How to Make a Monotub: The Complete Monotub Tek Guide for Mushroom Cultivation (2024)

FAQs

How to make a simple monotub? ›

The simplest Monotub is made of a clear or transparent tote/storage tub. It has 6 holes total; that's two holes on each long side just above top of substrate and a hole at each end as close to the top as possible. It is important that the tub or tote be clear so the mushrooms know which way is up.

If you decide to make your own manure substrate blend, the easiest formulation is 50% coco coir and 50% horse manure. Coco coir can be purchased by the bag from most grow shops specializing in hydroponic or urban gardening.

People also grow side fruiting species of oyster mushrooms in monotubs, including pearl oysters, pink oysters, blue oysters and phoenix oyster mushrooms. But these easy-to-grow mushrooms produce higher yields when grown in bags using a shotgun fruiting chamber or grow tent.

Once you begin seeing the formation of primordia, you have the option to case your tub, which means covering the entirety of the substrate with a very thin layer of 100% coco coir.

You can tell when mycelium is fully colonized when the entire substrate (such as a jar or a bag) is covered with a dense, white, and fuzzy network of mycelial threads. There should be no visible uncolonized areas or contaminants, and the mycelium should appear healthy and vigorous.

The purpose of the holes is to allow air flow to enter the monotub, since fungi, like humans, require fresh air to survive. These holes must be approximately an inch and a half in diameter or thereabouts—large enough to let air through, but not so large that they can't be properly filtered.

The best substrate to use for a monotub is a coco coir mushroom substrate recipe with a spawn to substrate ratio of 1:2. To prepare the substrate, mix the coco coir with vermiculite and gypsum. Pasteurize the mixture by hydrating with hot water and then allow it to cool down to room temperature.

Pretty much every mushroom growing resource I could find says that oyster mushrooms are the easiest variety for first time-growers, as they grow fast and can easily thrive in substrates made of things like coffee grounds and straw, making them relatively low maintenance.

7-10 days later your monotub should be well colonized with a layer of white mycelium and barely any soil visible. It is ready to fruit.

Gypsum is a mineral that helps speed up the mushroom growing process in small amounts.

What is the easiest mushroom to sell? ›

Several specialty type mushrooms are grown and sold in the United States, including oyster, shiitake, maitake, and lion's mane. Shiitake and oyster mushrooms are the best choice for small-scale production, since they don't require a lot of equipment and space.

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).

Shotgun Fruiting Chamber – This is a tub, usually around 4l that has multiple holes drilled around all sides ( looks like it was shot with a shotgun) it is used to fruit PF Tek kits, usually has a layer of perlite at the bottom to keep in moisture. Monotub – This in a large 20l – 80l tub that is used for bulk grows.

What Is PF Tek? The PF Tek, short for Psilocybe Fanaticus Technique, emerged in the late 20th century as an innovative and cost-effective method for cultivating mushrooms at home. It has significantly impacted the mushroom cultivation community since its introduction, and we're here to distill its key aspects for you.