Slow/No signs of colonization

I've got a batch of BRF PF-Tek. They have all have been colonizing very very slowly which I suspect is because the spores were shipped during that whole polar vortex business. I've got one that after 16 days has absolutely no sign of colonization. How long would you wait before giving up and dumping it?

If your temperatures are decent, and you don't see growth in that amount of time, you are done.

I forgot to provide that bit of info. It has been very cold here lately, it averages around 73 degrees in the place I have them stored while they colonize.

They would usually show in the 1st week or so. My first run Showed In 5 Days. Did U Mix The Sub Right..sterilize. Flame Between Jars? U Want Moist Cakes Not Drippin Wet

73 is great your jars are warmer on the inside. Also uncover your holes if they r covered. Shroomery is great

Drop the BRF and go bulk sub... rye to colonize and hay/cow manure in mono tubs... PM me if interested... I am running cambodian with great sucess... I tried BRF but found it more trouble than yield, also very slow to colonize... my Cam likes it about 85F, very fast speed all around...

Pf is neither easier nor mor reasonable than grain. You can do anything with grain from spawn, to g2g expansion to simply casing the stuff. You can get any amount of grain to colonize in a week or so, any amount. Why would anyone use anything else?

MustangStudFarm said:

Drop the BRF and go bulk sub... rye to colonize and hay/cow manure in mono tubs... PM me if interested... I am running cambodian with great sucess... I tried BRF but found it more trouble than yield, also very slow to colonize... my Cam likes it about 85F, very fast speed all around...

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85 is way too hot. Mycelium makes its own heat so really the jar is around 90 or so.

I like doing pf-tek because I can spot contamination early on and if I do have a problem my entire batch isn't ruined. I haven't found a clear explanation on how to do grain bulk grow.

Raise your temps to about 79. The reason for slow growth may be because it is too cool for colonization, but if there is nothing in the bag at all forget it. Here is a link to a good beginner bulk tek: http://www.shroomology.org/topic/8670-6-quart-dub-tub-mist-and-fan-bulk-tek/
I have used it in the past with much success.

thetester said:

I like doing pf-tek because I can spot contamination early on and if I do have a problem my entire batch isn't ruined. I haven't found a clear explanation on how to do grain bulk grow.

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Spotting contams in grain is very easy. If you are doing more than one jar or bag - you have a safe backup - and even one jar fully colonized can be expanded manyfold. Besides, the time factor is such that you don't have to wait nearly so long. Also, it iis a lot less work.

78-80 degrees. Always start with a liquid culture. PF Tek is silly, mushrooms were born to grow in manure, all efforts should be torwards eventually innoculating compost. PF tek hard, bullshit easy.

So here is an update. The one showing no signs of colonization did get going and is colonizing now. The others in the batch are moving along now too. It took 15 days for that one jar but all's well that ends well I guess. I guess my next project will be to build a temperature controlled closet. I can't keep my heat too much higher in the winter, I'm not rich and the electric bill is a bitch. Fortunately for me, spring, summer and fall present no temperature problems for me.