Written by Brett Mather - Published on 21 September, 2023
Building a Mono Tub: A Step-by-Step Guide
A mono tub is a popular method for cultivating mushrooms, especially for larger yields. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up your own mono tub.
Supplies You'll Need:
- Clear plastic storage tub (60 is liters or similar size)
- Drill with a bit or hole saw (1-2” size)
- Sticky Tape
- Measuring Tape
- Marker
- Micropore tape (for air exchange during fruiting)
Instructions:
1. Choosing the Right Tub:
Basically you can use any tub you like, there are alot of prefered tubs you will find online posted by experienced growers. Usually they are very expensive. I use Award Pack N Stack Storage Container with Wheels - 35L from bunnings for $9.50.
The tub should be deep enough to hold a substrate depth of 3.5” to 4”. How to make the substrate can be found here.
2. Marking and Drilling Holes:
On the longer side of the tub, drill two holes, positioned 4.5 - 5 inches up from the bottom and about 4 inch in from the corners. This ensures that after adding your substrate, the holes will be approximately 0.5 to 1 inch above the surface of the substrate. On the shorter sides, drill one hole at the top center of each side. For taller tubs, position these holes 5 inches above the ones on the longer side. However, since I use shorter tubs to conserve space, I drill them right at the top.
Tip: When drilling, operate the drill in reverse; this technique reduces the likelihood of the plastic cracking.
Tip: Sand the holes to make the next step easier
3. Taping the Tub
On the inside of the tub place sticky tape over the holes. Now is a good time to wash the inside of your tub with some warm water and dish soap, don't forget to wash the lid.
4. Preparing for Colonization:
After your tub has dried prepare the room you will be working in by wiping down your work bench and making sure fans are off. While this step can be done anywhere inclluding outside, if we can reduce the chance for contaminates we may aswell make the extra effort. Some people even go as far as spraying the room and the air in the room with Glen 20 or alchohol.
Preparing the Substrate
Now you are ready for to add your substrate and spawn!