John Miller
A monotub is a type of fruiting chamber designed to grow large quantities of mushrooms indoors. It is a low-cost, low-maintenance incubation and fruiting chamber made from a large plastic tub. Monotubs are ideal for small-scale mushroom growers as they are affordable, easy to make, and don't require much space. The setup typically consists of a plastic storage bin modified with air exchange holes and filtration to maintain a humid, clean, and oxygen-rich environment. The volume of such a tub can range from 6 quarts (mini-monotube or shoebox size) to 32, 54, or 80 quarts and even larger. The key to successful mushroom growth in a monotub is clean air exchange, humidity control, and adequate lighting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To grow large quantities of mushrooms indoors |
| Volume | 6 Qt (mini-monotube) to 32, 54, 80 Quart sizes and bigger |
| Materials | Plastic storage bin, air exchange holes, filtration, black paint or black plastic bag, Polyfill or micropore to cover holes, air filters, humidifier, fan, lights |
| Mushroom types | Top-fruiting hardwood and manure-loving mushrooms |
| Temperature | 24-27°C for colonisation, 70-75°F (21-24°C) during fruiting |
| Humidity | 80-90% |
| Lighting | Indirect sunlight or room light, 4-6 hours of light per day |
| Maintenance | Low-cost, low-maintenance, open only for harvesting or a few times during the fruiting period for check-up |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right container
The monotub is a type of fruiting chamber designed to grow large quantities of mushrooms indoors. It is a low-cost, low-maintenance incubation and fruiting chamber. Monotubs are ideal for small-scale mushroom growers as they are affordable, easy to make, and don't require much space.
The volume of a monotub can range from 6 quarts for mini-monotubes (shoeboxes) to 32, 54, 80 quarts and even bigger. The container you choose will depend on the type and quantity of mushrooms you want to grow. A monotub works best for top-fruiting hardwood and manure-loving mushrooms.
The classic monotub design relies on passive air exchange through filtered holes, which can result in CO2 buildup. This can be remedied by installing a fresh air exchange (FAE) fan to create a positive pressure system that pumps fresh air into the tub.
Most frequently, large Tupperware-style containers are used. The container should be made from plastic and have a lid. The size of the container will depend on the volume of mushrooms you want to grow, and the space you have available. You can find suitable containers at Target or Big Lots.
Once you have your container, you will need to modify it by drilling holes for air exchange and installing a fan if desired. The number and placement of holes will depend on the species of mushrooms you are growing. For example, one source recommends drilling six 2-inch holes around the perimeter of the tub and positioning smaller 1-inch holes just above the substrate.
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Drilling air holes
Planning the Hole Placement:
Before you start drilling, it's important to plan the placement of the holes. The number and arrangement of holes can vary depending on the species of mushrooms you intend to grow. As a general rule, aim for a total of six 2-inch holes: place two holes on each of the long sides and one hole on each end, approximately 8 to 8.5 inches from the base of the tub. Additionally, drill 1-inch holes about 4 to 4.5 inches from the base, just above the top of your substrate. This arrangement will promote optimal airflow and prevent side pinning, where mushrooms fruit between the substrate and the tub wall.
Tools and Materials:
For drilling the holes, you'll need a hand drill with a 2-inch hole saw. If you don't have access to a drill, you can use a utility knife or heavy-duty shears instead. To cover the holes, you'll need air filters, such as the Happy Little Fungi Adherable Tub Filters, which are designed to fit 1-inch holes. You can also use Polyfill, micropore tape, or monotub filters.
Drilling the Holes:
Now, it's time to drill the holes. If you're using a drill, mark the spots for the holes on your tub and carefully drill through the marked areas. If you're using a knife or shears, cut out the holes manually. Ensure that the holes are smooth and free of any sharp edges that could damage the air filters.
Installing the Air Filters:
After drilling the holes, it's crucial to cover them with air filters to maintain a clean and sterile environment for mushroom growth. Peel-and-stick filters are easy to apply and ensure a secure fit. Place a filter over each hole, pressing firmly to ensure it adheres properly.
Testing Airflow:
Once the air filters are in place, test the airflow by gently fanning the inside of the tub. You can also use a cycle timer to control airflow duration and frequency, tailoring it to the specific needs of the mushroom species you're cultivating.
Remember, proper airflow and fresh air exchange are critical for successful mushroom cultivation in a monotub. By following these steps for drilling air holes and installing air filters, you'll create an optimal environment for your mushrooms to thrive.
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Adding a humidifier
A humidifier is an important component of a monotub setup, as mushrooms require specific humidity levels to grow. The ideal humidity range for mushroom growth is between 80-90%.
To add a humidifier to your monotub, you will need to attach the humidifier hose to the side of the monotub. This can be done by removing a filter patch. Position the humidifier below the tub to manage excess moisture.
It is also recommended to use a humidity controller with a sensor to automate the humidity levels inside the tub. This controller will monitor the ambient humidity and activate the humidifier as needed to maintain the ideal conditions for mushroom growth.
Additionally, you can modify your monotub setup by installing a fresh air exchange (FAE) fan to create a positive pressure system that pumps fresh air into the tub. This modification will help to prevent CO2 buildup and allow for the cultivation of a wider variety of mushroom species, such as blue oyster, black king (black pearl), and lion's mane, which require abundant fresh air to thrive.
When choosing a container for your monotub, opt for a large Tupperware-style container or a clear plastic bin with a lid. You will need to drill holes in the container for airflow, and these holes can be covered with filters to maintain a clean and oxygen-rich environment.
By following these steps and maintaining the appropriate humidity levels, you can successfully cultivate mushrooms in your monotub setup.
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Sterilising the monotub
Sterilising your monotub and maintaining a clean environment is crucial to successful mushroom growth. Before you begin, ensure your work area is sanitary. Wipe down surfaces with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution. Minimise drafts, and sanitise your hands, arms, and the monotub lid and base with an isopropyl alcohol spray.
The monotub should be stored in a clean area, on a shelf, at least a few feet from the floor. This is because most contaminants float around near floor level. Keep the tub in a warm, dark place, maintaining a temperature of between 24-27°C. During the colonisation stage, keep the vents closed to maintain high carbon dioxide levels, which will speed up the colonisation process.
Once colonisation is complete (you will see a consistent white layer across the surface), it's time to initiate fruiting. Expose the tub to ambient light, but avoid direct sunlight. Maintain room temperatures of around 21-24°C. Mist the inside walls of the tub lightly if it looks dry, and fan gently if the air seems stagnant.
To maintain a humid environment, crucial for mushroom growth, consider adding a humidifier. Attach the hose to the side of the monotub by removing a filter patch and position the humidifier below the tub to manage excess moisture. A humidity controller with a sensor will help automate humidity levels, monitoring ambient humidity and activating the humidifier as needed.
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Initiating fruiting
To initiate fruiting, you should first expose the monotub to ambient light, avoiding direct sunlight. Maintain room temperatures between 70-75°F (21-24°C). If the substrate appears dry, mist the inside walls of the tub lightly, and fan gently if the air seems stagnant.
Fresh air and light are the two triggers necessary to initiate mushroom pinning. To achieve this, open the air vents slightly to increase oxygen levels and place the monotub in a warm spot where it can receive indirect sunlight or room light. Aim to give the substrate at least 4-6 hours of light per day. For the first flush, minimal misting is required. A single misting directly onto the casing layer is often sufficient. However, if the substrate appears dry, you may need to mist every couple of days. Ensure there is light condensation in the tubs, but avoid over-misting, as large pools of water can form.
During the colonisation stage, keep the vents closed to maintain high carbon dioxide levels, as mycelium colonises faster in such environments. Aim to keep the monotub at a temperature of 24-27°C during colonisation. After about 10 days, the monotub should be fully colonised and ready to fruit. However, do not worry if it takes longer, as colonisation can sometimes take up to 2-3 weeks.
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Frequently asked questions
A monotub is a type of fruiting chamber designed to grow large quantities of mushrooms indoors. It is a low-cost, low-maintenance incubation and fruiting chamber made from a large plastic tub.
You will need a plastic storage bin with a lid, something to make holes (a drill is recommended), black paint or a black plastic bag, and Polyfill or micropore tape to cover the holes. You will also need a humidifier and a fan to create a positive pressure system.
First, drill holes in the plastic bin to allow for air exchange and filtration. Then, install a fan to create a positive pressure system and maintain airflow. Next, add a humidifier to maintain ambient humidity levels between 80-90%. Finally, place your monotub in a warm, dark, and clean space, and wait for the mushrooms to grow.
Monotubs are ideal for growing top-fruiting hardwood and manure-loving mushrooms. With modifications, you can also grow mushrooms that require higher levels of fresh air and humidity, such as blue oyster, black king (black pearl), and lion's mane.
