A Still Air Box (SAB) is a convenient way to reduce contamination risks when working with mushroom cultures. They can be more affordable than laminar flow hoods but offer the same benefits.
They are simple to use and can be constructed from materials most people already own. This makes them a popular choice for new cultivators looking to start their mycological journey.
1. Place the Box on a Table
A Still Air Box, or SAB for short, is an easy and inexpensive way to drastically lower contamination rates when working with mushroom cultivation, its everything needed to cultivate mushrooms at home. It creates an area of no air movement that can be easily disinfected. This greatly reduces the chance of spreading contaminants that would otherwise ruin or compete with your fungal cultures. The SAB is especially useful during contamination risky mycological tasks such as spore germination and inoculation. 
The SAB is also a great alternative to more expensive and complex equipment like laminar flow hoods that can cost hundreds of dollars or more. Regardless of whether you are just starting out or a seasoned cultivator, a well-constructed SAB can significantly improve your success rate.
While it is possible to purchase premade SABs on the market, there’s a special satisfaction in building your own. Not only is it more affordable, but constructing the setup yourself gives you a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles and techniques that make a mycology workspace work. The best part is that it can be done using materials that are readily available in most homes or workshops. Before assembling your SAB, clean it thoroughly with a disinfectant and wipe down any surfaces you plan to use for your mycology sessions. Some cultivators even line the bottom of the SAB with a sterile mat for added cleanliness and safety. After each session, be sure to sterilize the SAB and any containers, Petri dishes, or jars you have used and then seal them. This prevents contaminants from settling on your hardwork and potentially infecting future projects. Once you’ve sanitized the SAB, store it in a clean and dry place to keep it safe for reuse.
2. Place the Locking Lid on the Table
Mushrooms are fragile organisms that require a very controlled environment to thrive. This includes temperature, humidity and air purity. Using a Still Air Box (SAB) ensures that you work in a nearly sterile environment, which is important during every cultivation step from spore germination to inoculating grain spawn. By eliminating competing fungi and bacteria from the working environment, the SAB significantly increases your chances of successful mushroom cultivation.
Before you begin working in your SAB, make sure that the work area is sterile by spraying down surfaces with 70% isopropyl alcohol and wiping them down. You should also close windows and turn off any fans, put on a mask and wear gloves, and wash your hands before touching any sterile materials.
Once you have your work area prepared, take a clean white towel and soak it in a solution of water and bleach. After wringing out excess moisture, wipe the towel down with 70% isopropyl alcohol and let it dry completely before placing it on your work surface.
Place the plastic container in the center of the work space and place the locking lid on top. To prevent contaminants from accidentally entering the container, cover the arm holes with pre-cut plastic sheeting. The sheets should be sprayed with 70% isopropyl alcohol and dried before being draped over the arm holes.
For best results, be sure to tape the sheeting securely over the arms holes to prevent contaminants from getting into the container. You should also tape the inside of the lid to keep it secure. Once the SAB is ready for use, you can proceed to sterilizing your tools and preparing your agar. Remember to use a fresh set of gloves and adhere to your cleanliness routine. Even the most careful mycologists occasionally introduce contamination into their cultures.
3. Place the Container on the Locking Lid
In the world of mycology, the scientific study of fungi, precision and control are paramount. Mushrooms are sensitive organisms that require a strict balance of factors like humidity, temperature, and air quality. Working in a sterile environment dramatically increases the chances of cultivating healthy and successful mushrooms. That’s why the Still Air Box is a cornerstone tool for anyone serious about their mushroom cultivation.
A Still Air Box (SAB) is a small, clear plastic container that is designed to provide an almost sterile workspace for handling spores and spawn during cultivation. It’s a simple design that solves a complex problem, effectively reducing the chance of contamination by limiting air currents.
The box itself is typically fitted with arm holes for the user’s arms, and it can be equipped with a lid that locks shut to maintain its sterility. It’s easy to use and incredibly effective, making it one of the most important tools for any grower.
SABs are also much less expensive than large laboratory-grade laminar flow hoods. This makes them affordable for home mycologists, democratizing the hobby by making it accessible to everyone from novices to experts.
The best SABs are made from durable, transparent plastic and have arm holes that are fitted with cuffs to keep out air currents while the users manipulate their materials. Some also come with built-in arm covers that can be easily removed to prevent contaminants from settling on the cultures inside. To sanitize the box, you can simply spray the interior with 70% isopropyl alcohol and wipe it down before placing your materials in it. You can also make your own SAB for less than $20 using equipment most people already have in their homes.
4. Cover the Arm Holes with Plastic Sheeting
As the name suggests, the Still Air Box offers a safe, clean, and sterile environment for cultivating mushrooms. It provides a convenient alternative to more expensive and complex laboratory equipment like laminar flow hoods, which can be prohibitively costly for mushroom growers and hobbyists.
Mushrooms are delicate organisms that require a carefully controlled environment for growth, particularly during critical stages such as inoculation, spawning, and incubation. By mimicking the conditions of a laboratory workroom, the SAB is an indispensable tool in mycological research and cultivation.
To ensure that you can work safely and effectively inside your SAB, it’s important to cover the arm holes with a plastic sheeting. The sheets should be sprayed with 70% isopropyl alcohol, then draped over the arm ports and taped shut. The sheets help prevent unwanted particles from entering your workspace, and they also make it easier to see inside the box.
When using the SAB, you’ll also want to keep a spray bottle of 70% isopropyl alcohol handy, and a towel to wipe down the outside of the container and its lid. These simple steps can go a long way in keeping your SAB clean, sterile, and functional.
While a basic SAB can serve its purpose, upgrading with optional accessories can improve its functionality and longevity. For instance, adding a hygrometer that can accurately measure high relative humidity levels is ideal for more precise and accurate cultivation. Also, opting for a SAB that has attached arm covers can make the setup process easier and more convenient. And lastly, choosing a lightweight SAB that’s easy to handle and carry can increase portability and ease of use. With a little maintenance and care, your SAB will become an invaluable tool in your mushroom cultivation journey.
5. Place the Locking Lid on the Table
Whether you’re sterilizing a scalpel or inoculating grain spawn, an enclosed workspace is essential for mushroom cultivation. The tiny spores and intricate growth patterns of fungi captivate enthusiasts and professionals alike, but precision environmental control is the key to successful results. A Still Air Box, or SAB, is a simple but ingenious tool that can drastically lower contamination rates during sensitive mycological tasks.
Essentially, a SAB is a clear plastic container with arm holes that allow the user to manipulate materials inside without opening the lid. These holes can either be simply sealed, or fitted with adjustable ports for introducing fresh air (FAE). The stillness of the box’s interior minimizes the movement of airborne contaminants, which dramatically reduces the chance that your mushroom cultures will be exposed to pathogens or competing spores.
The lid for the SAB can be either removable or hinged, and is usually made from a durable plastic to prevent leaks. Many cultivators choose to line their SAB with a sterile mat for added cleanliness. Arm covers can also be attached to the arm holes, which create a tight seal to further reduce the likelihood of contaminants entering the box. Some SABs include additional features such as built-in LED lighting or ports for introducing sterilized air, although these are not necessary for basic functions.
Using a SAB is an effective and affordable way to achieve a clean, sterile environment for handling your mushroom cultivation work. However, as with any piece of equipment, there are certain tips and tricks that will greatly improve the quality and efficiency of your SAB. By following these advanced techniques, you can ensure that your SAB is an indispensable tool in your mycological pursuits.
