Mycology Supplies

Mycology Supplies — Frequently Asked Questions

What supplies do you need to work with mushroom spores?

To work with mushroom spores you'll need a few core supplies: sterile syringes, sterile needles, alcohol prep pads for disinfecting surfaces, and nitrile gloves. For microscopy you'll also want slides and a microscope, and many hobbyists add a still air box to keep their workspace clean. Sterile technique is what ties it all together.

What is a still air box, and do you need one?

A still air box (SAB) is a clear, sealed container with arm holes that creates a calm, enclosed space to limit airborne contamination while you work with syringes, agar, or cultures. It isn't strictly required, but it dramatically lowers contamination risk for beginners and costs far less than a laminar flow hood.

What size needle is best for a spore syringe?

A 16-gauge needle is the standard choice for spore syringes because its wide bore handles thick spore solutions without clogging. A standard 1.5" needle works for most tasks, while a longer 5" deep-draw needle reaches the bottom of tall jars and bags. Always use a fresh, sterile needle each time.

How do you keep mycology work sterile and avoid contamination?

Keep mycology work sterile by disinfecting every surface and your hands with alcohol prep pads or 70% isopropyl, wearing nitrile gloves, and working in front of a flow hood or inside a still air box. Use sterile, individually sealed syringes and needles, and swap needles between uses. Minimizing air movement is the key.

How should you store spore syringes, and how long do they last?

Store spore syringes in a refrigerator (never the freezer), sealed in a bag and away from light. Properly refrigerated, most spore syringes stay viable for about 6–12 months, and often longer. Let a syringe reach room temperature before use, sterilize the needle first, and discard any syringe that looks cloudy or contaminated.

Can you reuse a syringe or needle for mycology work?

You should not reuse syringes or needles for mycology work. Even a rinsed needle can harbor bacteria or mold that ruins a sample, so sterile, single-use disposables are standard practice. Using a fresh, sterile syringe and needle for each task is the simplest and cheapest way to prevent contamination.

What is a capsule machine used for, and how much does a "00" capsule hold?

A capsule machine is a manual filling tool that loads empty capsules with powdered mushroom blends or supplements quickly and evenly. A size "00" capsule—the most common size—holds roughly 0.5 to 0.7 grams of powder depending on density. The kit fills many capsules at once for consistent, mess-free results.

What is the difference between a Luer-lock and a Luer-slip syringe?

A Luer-lock syringe has a threaded tip that screws the needle on securely, while a Luer-slip syringe holds the needle by friction alone. For mycology, Luer-lock is preferred because the needle won't pop off under pressure when injecting thick spore or culture solutions—giving you a safer, leak-free, more sterile workflow.