Mella Fruiting Chamber FAQ

You can grow a wide variety of edible and medicinal mushrooms, including Lion’s Mane, Oyster, Shiitake, Chestnut, Pioppino, Nameko, and more. Most of these are grown in bags, but many can also be grown in trays. (Note that each species has different growing requirements and, therefore, cannot all be grown together. For example, shiitake mushrooms prefer cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels.)

Psilocybe* mushroom species such as P. Cubensis can also be grown using trays. However, hallucinogenic mushroom spores are illegal in a number of U.S states. Be aware of the legality in your place or residence.

Mella fits up to three of our 5 lb. fruiting blocks or 3 of our 4 lb. Spray & Grow kits.

Absolutely! Mella accomodates trays up to 14 inches wide and 22 inches deep.

While mushrooms don't need light for energy (like plants do), they do require light to form fruiting bodies. Dimmable built-in LED lamps allow you to place your Mella in rooms with minimal or no light, allowing you to create the optimal environment for your fungi. And, if you're not into night lights, they can easily be turned off at the end of the day.

Mella’s lights will flash whenever there is an issue with the unit. Most of the time, it’s because Mella is out of water and the tank needs to be refilled.

If your Mella’s tank is filled and the lights are still flashing after 2 hours, contact mushroom@FirstBuild.com, and their engineers can you troubleshoot the issue.

The inside of your Mella should be cleaned between fruitings.

IMPORTANT: Before cleaning the chamber, always cover the humidity sensor with scotch tape. (The humidity sensor is in the circle with the cross in the right top of the Mella chamber.) This is critical, as isopropyl alcohol and some cleansers can damage the sensor.

To clean the chamber: Wipe down the chamber with a soft cloth soaked in warm water and mild soap to remove spores. Then, spray chamber top to bottom with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution. Wipe off immediately. Once dry, remove tape covering humidity sensor.

To clean the filter: Rinse with warm water, then spray with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Let air dry.

To clean the fan: Remove from chamber, then run under warm running water to remove spores. Let air dry.

No, Mella does not have temperature controls.

Mella is shipped in two boxes directly from FirstBuild, the manufacturer. They are located in Louisville, KY.

25.25" (W) 16.5 (H) x 16.5 (D)

No. Mella’s controls are on the unit. No Wi-Fi connection or app download is required.

RETURN POLICY:

Except for eligible warranty returns, used Mella are not eligible for a return or refund.

RETURNS:

FirstBuild accepts unopened returns of Mella within 90 days of delivery. Once the unopened unit is received back, a refund of the original purchase price (less shipping) will be issued.

Click here to submit a non-warranty Mella return request.