Carolina C-FERN Spores - Manual (Page 3)

3
Growth Pods (RN-15-6715)
The Growth Pod makes culturing C-Fern even easier, more reliable,
cheaper, and faster by reducing needed space and allowing better control
of culture temperature. When the optimum culture temperature of 28°C is
difficult to attain using a Culture Dome, the Growth Pod can dramatically
decrease culture time and increase yield.
A simple lighting fixture with a 6” dome and switch (e.g., a small
clamp/utility light) and a 15-W screw-in fluorescent bulb are recommended.
(These bulbs are long lasting, highly efficient, and feel only warm when left
on continuously.) The light may be rested on small blocks (e.g., Legos
® ) on
top of the acrylic lid, or suspended over the top of the lid. Adjust the height
to achieve a temperature of 26–30°C within the pod. Small digital
thermometers can keep track of the temperature.
The Growth Pod can hold enough petri dishes for a class of 30 or more (six
stacks of five 60
× 15-mm petri dishes). As a result of stacking the petri
dishes, cultures on the bottom may be developmentally behind those on
the top. To minimize this, reverse the order of the stacks after 6–7 days.
For transport, zip the top of the pod closed to reduce temperature and
humidity fluctuations.
utility light with 15-W
flourescent bulb
1 /
4
” clear acrylic
box lined with
aluminum foil
insulated 6-pac cooler