My homemade medium doesnt look right.

[margo]

I followed the instructions for homemade medium to prepare for flasking (first time). Everything looked fine until the sterilization. Now the flasks are liquid. I also have a lot left over and I wonder if I can save it and give it another try. Also if anyone knows where I can buy ready medium please send me a PM. I received the seeds yesterday and can’t wait to give it a try.

[mycologist]

Have they cooled completely? They take awhile to set up, it gels at a lower temp than it melts if that makes sense. You can always recook them with more agar, it won't hurt anything. If it didn't get mixed well you might have some that are soupy and some that are hard too. It doesn't need to be really firm.

[margo]

They are cool. I had them ready around 4pm. The rest of the medium looks good, but after sterilization they will turn the same way- drinkable...LOL

[mycologist]

What directions are you following? It might help troublehoot.

It is geling before you sterilize it?

It sounds like some liquid is getting in when you sterilize it. You could heat it for a while gently to evaporate off some water and sterilize it again.

[margo]

Here is what I did step by step http://www.rv-orchidworks.com/orchid...opagation.html They were geling before sterilization. Do I need to add more agar when re-heat or use what I have left and hope it wont turn this way...?!

[mycologist]

You can add more agar or gently cook off some water. It would be easier to add more. That recipe is on the low side, 9 or more grams per liter is often recommended. If you get it a little too thick it will still work but is a little harder to get the protocorms out. Basically it is like cooking, you will just need to adjust the recipe.

I would really recommend getting an actual pressure cooker instead of using that part of the illustrated method. You should be getting the same consistency pre and post sterilization.

[margo]

I have pressure cooker. But......I don't know what happened. Yes-I like experiments, but not putting myself in danger.

[cindiras]

Hmmmm..... At 10 pounds of presure in the presure cooker, how long would you have to boil it to get sterilization?

[margo]

I have pressure cooker and that is what I use. I just finished my second try. I'll see what is going to come out when it cools off. I also read that sterilization could be done in a microwave for 4-6 min. or "baking" the flasks in the oven on 300F.?!

[margo]

Just an update- second try wasn't any better- my flasks are liquid again... Tomorrow is another day....