FAE might be the issue.
I thought while colonizing, there was to be minimal exposure to the outside world.
So I haven't lifted the lid once in about 10 days.
It's not "sealed" shut. Meaning isn't a rubber seal on the lid. Plus, I do have painter's tape around the surface-level holes.
Correct this line of thinking if you will:
(1) Creating the mycelium (i.e. in grain jars) - in a dark place, kept around 80ºF with a filtered vent hole on the jar lid.
For this, I converted an Ice Chest into my space. I have two heat mats taped to the sides that are on temperature controllers.
(2) Colonizing in Substrate - low 70ºs (normal home temps) and 12 hours of light, only exposure to air is through microspore tape at surface level.
(3) Fruiting - Low 70 temps, 80 - 90% humidity, 12 hours light, and now you commence opening up the MicroBin holes with microspore tape or purpose-made filters (i.e. like the ones from Microppose). Occasionally fan and mist the inside walls (getting very little on the fruiting surface).
- I have a humidifier with a flex hose running up to the top. I plan to keep it at 80 - 90 percent when Fruiting.
- Tent has a small exhaust fan running at a slow speed 24/7 to ensure fresh are is coming in, with the vent flaps.
- I also have a couple of USB fans (7") running gently to keep air circulating.
- For the Micro Bin (Max Yield) I added a small computer fan that will come on for a minute every 6 hours (4 x days) to help push away CO2. They will get more air when I open the lids for misting.
Last Thought/Question:
When I combined this bin up with my already colonized grains and the coco-coir substrate I did not put a cover layer over the mix. I was going to add a smaller layer of coco coir that was to field capacity and then let the fruits grow through that layer. Sound about right? I've seen it done both ways, where you add a protective layer before colonizing, and I have seen it the way I plan to do it.
I apologize but I am taking so much information right now that I am bound to combine techniques. I'm trying not to do so.
I am making my own jars (grain and PF Tek), I recently made my first liquid culture (from a kit) and I plan to get one of those $400 luminar flow hoods for Christmas if I continue to enjoy this. I do not get a luxury item if I keep screwing up the basics.
I want to work with agar and all of the other more challenging aspects of mycology.
Pretty normal to have condensation in the tubs. The question becomes whether there is enough FAE or not. Also it can just be that your temps are too far apart inside and outside the tub.