Emma Wilson
Building an incubator for mushrooms is a great way to create the ideal environment for mushroom growth. The ideal temperature for mushroom incubation is between 20–27 °C, and this can be achieved through various methods, including aquarium heaters, heat mats, and heating films. To build an effective incubator, it is important to consider the size, materials, and heating mechanism that will best maintain the desired temperature and humidity levels. This guide will explore different approaches to constructing a mushroom incubator, including the use of plastic tubs, styrofoam, and cardboard boxes, as well as the necessary equipment for successful mushroom cultivation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To maintain a constant, stable temperature for growing mushrooms |
| Temperature Range | 20-24°C for colonisation, 25-27°C for spawn jars/spawn run |
| Materials | Plastic tubs, cardboard box, bubble wrap, styrofoam sheets, aquarium heater, thermometer, heat mat, heat cable |
| Advantages | Uniform heating, remote thermostat sensor, flat heating element, inexpensive |
| Disadvantages | Overheating, bacteria contamination, inconsistent temperature |
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What You'll Learn
Using a plastic cooler
Building a mushroom incubator is a great way to maintain the best conditions for your jars and bulk substrate trays. To build a heater for an incubator using a plastic cooler, you will need two plastic boxes or coolers of the same size, with one slightly smaller so it can fit inside the other. Plastic is a good choice of material because it is flexible and will not interfere with wires and electricity.
First, clean all materials with a solution of 10 parts water to 1 part bleach to avoid contamination of your mushroom spores. Next, place a fully submersible aquarium heater in the bottom centre of the first plastic box or cooler. You can use any aquarium heater, but the Won Brothers Pro Heat is a good choice because it has an easy-to-adjust dial, a remote thermal probe, and a digital temperature display. Secure the heater with waterproof tape and place four or more spacers, such as small glass jars or bricks, in the bottom of the first box or cooler. Arrange them at an equal distance from each other to support the second box and prevent the heater from touching the plastic.
Then, pour warm water into the first box until it covers the bricks. Submerge the heater entirely and follow the directions on the aquarium heater to adjust the thermostat so that the heater shuts off at the desired temperature. Place the second box inside the first one, setting it on top of the spacers. Ensure that the water level rises to about two-thirds of the first box's height. Add or remove water if necessary.
Finally, place your inoculated mushroom jars in the second box. Cover them with a towel, blanket, or cooler lid to keep them warm and away from light. You can also attach little computer fans to the incubator walls to circulate air and prevent the formation of hot spots.
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Choosing an aquarium heater
When choosing an aquarium heater for your mushroom incubator, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you need to ensure that the heater can maintain the ideal temperature range for mushroom incubation, which is around 77-82°F (25-27°C). The Won Brothers Pro Heat heater is a good option for mushroom growers as it has an easy-to-adjust dial and a digital temperature display, allowing you to set the desired temperature. It also has a remote thermal probe, which should be placed on the wall of the incubator, away from the heat source.
Another important consideration is the size of your incubator and the number of jars or trays you plan to use. The heater should be able to maintain a constant temperature throughout the incubator. If you have a large incubator or many jars, you may need a more powerful heater or additional heaters to ensure even heat distribution. It is recommended to have a separate reservoir with about 10 gallons of water and a water heater set to the desired temperature. You can then pump warm water through tubes into your incubator to maintain the air temperature.
The design of your incubator will also influence your choice of heater. Some heaters are designed to be placed directly into the water bath, while others are meant to be attached to the walls of the incubator. For example, heating pads or films can be attached to the walls, but care must be taken to ensure they do not come into direct contact with the jars or bags, as this can cause overheating or contamination. If using a water bath, you will need to ensure that your heater is submerged and that the cords are properly sealed to prevent moisture from escaping.
Additionally, you should consider the ease of use and maintenance of the heater. Some heaters may require additional accessories, such as thermometers or hygrometers, to monitor temperature and humidity accurately. You may also need to make adjustments to your incubator, such as adding holes or using insulation, to regulate humidity and prevent overheating. It is important to regularly monitor the conditions inside your incubator to ensure optimal growth for your mushrooms.
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Styrofoam incubators
Building a mushroom incubator is a great way to maintain the best conditions for your jars and bulk substrate trays. A mushroom incubator is a room where the mycelium grows in a bag with a substrate.
To build a Styrofoam incubator, you can use Styrofoam sheets to create a box of any size or buy a ready-made Styrofoam box. You can also use Styrofoam panels for three of the walls of your incubator and clear PET plastic sheets or thick PET film for the front wall or door. The size of your box will determine the size of the Styrofoam panels you need. For example, for a box measuring 60*70*40 cm or 24*28*16 inches, you can use Styrofoam panels that are 125x60x2 cm or 48x24x1 inch.
Once you have your Styrofoam box, you can add a heating element, such as a heating pad, heat mat, or heated film, to the inside of the incubator. It is important to place the heating element on the wall of the incubator and not on the floor, as you do not want your jars or bags with the substrate to come into direct contact with the heating element, which can overheat the mycelium or trigger bacteria contamination. You can use adhesive tape to stick the heating element to the wall.
To control the temperature inside your Styrofoam incubator, you can use a temperature controller or thermostat, which will allow you to set a specific temperature range. For example, you can set the temperature between 25-27°C or 77-80°F, and the thermostat will turn on and off the heating element to maintain this range.
With your Styrofoam incubator, you can now grow mushrooms at home by maintaining a constant and stable temperature. Remember to place your incubator in a well-ventilated area and regularly clean it to minimise contaminants like mould.
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Temperature control
Firstly, it is important to understand the ideal temperature range for mushroom incubation. Magic mushrooms thrive at temperatures that are comfortable for humans. A temperature range of 20°C to 27°C (68°F to 80°F) is generally recommended for the colonisation stage. During this stage, keeping the vents closed helps retain heat and maintain higher carbon dioxide levels, beneficial for mycelium growth.
For optimal humidity, a temperature range of 20°C to 23°C (68°F to 73°F) is suggested. Higher temperatures lead to more evaporation and increased humidity. When fruiting, slightly open the vents, and only open them fully for larger mushrooms or flush sizes, as they require more oxygen.
To automate the process, a temperature controller is essential. You can purchase a cheap temperature controller online and set your desired temperature range. The controller will turn on and off the heating element to maintain the set range. The Won Brothers Pro Heat aquarium heater is a good option, as it features an easy-to-adjust dial, a remote thermal probe, and a digital temperature display.
When using an aquarium heater, place it inside a plastic tub with water, ensuring the lid has a watertight seal. You can then place this tub inside a larger tub to create a stable temperature environment. This method is known as Tub in Tub (TiT). Alternatively, you can use a styrofoam box or a large plastic cooler, which retain warmth effectively.
For added precision, use a thermometer to test the accuracy of the heater's control dial. Allow the incubator to run for 48 hours to stabilise the temperature, then adjust as needed. Ensure there is ample space inside the incubator to facilitate proper airflow and distribute heat evenly.
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Humidity and airflow
Humidity is an essential factor in mushroom cultivation. Mushrooms require high humidity levels to start the formation of primordia, which are small bumps that eventually grow into mature mushrooms. Throughout development, mushrooms also need humidity to ensure they grow to reach maturity. Poor humidity levels can cause them to stop growing, discolour, and form cracks. Mushrooms grown with the correct levels of humidity often grow larger and have a longer storage life due to increased hydration.
To maintain the ideal humidity level for growing mushrooms, there are several methods to consider. One of the best ways to monitor humidity is with a humidity sensor. By using a humidity sensor, growers can ensure a successful harvest and maximise their yields. Ideally, humidity sensors should be placed at the same level as the mushroom-growing substrate for the most accurate readings. Once a humidity sensor is in place, growers can use the readings to adjust the humidity levels as needed. This may involve adding or removing water from the growing environment or adjusting ventilation to allow for better airflow.
To increase humidity, growers can use a humidifier in their grow room. It is important to choose a humidifier that is appropriate for the size of the grow room. Other methods to increase humidity include using misting spray bottles, pond misters, and fans.
It is important to note that keeping mushrooms in a very humid environment or wet state will encourage the growth of certain bacteria and moulds, which will cause the mushrooms to rot. Climate and weather play a role in humidity, and growers should adjust their growing conditions accordingly. For example, if growing mushrooms in a temperate zone, mushrooms generally grow during the spring and autumn months. If aiming to grow mushrooms all year round, the goal is to replicate these conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
The materials needed include a plastic cooler, a plastic lid, an aquarium heater, silicon, duct tape, and a thermometer.
The ideal temperature for an incubator for mushrooms is between 20°C and 27°C.
The simplest way to build an incubator for mushrooms is to use a cardboard box with bubble wrap inside to retain heat, a shoe heater, and a thermometer.
