With a steady hand, attention to detail, and a healthy dose of germophobia, mushroom cultivators can conduct their mycological work in a Still Air Box (SAB) to minimize contamination. These affordable and easy-to-use containers are ideal for aspiring growers with limited space or budgets.
Whether inoculating grain bags or working with cultures, a Still Air Box significantly lowers exposure to airborne contaminants for improved chances of success.
What Is a Still Air Box?
A Still Air Box is an ingenious tool that can be used to create a nearly sterile environment for working with mushroom cultures. By providing a barrier to bacteria, rival fungi, and other microorganisms, the SAB allows cultivators to work in a contamination-free environment that dramatically increases the success rate of their mycological endeavors. Whether you choose to craft a DIY SAB or purchase one pre-made, the process is fairly straightforward and requires few special tools.
Start by choosing a clear plastic storage container that is large enough to comfortably fit your hands inside. Make sure that the lid locks securely and can be closed and sealed quickly. Then, wipe down the entire surface of the container with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Next, take a pair of sterile gloves and spray them with 70% isopropyl alcohol to sterilize them. Place the gloves on your hands and then close the lid of the SAB. You may have to adjust the position of the lid slightly depending on your hand size and how much space you need to work in. It’s also a good idea to keep the SAB away from drafty areas and quick movements that could disrupt the still air environment by creating micro-air currents.
Now that you’ve sanitized your gloves and are in the sterile SAB, it’s time to begin your work! When you’re done, remember to remove your hands from the gloves and wipe them down with isopropyl alcohol before leaving the SAB.
The main purpose of a Still Air Box is to create a barrier between you and the millions of bacteria and fungal spores that are floating around in our world. By keeping the air inside of the SAB “still” (as in, not moving), these particles lose their velocity and fall to the ground as they are prevented from contaminating your work.
Although it is possible to achieve the same results by purchasing or building a laminar flow hood, most aspiring mushroom growers and hobbyists are looking for an affordable solution that they can use with equipment they already own. Thankfully, with a little ingenuity and elbow grease, it is possible to make your own Still Air Box for less than $20.
How to Make a Still Air Box
For many mycologists, a Still Air Box (SAB) is a must-have piece of equipment. It is a simple solution to a complex problem, and it drastically reduces contamination in the cultivation process. Before the advent of SABs, mycologists had to use more expensive and complicated equipment like laminar flow hoods to achieve similar results.
A SAB can be made from a plastic container and some standard household materials. The key is to ensure that the box is clean and sanitized before you begin work. You should also make sure that all tools and materials you plan to use inside are sanitized. Once you have your supplies ready to go, it’s important to wear a mask when working inside the box. This will help prevent the inhalation of contaminants that could interfere with your mushroom cultivation journey.
To make your own SAB, start by finding a clear tub with two arm hole markings that are the same size as your arms. Next, cut a piece of white towel that is the same size and shape as the tub and place it on the lid. Once the towel is in place, secure it to the lid with a strong tape. This will minimize the movement of the tub or the contents inside. Next, take the can and press it against one of the marked arm hole locations. The heat from the can should melt a hole through the plastic. Repeat this step for the other arm hole location. Once the holes are made, use a utility knife to trim off any rough edges. This will avoid snagging your gloves and will help protect you from any accidental cuts while working.
Once the SAB is complete, sanitize the inside by wiping it down with a disinfectant before each use. It’s also a good idea to wipe down any jars, Petri dishes, graduated cylinders or other supplies that you will be using in the box as well.
Lastly, it is recommended that you keep a pair of disposable sterile gloves handy when using your SAB. While SABs are designed to be easy to use, they are not foolproof. Even with the best practices, a tiny puff of air can carry in bacteria or mold and introduce contamination to your project. While this may be inevitable, minimizing the risk by wearing a mask and working carefully within your SAB can help you avoid contamination and successfully cultivate mushrooms.
Why You Need a Still Air Box
Many people who are starting their mushroom cultivation experimentation begin with a Still Air Box (SAB), like this Gro Magik still air box. It’s basically a plastic tote that has two holes in the front of it that you can put your arms through to work. The idea is to create a workspace that limits exposure to spores, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants in the air around you while working on projects like inoculating grain bags, working with cultures, or even larger projects such as spawning mono-tubs.
While some people buy pre-made SABs, the most efficient way to get started with this type of mycology work is to make your own. The process is fairly simple, and it uses tools that most people already have around the house. A quick search on the internet will reveal a number of guides and videos that will show you how to turn any clear plastic tote into a functional SAB with minimal time and effort.
SABs are designed based on basic principles of physics to limit air movement in the workspace, thereby minimizing contamination from airborne particles that would otherwise be carried away by currents and wind. This reduces the risk of contamination during sanitization, and helps to ensure that potential contaminants remain settled on surfaces rather than becoming airborne.
Another reason to use a SAB is to prevent any contamination that may be present on materials in the workspace from spreading to other parts of your project. This can happen with a variety of things, such as spills, splatters, or even the air particles that are generated by handling materials. The SAB will help to keep these contaminants contained, allowing you to complete your mycology tasks with confidence.
A final reason for using a SAB is to protect your project from accidental contamination by other people. Especially in an open laboratory or home setting, it is not uncommon for people to walk into or past your work while you are doing sterile culture transfers, spawning, or other potentially contaminating tasks. The SAB will provide a barrier between you and these people, helping to avoid any accidental contamination.
How to Use a Still Air Box
The Still Air Box revolutionized mushroom cultivation by making it more accessible for hobbyists and home growers. The simple DIY solution is a quick and affordable way to create a sterile workspace that limits contamination, helping to increase your chances of success when working with spores or cultures. You can use a basic plastic tote as the base for your Still Air Box, with just two holes cut or melted into the front of the container.
Before using your SAB, clean and disinfect it and all equipment to reduce the risk of unwanted contaminants. It is also important to ensure that your work area is sanitized, including the surrounding surface, and to take extra precautions such as showering before beginning any sterile work and wearing a mask.
To make your SAB, start by ensuring that you have a clear plastic tote with a lid that will lock closed. You will also need a hot iron and a pair of scissors. Once you have the tools, you will need to mark the locations of your armholes on the face of the tote with a marker. Once you have the markings, carefully heat up a corner of the plastic tote with the iron and press down on one of the marked armhole locations. When you release the pressure, the melted plastic will pop out and create a hole. Repeat this step for the other armhole location.
Next, you will need to cut a strip of thin plastic sheeting that will fit over each armhole opening in your SAB. Lastly, you will need to spray the plastic sheeting with 70% isopropyl alcohol and wipe it down before covering the armholes in your SAB. Once the sheeting is sanitized and dry, you can tape it in place to secure it over the armholes.
Now you are ready to begin your work in your SAB! Whether you are inoculating grain bags, working with cultures, or preparing for a G2G transfer, your Still Air Box will help limit your exposure to spores and bacteria and increase your chances of success.
Conclusion
A Still Air Box is an essential tool for any aspiring mushroom cultivator. It provides a nearly sterile environment for working with spores and cultures, minimizing the risk of contamination and increasing the chances of successful cultivation. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily create your own SAB using affordable materials found in most households.
Remember to always sanitize your SAB and all equipment before use, wear protective gear such as gloves and a mask, and work carefully to avoid disrupting the still air environment. With a little practice and patience, you’ll soon be on your way to growing your own healthy and delicious mushrooms at home!
