Cleaning, Moving, Agar Handling, Hand Manipulation, Extra Cleaning Precautions…
Working in a Still Air Box (SAB) can really improve your mushroom growing experience. It's a practical alternative to relying on an expensive laminar flow hood. Using the Trippy Tek Still Air Box makes the process even better. However, even with the best tools, your success as a mushroom grower depends on knowing how to use them properly . That's exactly what we'll cover in this blog.
TL;DR: Operational Tips & Tricks
SAB Importance: Reduces contamination by maintaining a still, sanitized environment.
Safety First: Sterilize tools outside the SAB if using a flame to avoid fire hazards.
Proper Handling: Wear gloves and a mask; handle Petri dishes carefully to prevent contamination.
Minimize Air Movement: Move slowly and plan your actions to keep air still inside the SAB.
Agar Tips: Open plates upside-down and avoid touching sterile areas with unclean tools.
Just a reminder, the primary function of a Still Air Box (SAB) is to create a sanitized area with minimal air movement, which keeps contaminants on surfaces and reduces the risk of contamination. Think of contamination as the ultimate enemy—like Satan to God—in your mushroom-growing journey.
Preparation
Gloves
Wear gloves while working, and use long-sleeve gloves to cover your skin when reaching through the armholes. This will prevent any skin exposure that could lead to contamination. It's also good practice to wear a mask for added protection.
70% isopropyl alcohol
Prepare your work environment with 70% isopropyl alcohol . Wipe down your surface at least twice with the alcohol, then do the same for the inside walls of your Still Air Box (SAB). After that, spray one final time inside the SAB and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. The damp walls will help contaminants stick to the surfaces, reducing the risk of contamination by hopefully killing any lingering spores.
SAFETY FIRST
If you sterilize your tools using a flame, always do it outside your Still Air Box (SAB).
The fumes from isopropyl alcohol inside the SAB can ignite, posing a serious fire hazard.
The SAB is designed to prevent air movement, meaning there’s no ventilation, which creates a potentially flammable atmosphere.
To stay safe:
- Sterilize your tools outside the SAB.
- Alternatively, use an induction sterilizer, which doesn’t involve an open flame.
Fundamental Techniques for Still Air Box Work
Move slowly and create as little air movement as possible. Air currents are your enemy; the purpose of the Still Air Box (SAB) is to maintain still air so contaminants can settle out. If you cause air movement, it will stir up those contaminants, increasing the risk of contamination.
Always plan your moves carefully to minimize unnecessary air movement.
- Regularly spray the inside of the SAB with isopropyl alcohol to keep the surfaces damp, helping contaminants stick to the sides.
AGAR Manipulation TIPS
Always hold your tools by the base to avoid touching the sterile areas.
When handling Petri dishes with agar, hold them by the sides, keeping nothing above the agar except sterilized tools.
Always open agar plates upside-down , with the lid facing down and the plate itself facing up. This minimizes the risk of contaminants falling onto the agar.
- When transferring, make sure the receiving plate is facing up, but always keep the lid down until the transfer moment .
Conclusion: What we have learn
SAB Purpose: The SAB maintains a still, sanitized environment to prevent contamination.
Proper Handling: Wear gloves and a mask, and avoid touching sterile areas.
Sterilization: Use 70% isopropyl alcohol to clean the SAB, and always sterilize tools outside if using a flame.
Agar Tips: Handle Petri dishes correctly and minimize air exposure to prevent contaminants from landing on the agar.
Safety Precautions: Avoid using flames inside the SAB due to the risk of ignition from alcohol fumes.
That wraps up the basics of agar handling and Still Air Box (SAB) operational movements. We'll dive deeper into mushroom cultivation in future discussions. However, with these fundamental techniques, you can begin experimenting and work towards optimizing your contamination rate.
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.
