charx53 Posted November 16, 2016 Report Share Posted November 16, 2016 I was wondering if anyone knew if it is better to keep a lid on the buckets or not? Two of my batches were producing heat and the others weren't, so I added some warm water and mixed it some and the next day they began producing heat. However, I then put lids on them (thinking it'd help) and the following day none of them seem to produce heat. I'm not sure what is best.. I feel the moisture in the buckets has lowered quite a bit and I should add water but I am not sure as I'm very knew to this. Thanks for any input. -Charlie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MWAInverts Posted November 16, 2016 Report Share Posted November 16, 2016 It's good to let the mixture breathe. I use a screened ventilated lid to keep the bugs out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charx53 Posted November 16, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 16, 2016 Should I add more warm water and mix it? Did I mess the batches up? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MWAInverts Posted November 16, 2016 Report Share Posted November 16, 2016 The moisture level should be like this: if you hold a hand full in your hands and squeeze, it should clump together, but not produce drips of water. Adjust moisture accordingly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratmosphere Posted November 16, 2016 Report Share Posted November 16, 2016 Truth^. I have mine in buckets with the lid on. I put holes in the substrate after I mix it every day. The process is really getting on my nerves. I really need to get ventilated bags like Daniel Ambuehl has in this video. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Titanus Posted November 17, 2016 Report Share Posted November 17, 2016 I use these bags. They're just like the ones Daniel uses, and they're fantastic! Nice and breathable, but very durable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratmosphere Posted November 17, 2016 Report Share Posted November 17, 2016 Thank you for this. I will be ordering a ton soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratmosphere Posted November 21, 2016 Report Share Posted November 21, 2016 These are 100% safe to use, right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Titanus Posted November 21, 2016 Report Share Posted November 21, 2016 Yes. Similar polypropylene bags (such as those used for sandbags) contain a UV retardant which helps to retain the structural integrity of the bag during prolonged exposure to sunlight. These compounds degrade over time, and in the case of fermenting substrate, can contaminate the end product. The bags I use don't contain such chemicals, meaning they're safe. Hence, I use them for insect culture. Since they don't contain the chemical compounds necessary to repel high amounts of UV, you'll want to keep them in a shaded area out of direct sunlight so they don't get brittle and fall apart. Putting them outside under a tarp will help you avoid such problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratmosphere Posted November 21, 2016 Report Share Posted November 21, 2016 Awesome man! Really appreciate it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charx53 Posted January 9, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 9, 2017 I ended up making a few ventilated lids for fermenting flake soil. Trying to post the picture, but not having luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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