i used the PF Tek to get my shrooms going so i had two completely colonized jars, i rinsed/soaked the cakes and proceeded to case them (dunk and roll) in dry vermiculite. They have been in the terrarium for close to a week now and thus far have developed mycelium on about half of each cake. the mycelium seems to be forming in spots, looking very similar to small cotton balls. so should i just wait until the mycelium completely covers the outside of the cakes? is that when the mushrooms will begin to fruit? anyone familiar with how this casing method works?
I am not familiar with that exact casing method. However, it seems that things are right on track. The cotton ball description is a very good sign. I am hopeful that you will see pins within a week. I have some questions for you: What type of container is the cake in? Is it just sitting in the terrarium, or are they in trays inside of the terrarium? How many hours of light are you using? I've never heard of rinsing a cake. I would be so paranoid of contaminaints. Seems crazy to me. What did you rinse them in? Next time I suggest breaking up the cake into a layer no more than 1" thick and spreading it out over the bottom of a small tray. Then I would use moist, sterilized vermiculite, spread thin over the top of the cake. Just enough so that you can't see the cake. Then put the tray(s) in the terrarium for 15 days in total darkness (80 degrees, just like colonization). Then take the lids off the trays, lightly water them (fine mist), and start 18-24 hours flourescent light until you see pins (7-10 days).
well im certainly hoping to see pins soon to answer your questions: i placed the cakes onto a sheet of aluminum foil that rests on the perlite. i am currently using absolutely no light, and removing the shoebox-sized terrarium from its hiding spot to mist and eventually fan out the CO2 about every other day. (i know this is bad, but im in a difficult position as im growing in my parents house. I rinsed them in cold tap water in the sink. i have read in many places that, once fully colonized, the cakes are virtually invincible to contamination as the mycelium already has such a strong foothold. once i have the ability to (a house in college) i plan to grow using a method similar to that which you suggested.
Now would be the time to give them 12-20 hours a day of light. With light you would be about 5-8 days from pins. As for when you'll see pins without light, your guess is as goos as mine. Good luck!
If they never get light...yes there will be 'issues'. They may or may not grow. Just pull the container out and give it some light whenever you happen to be in the room for an hour or more. A clear lid makes all of this a lot easier.
