Crafting Your Mono Tub: A Versatile Guide to Growing Magic Mushrooms

There are countless ways to create a mono tub for growing magic mushrooms, and the possibilities are endless. While there are no definite right or wrong answers, the basic principles always remain the same. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you have the power to create something truly remarkable. With fresh air exchange (FAE), you can ensure a successful harvest and achieve your goals. So, go ahead and let your creativity flourish. The world is waiting for your mono tub masterpiece.

Basic Supplies Needed:

No matter which method you use for FAE, you will need these basic supplies. Additional supplies will be required for each air exchange method.

1. Select a Container: Choose a clear plastic container with a lid. The size of the container can vary depending on how many mushrooms you intend to grow, but it should be at least a few feet in length and width and a minimum of 8 inches deep to allow for 3-4 inches of substrate. I have seen mono tubs as small as a smoothie cup to as big as a 96 qt box. Remember you need a 1:2 ratio of 1 spawn to every 2 substrates; 1 cup of spawn mixed with 2 cups of substrate.
2. Add a Liner: you can do 1 of 2 methods for a liner. The first method is to paint the bottom 3 inches of the tote black. This can be done with spray paint or a brush. The second method is to use a disposable liner inside the tote, cut to the right dimensions. Each method has pros and cons. Experiment and see which one fits your style the best.
3. Mist spray bottle: your substrate should be at the proper moisture level when you first add it; however, the mushrooms consume moisture while they grow and you may need to mist the tub to ensure proper hydration. Note: never spray the mycelium directly. Mist the walls and lid.

Manual Air Exchange for growing magic mushrooms:

This is the easiest, least expensive, and low-tech solution for a mono tub. It also requires the most hands-on time. No additional supplies are needed from the basic supplies list. To provide the FAE, you will remove the lid of the mono-tub. Fan the tub using the lid by waving it over the tub to help remove the carbon dioxide and replace it with fresh air. It is advised to do this in a sterile environment. Perform a FAE at least twice a day, 12 hours a part. Smaller tubs may need more attention.

Passive Air Exchange for growing magic mushrooms:

This is the easiest, not as expensive, and still low-tech solution for a mono tub that is less hands-on than the manual mono tub.

Supplies Needed:

1. First aid tape, micropore tape, or polyfill: this is used to stop contamination from entering the mono tub where the holes are drilled. All three (3) of these options are easy to find and all work the same way.
2. Drill with a 2-inch or bigger hole saw or large metal can with a heat source: this will be needed to drill holes for FAE. The metal can with a heat source works in a pinch but takes a long time. When drilling, go slow and do not add pressure. Let the drill do the work or the tub may crack.
3. Duct tape or packing tape: this will be used for the first two weeks to prevent FAE and allow the mushrooms to cultivate.

Preparation of mono tub:

1. Prepare the Container: Use a drill to create several holes in two sides (opposite sides from each other) of the container slightly above where the substrate will rest; I would suggest making the holes 5″ from the bottom for ventilation. Now on the two other sides of the tub, create a hole near the top of the tub. See the image below. These holes will allow fresh air to enter the mono tub and push the bad air out through the bottom holes.
2. Add liner and substrate/spawn.
3. Duct tape or packing tape: after adding the liner and substrate/spawn, cover the holes with tape to prevent FAE for the first 10-14 days.
4. First aid tape, micropore tape, or polyfill: after 10-14 days, remove the tape and replace it with first aid tape or other breathable tape to allow the FAE.

Active air exchange for growing magic mushrooms:

This mono tub is the most advanced and most expensive. It is also the least hands-on and can be scaled in size for a grow tent called a Martha grow tent.

Supplies Needed:

1. Computer Fan with AC Plug
2. Reptile Fogger
3. Reptile Digital Thermometer Hygrometer Controller for Reptile Tank Water Terrarium Waterproof Reptile Timer with Thermostat Controller Lighting Timer
4. First aid tape, micropore tape, or polyfill: this is used to stop contamination from entering the mono tub where the holes are drilled. All three (3) of these options are easy to find and all work the same way.
5. Duct tape or packing tape: after adding the liner and substrate/spawn, cover the holes with tape to prevent FAE for the first 10-14 days.
6. Drill with various-sized drill bits and or a soldering iron: this will be needed to drill holes for the FAE and mister. Let the drill/iron do the work or the tub may crack.

Preparation of mono tub:

1. Prepare the Container: Use a drill to create several holes in the sides of the container slightly above where the substrate will rest; I would suggest making the holes 5″ from the bottom. These holes will allow fresh air to enter the mono tub and push the bad air out through the bottom holes. If you find there is too much air exchange, you can cover some of the holes with packing tape. On the lid, cut a hole big enough for the computer fan and cut a hole in the side of the tub near the top for the mister. See the image below. Note: The fan and the mister will not be used for 10-14 days.
2. Add liner and substrate/spawn.
3. Duct tape or packing tape: after adding the liner and substrate/spawn, cover all holes with tape to prevent FAE for the first 10-14 days.
4. First aid tape, micropore tape, or polyfill: after 10-14 days, remove the tape and replace it with first aid tape or other breathable tape along the bottom holes to allow the FAE.
5. Install the fan and mister: use the Hygrometer Controller to control the mister and fan. Relative humidity of between 80 and 90% is recommended for most species as mushrooms will dry out or not fruit at all if humidity levels are too low. Set the fan to run every 12 hours or as needed.

Conclusion:

With these steps, you can unlock the potential of growing magic mushrooms in the comfort of your home. By applying proper sterilization techniques and closely monitoring the environmental conditions, you are on your way to a successful harvest.