What are the key steps in PF Tek shown in video guides?

PF Tek video guides typically cover: preparing and filling the jars with BRF substrate, sterilizing jars, inoculating with a spore syringe in a still air box, monitoring colonization, birthing cakes, dunking and rolling in dry vermiculite, and setting up a fruiting chamber.

What is a still air box and do I need one for PF Tek?

A still air box (SAB) is a large clear plastic tote with armholes cut in the side that allows you to work in a low-turbulence environment to reduce airborne contamination. It is highly recommended for PF Tek inoculation — it significantly reduces contamination rates and costs almost nothing to make.

What is the best substrate recipe for PF Tek jars?

The classic PF Tek BRF substrate is: 2 parts brown rice flour, 2 parts vermiculite, and 1 part water by volume, mixed to field capacity (just slightly moist, not dripping). Fill jars to about 2/3 full with substrate, then top with a dry vermiculite layer as a contamination buffer before capping.

PF Tek Video Guide

This video series breaks down the PF Tek (Brown Rice Flour) method into 4 digestible parts. Watch each video carefully before attempting the step.

Part 1: Substrate Preparation & Jar Filling

▶️ Video Placeholder: Mixing BRF and Vermiculite (Duration: 12:45)

0:00 Intro 2:15 Mixing Dry Ingredients 5:30 Adding Water (Field Capacity) 8:45 Filling Jars 11:00 Dry Vermiculite Layer

📝 Key Takeaways

Ratio: 2 parts Vermiculite : 1 part Water : 1 part Brown Rice Flour.
Field Capacity: The mix should be wet but not dripping. Squeeze a handful; only a drop or two should come out.
Loose Fill: Do NOT pack the substrate down. Leave it airy for mycelium to breathe.
Safety Layer: The top 1/2 inch of dry vermiculite is your main filter against contamination.

Part 2: Steam Sterilization

▶️ Video Placeholder: Pot Setup and Steaming (Duration: 08:30)

📝 Key Takeaways

Foil Lids: Cover jar lids tightly with foil to prevent water from dripping in.
Trivet: Keep jars off the bottom of the pot to prevent cracking. Use jar rings or a towel.
Water Level: Water should come up 1-2 inches up the side of the jars.
Time: Steam for 90 minutes. Start timing only after the water boils.
Cooling: Let jars cool completely (overnight) before inoculation.

Part 3: Sterile Inoculation

▶️ Video Placeholder: Flame Sterilization & Injection (Duration: 15:20)

📝 Key Takeaways

Still Air Box (SAB): Highly recommended to prevent airborne contaminants.
Flame Sterilization: Heat the needle tip until red hot before the first jar and between every jar.
Injection: Inject 0.25 - 0.5cc of spore solution against the glass at 4 equidistant points.
Hygiene: Wear gloves, mask, and wipe everything with 70% alcohol.

Part 4: Birthing & Fruiting (SGFC)

▶️ Video Placeholder: Dunk & Roll and SGFC Setup (Duration: 18:10)

📝 Key Takeaways

100% Colonization: Wait until the jar is fully white + 1 extra week for consolidation.
Dunk & Roll: Soak cakes in water for 24hrs, then roll in dry vermiculite.
SGFC: Shotgun Fruiting Chamber needs holes on all 6 sides (even bottom) for airflow.
Misting & Fanning: Mist upwards (let it fall gently) and fan for 30s, 3-4 times a day.

← Back to Written PF Tek Guide