Fungifun - Forum

Mushroom cultivation => Cultivation => Topic started by: ImAFungi on December 12, 2009, 12:08:00 PM

Title: thinking about casing...
Post by: ImAFungi on December 12, 2009, 12:08:00 PM
 My first 2 sets of jars are just starting to get to that 60% mark. I was thinking about casing because it doesn't seem super difficult or anything and I've heard that you get many more little friends out of it ^_^. I was wondering if anyone had any really good recipes for casing or any good links for casing.
   
                    Thanks,
                      ImAFungi :ph34r:
Title: Re: thinking about casing...
Post by: dub504 on December 12, 2009, 02:57:56 PM
http://www.shroomery.org/54/50-50-Casing-Tek
Title: Re: thinking about casing...
Post by: cugak on December 12, 2009, 04:12:01 PM
Sterilize your casing mix good, if you have a pressure cooker, cooked it for good half an hour and clean your trays with alcohol!
Title: Re: thinking about casing...
Post by: dub504 on December 12, 2009, 04:35:36 PM
or pasteurize... The microwave works as well.
Title: Re: thinking about casing...
Post by: ImAFungi on December 12, 2009, 05:20:35 PM
Thanks a lot dub. that site was very helpful. I've read a couple of posts saying that the limestone isn't necessary. What do you think? Also are the oyster shells necessary? :huh:

I don't have a pressure cooker yet, but it's on my to do list. I might just use the microwave on this batch. I will def. post pictures once I case them.

Once again thanks guys.
         -ImAFungi
Title: Re: thinking about casing...
Post by: tenaglia on December 13, 2009, 01:06:20 AM
You can also case straight coco coir, dries a bit faster so you probably have to mist the casing,
Title: Re: thinking about casing...
Post by: dub504 on December 13, 2009, 07:59:10 AM
I use the 50/50+ tek for casing, but you def don't have to use lime and chushed oyster shells.
Title: Re: thinking about casing...
Post by: ImAFungi on December 13, 2009, 08:52:04 AM
Well then it's settled, I'm using the 50/50 tek. Maybe use alittle of one of them. Thanks again dub.
         -ImAFungi
Title: Re: thinking about casing...
Post by: shroomzer on December 13, 2009, 11:02:47 AM
Dubs on it~!  No need for the limestone.  Microwaving is perfect.
Title: Re: thinking about casing...
Post by: ImAFungi on December 13, 2009, 04:40:18 PM
Cool thanks shroomzer. I know know you're suppose to microwave it on high, but for how long? :huh:

                   Thanks,
                      ImAFungi
Title: Re: thinking about casing...
Post by: shroomzer on December 13, 2009, 06:08:31 PM
Start with 5 minutes then stir it up and check the temp. with a meat thermometer.  You want the temp. to be more than 205 degrees throughout the mixture.  You may have to do it a couple  times to get the correct temp. through your entire mixture. And then let it stand in a clean sterile place to cool enough to use it.
Title: Re: thinking about casing...
Post by: ImAFungi on December 13, 2009, 07:08:31 PM
Thanks once again shroomzer. should'nt be more than a couple more days before i case my little buddies  ^_^
   
                   -ImAFungi
Title: Re: thinking about casing...
Post by: MT on December 14, 2009, 04:36:24 PM
I heat mine in the microwave on high for 12 minutes then remove it from the oven and cover with a plate and let it cool down to room temp.
Title: Re: thinking about casing...
Post by: coyoteyogi on December 15, 2009, 12:19:50 AM
You want the coir to be at carrying capacity with water. This will help it hold the heat in the microwave.
Title: Re: thinking about casing...
Post by: MT on December 15, 2009, 03:28:38 PM
Yeah, I failed to mention that I add water to the mix to bring it to field capacity before I microwave.
Title: Re: thinking about casing...
Post by: ImAFungi on December 15, 2009, 05:56:00 PM
how much water do you add MT? :huh:

           thanks,
            ImAFungi
Title: Re: thinking about casing...
Post by: dub504 on December 16, 2009, 08:28:48 AM
Field capacity = just wet enough so when you squeeze the casing material a few drops come out.
Title: Re: thinking about casing...
Post by: MT on December 16, 2009, 05:38:06 PM
Listen to dub he knows.
Title: Re: thinking about casing...
Post by: ImAFungi on December 16, 2009, 06:19:17 PM
Cool, I will. Thanks dub, I will def do that. Also, i was thinking about buying Tropic-Aire Humidifier. Has anyone had any experience with this system?

Here is a link for a picture of the exact model:
http://www.backyardstyle.com/shop/index.php?page=shop-flypage-18202

             Thanks,
                ImAFungi
Title: Re: thinking about casing...
Post by: shroomzer on December 17, 2009, 07:46:47 AM
Yep, works well.  A few people I have seen post use it as well as a friend of mine.  If you know how to use the research here you can find the threads on the topic with details of how its used.
Title: Re: thinking about casing...
Post by: ImAFungi on December 17, 2009, 09:57:57 AM
Sweet, I'm pretty sure it won't be to hard to find that thread on here and i know of one on shroomery too. Thanks shroomzer :ph34r:

              -ImAFungi