Turn Any Space into a Clean Space
Along with a steady hand, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of fungal biology, aspiring mushroom growers must develop a healthy amount of germophobia in order to be successful. Rival fungi, mold, and bacterial spores are omnipresent in our environment and can easily contaminate substrates and grow chambers if measures are not taken to limit exposure. While large-scale mushroom farms may be able to afford expensive laminar flow hoods to mitigate loss, home growers, hobbyists, and cost-conscious cultivators have come to rely on the simple and inexpensive Still Air Box (SAB) to conduct their mycology work. North Spore is proud to offer the NocBox Still Air Box as an economical choice for turning any surface into a clean, functional workspace for your mushroom endeavors.
Why Should I Use a NocBox Still Air Box?
A NocBox is perfect for use in procedures that require cleanliness and precision, both indoors and out, whether you are transferring mushroom culture to a new substrate, conducting inoculations, or simply looking for a space to store and handle sterile materials such as culture media and spores. Other uses for a NocBox Still include:
• Inoculating grain bags, grain jars, and all-in-one bags
• Culture work (making plates, slants, or syringes)
• Making a spore print
• Prepping a monotub
• Sterilizing instruments
• Cloning mushroom tissue at home or in the field
Turn Any Space into a Clean Space
Along with a steady hand, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of fungal biology, aspiring mushroom growers must develop a healthy amount of germophobia in order to be successful. Rival fungi, mold, and bacterial spores are omnipresent in our environment and can easily contaminate substrates and grow chambers if measures are not taken to limit exposure. While large-scale mushroom farms may be able to afford expensive laminar flow hoods to mitigate loss, home growers, hobbyists, and cost-conscious cultivators have come to rely on the simple and inexpensive Still Air Box (SAB) to conduct their mycology work. North Spore is proud to offer the NocBox Still Air Box as an economical choice for turning any surface into a clean, functional workspace for your mushroom endeavors.
Why Should I Use a NocBox Still Air Box?
A NocBox is perfect for use in procedures that require cleanliness and precision, both indoors and out, whether you are transferring mushroom culture to a new substrate, conducting inoculations, or simply looking for a space to store and handle sterile materials such as culture media and spores. Other uses for a NocBox include:
• Inoculating grain bags, grain jars, and all-in-one bags
• Culture work (using a liquid culture kit, making plates, slants, or syringes)
• Making a spore print
• Prepping a monotub
• Sterilizing instruments
• Cloning mushroom tissue at home or in the field
How does a Still Air Box (SAB) like the NocBox Work?
Still air boxes work by limiting air turbulence and providing a clean working environment, reducing the microbial load likely to contaminate your mushroom projects.
NocBox Features
The NocBox offers mushroom enthusiasts a number of innovative and helpful design features for improved efficiency and ergonomics.
Seamless set-up: There is no inner frame to pre-assemble. Simply remove it from the storage bag, unfold the clear cover, slide in support bars, and you're ready to go!
Ample room: A large (2 feet high x 3 feet wide x 2 feet deep) work space allows you to space out items while in use.
Slanted front window: The slanted front window provides a large viewing area allowing for a closer view, important for working with small items that require precision.
Waterproof material: A smooth and waterproof inner surface catches any accidental sprays and spills and makes for an easy cleanup between uses (and fewer places for contaminants to hide!)
Adjustable fit arm ports: Front entry ports are made from durable, multi-layered, waterproof fabric and designed to accommodate a wide range of arm sizes, from XS to 3XL. Simply slide your arms in and pull the string closure to get the right fit!
Side port for cords: Working with a plug-in tool or appliance? No problem! A NocBox has a small port with string closure, allowing you to bring corded tools and appliances inside while still maintaining a clean space.
Easy access side & back entry: Zippered doors on the side and back allow for easy placement of items of all sizes inside and makes cleaning between uses that much easier.
Lightweight, collapsible, portable design: Simply slide out the support bars, fold up the clear cover, and place into the storage bag! The ultra-compact, portable design allows you to take your NocBox with you on your mycological adventures.
The NocBox comes with a (1) Year Limited Warranty.
How do I Clean my NocBox?
We recommend cleaning between each use to keep all surfaces as sterile as possible. Use a damp cloth and mild cleanser. DO NOT use bleach or abrasives. Sanitize by spraying with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution inside and out. While we do not recommend flame sterilizing inside a NocBox, we do offer this WARNING: Using an open flame or heated element such as an impulse sealer in any still air box comes with risk, especially when using flammable liquids or aerosols (including, but not limited to, ethanol and isopropyl alcohol.) To reduce the risk of accidental ignition from an open flame after cleaning surfaces with an alcohol solution, give ample time for the surface to dry completely before using. This will require opening your NocBox and allowing vapors to disperse. This is to allow any trace of the alcohol solution to dissipate from the surfaces and surrounding air.
Final Thoughts
In mushroom cultivation, all work must be done in a clean environment. As growers well know, mushrooms are fragile organisms that can be very susceptible to contamination and whether you are pouring and sealing plates, cloning mushroom tissue to agar, transferring mycelium or inoculating grain, the use of a NocBox will increase your projects’ success rate and boost the chances of your mycelium growing clean and healthy. It is versatile, easy to use, and economical for those growers looking to complete important tasks with confidence.