Another benefit of this unique bit of kit, is it’s ability to fold down for easy storage after use. If you want a break from your projects, if you’re moving house, if you want to take your kit out for the night, etc., you can easily do so with no hassle! No, you don’t “have” to have a monotub, but the reason that so many mushroom growers use them is simple: they work. They’re the reliable tanks of the mycology world, withstanding not only multiple flushes of a singular project, but for various projects! Yes, you heard that right- they’re reusable! After your existing project has exhausted it’s multiple flushes, clear out the old substrate, give it a clean and re-fill like you had before. Perfect for those of us who have had enough of single-use kits and want something that lasts a bit longer! A monotub is a modified plastic tub, like those ones you see at big box stores, typically used for storing or moving items. They look like huge Tupperware, essentially. In the context of mushroom cultivation, a monotub is used as a fruiting chamber (the container in which fungi is cultivated). You may see monotubs referred to as “monotub tek”. The word tek is a slang term used in the mushroom growing community that just means technique, although some like to think it’s a fancier acronym that stands for “Technical Educational Knowledge”. Either way, monotubs have been perfected over the years and they’re so commonly recommended because they work.

to Grow Mushrooms from Start to Finish in a Monotub How to Grow Mushrooms from Start to Finish in a Monotub

Monotubs really do embody the three “E’s” you saw in the title of this article: easy, efficient, and effective. Many mushroom cultivators choose to DIY their own monotubs rather than buying a professionally made tub. If you really and truly want to DEY (do everything yourself), this can be a fine option—however, there are a few compelling reasons as to why you would want to get a professionally made monotub like the one included in The Monster Mushroom Company All-in-One Kit. You will receive your Inflatable Monotub with an air pump, 12 filter bungs, 12 red caps, gloves, and a puncture repair kit.A monotub is a very important piece of the mushroom cultivation “puzzle,” but it’s far from the last thing you’re going to want to have before you get started. We strongly recommend taking a moment to read our detailed article Everything You Need for Amateur Mycology at Home. Finding a plastic tub with the right lid type can be difficult. If you’ve ever used plastic bins before to store or transport items, you likely already know exactly how flimsy they can be—we suggest strong lids with latching mechanisms, and that’s what we use for our monotubs. These tubs are more expensive (if you can even find them at retail stores), but well worth the effort and expense. If you’ve been looking into or involved with the DIY mushroom cultivation community for any length of time, there’s little doubt that you’ve heard of one of the most common tools of the trade… the mighty monotub! Cultivating mushrooms outside is more difficult because you don’t have control over the elements in the same way that you do indoors—you obviously can’t prevent contaminants and bacteria and the neighbor’s cat from messing up all of your hard work in the same way that you can with an indoor growing setup. Many mushroom cultivators do have successful outdoor grows, and you can be one of them, but learn the ropes first. But what is a monotub, exactly? Why are they so popular? Why are they recommended for both absolute beginners and expert fungi cultivators alike?

Monotubs Explained: Easy, Efficient, Effective - Monster

That about does it for the must-have, critical features of a monotub. Now you understand what we meant by deceptively simple! While it’s true that a monotub is “just” a plastic bin, it’s so much more than that. But What About Outdoor Growing? Do I HAVE to Have a Monotub? We think you probably already know the answer to this question if you’ve been paying attention throughout this article!It’s also protected from outside invaders by a contained wall of air (courtesy of the air pump included) with intermittent holes which you can choose to fill with the included air filter bungs, or seal of completely with the included red caps. The lid itself is fastened on with handy velcro tabs, meaning your project is secured from outside invaders when closed. Please be aware that whilst the lid is off, unless you are using a Flow Hood, your project will be susceptible to contamination. In that article, you’ll learn about all of the items and equipment you’ll want alongside your monotub. Don’t worry—none of the items are particularly exotic or expensive (after all, cultivating mushrooms at home is actually one of the most affordable and accessible hobbies around), but you do want to at least know what other things you need.