What's a Still Air Box?
Grow your own mushrooms! Part 1
When cultivating mushrooms, it is essential to establish a sterile environment before proceeding with any work. The most used equipment for achieving this condition is the Still Air Box (SAB). A SAB is essentially a plastic box with two arm holes measuring around 4 to 6 inches in diameter, enabling the handling of cultures without wind or vertical air movement of microbes and particles. The lack of airflow and movement is precisely how the SAB is designed to operate. It is important not to confuse a SAB with a glove box, which has gloves attached but is not recommended for mycology because the gloves create suction, leading to particle movement and rendering them ineffective. The most significant advantage of this equipment is that it is inexpensive and readily available.
Things needed:
· Clear storage bin of at least 40 Qt.
· Metal can of at least 4” in diameter like a coffee can
· Pliers
· Permanent marker “Sharpie”
· Ruler
· Oven mitt
Step 1: Using the sharpie and ruler mark out the height and spacing of your armhole to be between 2” to 6” from the bottom (open side) and between 10” to 12” apart. Make sure you take into consideration the height of the table/desk where the SAB will be used and if you are going to be working standing or sitting when you calculate the appropriate height of the arm holes so it’s comfortable. It is a good idea to sit or stand in front of your SAB before the holes are cut so you can visualize if the spacing will make it comfortable to work on.
Step 2: To melt plastic easily, heat the closed end of the can on a stovetop for 4-6 minutes or with an open flame (Torch) for 1-3 minutes. When the can is hot enough, use pliers to grab the open end and press it against the tub. To ensure a straight and quick burn, wear an oven mitt on the opposite hand to the pliers and use it to guide the can.
*Warning* Exercise extreme caution when handling hot metal and allow for proper ventilation. Avoid breathing in fumes and smoke as they are toxic.
Alternate step 2: A knife or drill with a 4”– 6” hole saw could be used to create the necessary holes. However, it is important to exercise caution and precision when cutting as excessive force can cause the plastic to break and shatter. Cutting the plastic from the inside out is recommended. After the cut has been made, the edges should be smoothed out using a sheet of sandpaper.
From this point on, the SAB is operational. But you can add stuff like armhole covers, work lights, and attachments for your tools if you like. After you clean deodorize and disinfect the SAB you will be ready to innoculate grain spawns in the near future.