2023/1/31 Log entry: a record of some tinkering
The grow room has been altered considerably, starting with removal of the wood shelves and replacing with wire metal shelves for better space utilization and mold vector reduction.
I've recently researched growing methods for Panaeolus cyanescens, I couldn't resist making my own attempt; I've never had pans and I really want to see what the hype is all about. I no longer have room for monotubs and putting all my eggs in the martha tent basket - fingers crossed that the cubensis can be happy in same environment.
The general concept comes from Jake Oncid's pan grow tutorial, with some personalized alterations. Humidification comes from house of hydro ultrasonic atomizer in a 15 gallon stainless stock pot. I wanted stainless because I'm using UV light for sterilization and the reflectivity of the stainless aids in UV effectiveness. The atomizer comes with a float, but I'm not using it; instead the water is kept at constant, optimal level via float valve. 120mm fan on lid feeds fresh air and forces mist out the two Ø4" hoses feeding top of tents. 120mm fan at bottom of each tent pulls air down and exhausts out - trash bag around bottom shelves aids in routing air to exhaust fan. A repeating cycle timer outlet feeds delay timer relays that control the on/off of fans and mister. LED ribbon lights cycle through colors, 12/12 on/off.
I cut the vertical posts that come with the martha tent so that the bottom shelf is 5" off the floor and the other shelves are closer together to deal with my low ceiling. Everything works, but there's too much airflow - speed controllers on fans should fix this. It's interesting how the room is right at 80°F for mycelium incubation, but the tents stabilized at 75°F which is perfect for fruiting, I suppose the cooler temp comes from the evaporation of the mist. I'm mostly happy with results, but I'm worried about water accumulation at bottom of tents.. perhaps some seedling heating mats underneath would ameliorate or at least mitigate water pooling.
Of course the fungi have the final word on success, and I'm quite excited to see how they like it. Years ago I've taken some colonized substrate out of monotubs and put in a barn, and to my delight the fruits grew much larger than I've ever seen in monotubs - more FAE, generally lower humidity, and they THRIVED (until it got a little too dry). I'm hoping these martha tents emulate what they like... I've read plenty about pans needing modification from normal cubensis grow parameters, but I wonder if there's any reason the cubies won't be happy in ideal pan grow parameters???
I've never grown the Tidal Waves before, but they certainly seem aggressive. I love cloning but it just sucks not knowing if these are potent or not. Need a little Alice to test it for me hmm.
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