your cultivation process.
Conclusion
In summary, the Still Air Box offers an affordable, effective solution for mushroom cultivation at home, rivaling expensive equipment like laminar flow hoods. Its design reduces contamination by controlling airflow, making it safer and more efficient, especially when upgraded with LED lighting, a raised wire rack, and a flameless induction sterilizer.
Trippy Tek's innovative Still Air Box further enhances cultivation by combining these advanced features, promoting better yields and safer practices. This solution stands out for its ease of use, storage, and the potential to improve results for growers from day one.
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!
