Flasking Frustrations, Finally Feeling Fed up

[Zozzl]

If you need some seeds drop me a PM with your address. I have a little bit to spare and would be happy to share with you. Royal gave me some and they germinated very quickly.

Pat

[Royal]

I highly recommend a pressure cooker. It's exactly the same as an autoclave - just way cheaper. You can get one new at Sprawl-Mart or just keep your eyes out for one at a flea market. I'm using my mother-in-law's from the 60's. I bought a new gasket from an online canning supply for about 8 bucks. Works like a charm!

[Royal]

Originally Posted by Zozzl

If you need some seeds drop me a PM with your address. I have a little bit to spare and would be happy to share with you.
Pat

Ditto.

[Bloomin_Aussie]

When you autoclave the prepared flasks (ie. with media already poured) I was under the impression the lid should be left loose..? Sounds as though the OP has lids on tight. I may be wrong but maybe this is contributing to excessive condensation?

[Zozzl]

I know when you use the oven you have to leave the lids loose, and just secure the foil over them, wait until they are COMPLETELY cool and then pull out the rack and quickly tighten them down without removing the foil. Don't know about an autoclave.
Pat

[Royal]

Unlike liquids, gases compress and expand readily. If the lids are on too tight, expanding air could theoretically pop the flask.

I vent ALL of my flasks so I just screw 'em on tight.

[John]

I don't think that it is a good idea to check a flask for odor if you think it is contaminated. You would have no idea what kind of bacteria or mold is growing in there. Lab proceedure dictates that the flask be autoclaved to sterilize it before opening. I generally open them enough to pour in some bleach solution before I dispose of it. Maybe someone else could comment on this.
John

[Zozzl]

I think you are right John. You wouldn't want to introduce anything nasty into your lungs. You never know.

[Phalguy]

Originally Posted by newflasker

JonnyBrabo,

1. Contamination: I don't think so: " no fuzz, no patches, no smell, no brown or yellow"

2. Condensation: I hope not. My friends and I got the same problem with condensation but our seeds germinate well (or better with condensation). If you don't like condensation then wait for few days for water to lay on the top of media and take it out using a pipette.

3. Seed viable & mature: Are you sure that your seeds are viable & mature enough? How long is your pod? Normal Cat. seeds may take a year to be ripen (if I remember correctly). Try mature seed.

4. Check pH: pH around 5.1 is the best.

Hello!

I found that, to get rid of the condensation, while the flasks are cooling down and the media isn`t solid yet, just take your flask one by one and swirl the medium around the flask a couple of time. That will take out the condensation and leave a nice clear flask.
Make sure the medium isn`t too hot because you gonna get condensation again.

Phalguy

[gixrj18]

Originally Posted by RoyalOrchids

I highly recommend a pressure cooker. It's exactly the same as an autoclave - just way cheaper. You can get one new at Sprawl-Mart or just keep your eyes out for one at a flea market. I'm using my mother-in-law's from the 60's. I bought a new gasket from an online canning supply for about 8 bucks. Works like a charm!

You don't even need a pressure cooker! I have sterilized my flasks in the oven for almost two years now, and I have never had a problem with my media being contaminated. Also, all my flasks condensate, but it doesn't hurt anything. For oven sterilization, set oven to bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes....I even use tupperware in there. The only difference is, instead of wrapping the top in saran wrap, you have to use aluminum foil. Don't be discouraged by non-viable seed. I have about fifteen flasks that currently have germinated seedlings that cover my bottom shelf in my "flask closet".....the top shelf is filled with about thirty more that haven't done anything. Unfortunately something doesn't always happen. So don't be discouraged....just keep trying.
-Jasen