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Messages - CAPTROB

#1
PF - Tek / Re: inoculation spores question
May 15, 2008, 08:27:59 PM
>>So I know that you need to put 1-1.5 ml of the spores into each jar. But since there are four holes, how do I balance that out?

You don't have to be exact on inoculating each hole, just put a little of solution in each of them. 

>>How many ml. should I put in each hole?

You don't need much, 10cc can do about 8 or 9  1/2 pint jars

>>And also, to sterilize the needle, could I use a regular pocket lighter, or would I need something else?

You can use a lighter...Get the needle red hot then wipe it with some 91% Isopropyl Alcohol...(rubbing alcohol) You can find this in the first aid area of any store.
#2
Cultivation / Re: Casing Question...
May 13, 2008, 11:09:03 AM

>>What are you using for a FC?

I am using a 92qt/87L clear plastic rubbermaid tote with 1/4 inch holes that I have drilled along the sides. (not many of them, only like 7 on the two longest sides) In the last batch I had the bottom lined with perlite about 5 inches deep. This seemed to keep the humidity up at 100% with out even having to manual mist, however I did anyway. In this next batch I plan on lining the bottom with only two inches of perlite this time. I think this should give me enough humidity in the FC. I also have a temp and hygrometer meter that I purchased at a cigar shop! The FC always stayed at 73-74 degrees except what I gave them FAE it would drop down to 71 degrees, then back up to 73-74. As far as the humidity....never dropped below 100%.

>>Only mist(when needed) the inside of your FC. The mist will settle onto the casing.

Just the walls of the FC?

Thanks for the help and replies Baph and tenaglia
#3
Cultivation / Casing Question...
May 12, 2008, 02:18:47 PM
I have just crumbled and cased my pf cakes. The tek I am using I found on shroomery titled casing 101 and I was wondering if anyone had any more tips they would care to share with me as far as what to do after the mycelium starts to pop? I have read different post telling to spray down the mycelium heavily. I know with cakes you should not spray the cake directly, does this go for casing as well?

After I start to see mycelium popping threw the casing layer, is there anything I should do before placing them in the F.C. such as deep scratching or should I just place them in as is???

I have just recently lost my last batch and I don't want anything to go wrong with this one so any and all info will be and is GREATLY appreciated!!  Thanks in advance -_-
#4
Yea.... I have came to grips with having to let this batch go!! :angry:
I'm just figuring that I will throw them out and do a real good cleaning of the room that I grow in! I now know not to directly spray the cakes....this is where I think the prob started!

I wasted a lot of money on these nine cakes... The company that I purchased the spores told me to use a whole syringe per 1/2 pint jar! Keep in mind this was a 20cc syringe....WAY 2 MUCH I know!!! BIG WASTE!!!

Anyways the good news is I have 4 fully colonized jars ready to crumble and case, with 5 more right behind!  ^_^
I have read most of all the casing post on the shroomery and within the next few days I will get them started!! Although I'm almost certain that I will be contacting you with some more questions!!l lol

Thank you for answering all my questions, and lets hope I can get some good pics up to share of a GREAT flush!! Take care!    -THECAPT

#5
Okay then.... I was a little confused on if I should mist the cakes directly! I have a read a "post" with someone saying that they misted the cakes directly and it turned out to be a better flush! This was my first time trying to grow so I guess its just trial and error! From now on I will NOT mist the cakes! Thanks for the important tip! -_-

>>I would try to salvage them(to some degree) with a crumble and case and move them outside.

I cannot place them out side so I will try to case them in side!

Should I try to cut out the bad spots on the cakes before I crumble them?
Should I soak them again for 24hrs before casing them?
Should I Change perlite?

If infact this is some type of contaminant and by casing the cakes... lets just say they did fruit.... could they make me sick when I ate them or they will only fruit when there is no contaminates?

I know this is a lot of questions and I thank you for your time!! -_-
#6
>>Have those sections grown?

I would say that more of the mycelium has shrunk and more of this turned up.

>>Do you notice a smell outside of mushroom in your fc?

Nope... No foul smell.

>>Just out of curiousity what color do you see when you look at them?

Well.... I guess they kinda got a gray look to them but I also see like a greenish blue...maybe like a silver blue? Kinda hard to tell...the color is not real distinct! The way they look in the pic is pretty much as they look. I can say that in those spots they look real moist! I think all the cakes have some on them where the mycelium has died/evaporated. I just sent the pics of the two worse!

Any clue why I would not see any pinheads yet? If they are bad should I smell a strong stench coming from them? I don't know what I could of done wrong with these cakes! The only thing I could think of is misting maybe too much/misting the walls of the F.C. plus the cakes! Thats all I could think of man. Thanks for our help!

#7
DAY 17: No pinheads
            73 Degrees F
            100% Humidity
            F.A.E. 2-3 times per day

I'm wondering what you think of this. If this is in fact bruising.... Its getting worse!!! Not sure just thought you could have another look and let me know! Any tips?

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb196/CAPTROB_2007/CAKES001.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb196/CAPTROB_2007/CAKES003.jpg
#8
Cultivation / Re: WORM CASTINGS???
May 04, 2008, 10:55:29 AM
Nope no pressure cooker. Just sterilized them in a pot using the pf tek method. Maybe I will have to go get a bag of that jiffy mix, however I rather use what I already have. Just wanted to see if anyone has had any experience with worm castings. Did you add anything to that Jiffy mix, or just used it as is?
#9
Cultivation / WORM CASTINGS???
May 03, 2008, 04:06:13 PM
I would like some info on the casing layer. I just went and purchased some worm castings, peat moss, and some crushed oyster shells. I have been trying to research casing and have came up with many different ways to go about it, more confusing than anything!! ( TO MANY WAYS) I have the colonized jars ready but need to know how to go about mixing the casing layer. (IM AM USING 1/2 PINT JARS THAT ARE COLINIZED AND GOING TO BREAK THE CAKES UP IN A BAG)Could I use 70% worm casting and 30% verm. sterilize it in the microwave for ten min. let it cool and thats it? or should I use Worm castings, peat moss, and sprinkle some oyster shells in with the mix? How do I know what my PH level is or should I not worry about that too much for now? Does PH make that big of a difference? I know this is alot of questions that I am asking but as a newbie, I would like to know the best way to get a nice flush with what I have already  purchased! Thanks in advance for all your help!!!
#10
Cultivation / MOLD OR BRUISING??? Have a look!
May 02, 2008, 09:57:53 AM
My cakes are turning colors!!! I think this is bruising of the mycelium but not sure! Some of the mycelium has shrunk and in these spots they have turned into this. Day 14 no pin heads! The fruiting chamber is 73 degrees and 100% humidity, and yes...I do give them F.A.E.  3-4 times a day. Please help!!!!

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb196/CAPTROB_2007/CAKES04.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb196/CAPTROB_2007/CAKES03.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb196/CAPTROB_2007/CAKES02.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb196/CAPTROB_2007/CAKES01.jpg
#11
Anyone else have any comments about these pics? Today is day 12 still no pins nor have I seen any change in the cakes! :angry: I'm trying to stay patient however I just want to see some type of progress! Any info you can share with me is GREATLY appreciated! -THANKS!!!!
#12
Cultivation / Please Take a look and let me know!
April 27, 2008, 09:17:49 AM
This is day nine and still no pin heads!! I am keeping the terrarium at about 73-75degrees with about 100% humidity. Before I placed them in the Terrarium I soaked them for about 24hrs the rolled them in dry Verm. a few days later they looked like this! I manual mist and give F.A.E. 2-3 times per day. Can someone please take a look and give me some advice? Do these look normal?

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb196/CAPTROB_2007/Cakes05.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb196/CAPTROB_2007/Cakes03.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb196/CAPTROB_2007/Cakes02.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb196/CAPTROB_2007/Cakes01.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb196/CAPTROB_2007/CAKES.jpg
#13
PF - Tek / I need some advice! PLEASE HELP!
April 23, 2008, 11:17:11 AM
I have had my cakes in the fruiting chamber for about five days now and don't see any pin heads yet! The temp in the chamber is 75 degrees and the humidity is about 100%. I manual mist and give it air exchange at least once a day by fanning the lid over the top of the chamber! The videos I watch usually show pinning after 4-5 days or so. Are my cakes ruined? Or does it just take more time? How long does it usually take to pin; one of my friends told me it could take 1-2 weeks. Is this true/what's the longest time you all have seen for pinning to take place?