Sterilization Problems!

[JustinNed]

Hey everyone, I just wanted to ask a quick question.

Every time I go to sterilize substrate jars always at least a couple of the jars seem to get a bit of excess water inside them screwing everything up.
I can only think of 3 things that could be going wrong,
1. the foil over the top isn't on right
2. the tape that has been used to cover the inoculation holes is insufficient
3. too much water is added to cooker.

Was just wondering if anyone had any insights on this?

 

[grifter7]

I managed this first time when you put the jar in make sure the water is at least 1/5 of the way below the top of the jar. Had a hole in the top and had no problem. Also a little bit of moisture is no problem unless its a pool at the bottom of the jar. The inoculation holes better be at the top of the jar :wink:.

 

[user_1919]

Yes^^. What I do is put a layer of the lids that you use for the jars, maybe 3-4 inches tall, and then add water to the pot, but do not let it exceed the top of the 'platform' you have made. Then add tape to the holes, and put tinfoil over, maybe a couple layers and you should be fine.

peace & love

 

[Etherbunny]

U didn't punch the innoculation holes on the wrong side of the lid di u?

Also what r u using for sterilization?

My recommendation is add another layer of foil or reduce the amount of water u mix u're substrate with.

Good luck.

 

[Kevoh]

I had the same damn problem! About two weeks ago I sterilised my jars in a pressure cooker and had a big amount of water inside the jars. right now the pool is gone but the PF-Tek mix seems a little too moist and it also seems like there is 'something' growing on top of the vermiculite. I can't really tell what it is (probably no mycelium) but it looks slimy and yellowish. Pictures will follow soon. Please please someone come up with a solution? ^^

Thanks, Kev

 

[GOD]

Your putting to much water in your preasure cooker by the sound of it .

 

[HeartCore]

Hey everyone, I just wanted to ask a quick question.

Every time I go to sterilize substrate jars always at least a couple of the jars seem to get a bit of excess water inside them screwing everything up.
I can only think of 3 things that could be going wrong,
1. the foil over the top isn't on right
2. the tape that has been used to cover the inoculation holes is insufficient
3. too much water is added to cooker.

Was just wondering if anyone had any insights on this?

when I fill the pressure cooker, I put the first row of jars in first. Then, while adding the water, I make sure the water never gets higher as halfway the bottom row of jars. This makes sure there is enough water to sterilize for an hour without drying up and simultaneously ensures the water does not over boil into the jars.

Foil/tape should be ok. I never put foil on the jars when I pressure cook, I just put the lids on top UNscrewed and put duct tape over the holes. When the cooker is cooked down, I just screw the lids tight. My contamination rates are very low.