Well, the stuff I use comes in pre-measured 1 tbsp. packets which are supposed to set 2 cups of liquid, so I use 1 packet to 2 1/2 cups liquid. Gives a much softer medium, although I've used it at the recommended dilution too and it's worked.

I want to give Agar a try too; I'm curious as to whether the results will any better than what I'm getting now. Guess I'll just have to pick some up next time I see some and give it a try!

Hello Joseph

You don't have any problem using gelatin at room temperature?
Agar stays solid at room temp but I'm wondering about gelatin ?
Obviously not... :-)

Claude

Agar also contibutes some nutrients, Ca for one.

When you go to vent the mother flasks do you have to put them back into a sterile case? Also what are you using to drill the holes? I am not sure my husband would be happy to have me spray his drill with clorox:) Thanks for any info!

Pat

Hello

You need to replate the protocorn in a new sterile vented flask under sterile condition.

Claude

Yes Pat, you'll need to vent them before filling them with media and autoclaving them. I just poke a small hole with a nail and cover the hole with Nexcare Sterile Spots on both sides of the lid. They're waterproof and withstand multiple runs in the autoclave. I just save the jars I like and "install" a vent hole in the lids. Homemade vented flasks for the price of a band-aid. ;)

Hi,
Thank you! What if you are NOT going to replate and you are starting with an unvented mother flask but you are going to use a media so you specifically don't have to replate, but at some point you would have to put them in the box and punch holes in the lid and then apply the sterile Band-Aids, because you would have to eventually vent the mother flask right? I do know you have to vent the replate flask but I am wanting to keep them in the mother flask and just vent it when they have germinated. Would that work? Thank you! Pat

You can germinate in vented flasks. To vent, or not to vent has always been a big question - I don't know why. Some say it's vital, some never use vented flasks because they replate so quickly that it doesn't matter. It's not like you are creating a breeze in there, venting merely creates opportunity for gas exchange. The way I see it, as long as the holes don't admit contamination, what could it hurt?

Just vent it from the beginning. If you really want to start off sealed then vent later, use a vented flask but just cover the vent with tape.

I have wanted to grow from my own seed to see what I might be able to create and have some fun experimenting but have been fearful that it wouldn't work out especially when you read about the level of sterility you have to maintain. I also was told that ordinary gelatin won't gel if there is too much acidity...True?

I guess the only way to know is to jump in and try it...so maybe I'll like it!

Royal, thanks so much for clearing that up for me. There is so much info to sort out and all these little questions keep popping up!

Pat