Build Your Own Laminar Flow Hood for less than $100 (really WORKS!)

[@gordotek]

Full flow hood build write up and links to items used: www.patreon.com/posts/78502280 To get access to ALL CONTENT or request a topic, please use patreon, its FREE, I also post and interact with people there: www.patreon.com/GordoTEK Before asking a question, please read the FAQ: www.patreon.com/posts/22774475 Credit to The Efficient Engineer (“Understanding Laminar and Turbulent Flow") kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3KQpoh9ZbyFZtk More about Reynold's number: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reynolds_number Q&A Is it easy to change the filter? The manufacturer says it has a 4000 hour life, even if you cut that in half, it's probably still a lifetime of use for just mycology work for most people (remember you don't leave this thing on and running all the time). But yes if you had to replace it, it should be very easy to do so, the silicone sealant is like rubber cement, you can just pull the old filter off and scrape away the leftover sealant and put the new one in. Likewise the tote lid will still come off pretty easily if you pull on it hard enough. The whole replacement can be done in about 15 minutes. Can or should I add a pre-filter? You could add a pre-filter if you want, you could do something simple like stretch a cotton t-shirt over the fan intake and secure with rubber bands or zip ties. Or you could use the carbon filter that comes with the HEPA filter. Its up to you. The HEPA filter is supposed to be good for 4000 hours, if only used for mycology work, that could be a lifetime for many people. But as noted above, the HEPA filter is not hard to replace if needed, it's basically a 10 minute job, can pull it off and scrape away any remaining silicone sealant, then put the new one on. I noticed some air coming OUT of the fan area, is that normal? First please make sure that you installed the fan in the correct direction because if you did it backwards the flow box won't work at all. But that said, yes, It's actually normal and expected for air to be flowing both in and out of the fan like that, this means the pressure has reached an equilibrium which is exactly what you are looking for, nice even pressure inside the box producing laminar flow out the front. Can I install the fan in the back pointed directly at the filter? No, you don't want the fan pointing directly at the filter, this would cause uneven air pressure on the filter, you want it on the side and you will just allow it to build up equilibrium pressure inside the box (I probably should have explained that in the vid). Is it an improvement to add a top and/or sides to the front part of the flow box? No, sides and tops are counterproductive, they create a vacuum and unfiltered air must then be sucked in to fill the vacuum, creating turbulence (the opposite of what you are looking for). You don't want sides or tops but its even worse if you direct the output into a still air box which for some reason many people seem to want to do (this completely defeats the purpose of a laminar flow box, you will have nothing but turbulent air). Can I use the 6" or 4" version of that fan instead? The 6" model will work, the 4" will not. The HEPA filter requires around 200CFM but a little more is preferred, keep in mind that as the filter ages, it slowly clogs, requiring more and more CFM over time to produce the same flow rate. Does the design really produce laminar flow? I've seen some critics saying the design doesn't produce laminar flow, but they are wrong. The design does in fact produce laminar flow when properly tuned, you can see this visually with a proper flame test (as shown in my vid at 18:53) and you can also see it with a smoke test, even though I didn't do an intentional smoke test in the vid, there IS actually an accidental one, if you blink you could miss it, but it happens at 25:48 as I'm sterilizing a scalpel that is smoking from the induction coil. As you will see, absolutely beautiful laminar flow! Compare this to other videos of smoke tests on laminar flow boxes. Most of the critics disappeared after hundreds (if not thousands) of people built these with absolutely fantastic results, there is no question that the design works well, many have called it a "game changer" for them. I think its funny that initially there were skeptics despite the fact that I show the design works by using an expensive laser particle counter, flame test, open agar plate test, and a complete start to finish grow with it. Producing laminar flow is not as hard as many once believed. But you do need a legit HEPA filter and capable variable speed fan.

[@rustysmith-kc6ys]

So when we go to put the filter on, we just don’t use the black part? Just the filter or both?

[@gordotek]

@mith-kc6ys If you are referring to the carbon filter, I did not use it, but I suppose it could be sealed on before the HEPA filter and act as a second pre-filter. The estimated life of the HEPA filter is over 2000 hours, and if this were only used for mycology that's pretty much a lifetime of use, so I don't think an additional pre-filter is necessary. Plus if you ever had to change out the filter it only takes about 10 minutes.

[@thefloooo95]

Is it better to place the fan on the side or on the back? I can screw a 300CFM PC fan but i don't where is better to place tha fan? An other question is, what is the minimal distance between the font and the back of the filter? 20cm? 30cm ( i would build a wood box) thank you! Thank you!

[@fartsonbasketball9206]

Link to 2 true HEPA filters for $18?

[@TheNoobMycologist]

Do you have TikTok ? I just finished mine today, silicone is drying BUT I’m gonna post a vid tomorrow ! THANK YOU !

[@alexorlowski9597]

Can 100% vouch that this flow hood works flawlessly. Built it exactly as described in the video and have done around 75 plates now with no contam after 4 weeks. Thank you for your video and tips!

[@funny11744]

What plates ? Mushrooms ?

[@gordotek]

❤️ 🙏 Great job! Hundreds of people have built these now and I've only been getting positive feedback. I'm still amazed that a certain small minority of people can watch this vid and not believe it works, haha. I mean I do an expensive laser particle counter test, a flame test, a 5 minute exposed agar plate test, and a complete spores to harvest grow all in the video to prove that it works, what more can be done? 😂

[@funny11744]

What vabout that expensive particle laser device ? Any video next ? I need one ?

[@Macifikation]

​@@gordotekcan you use the 6" ac infinity fan instead?

[@xXcajunblazeXx]

@@gordoteksee if a fart can infiltrate it

[@webb4158]

This is huge for amateur mycologists. Great vid man.

[@aaroncrockett3235]

Huge indeed

[@monsteramn88]

💙

[@williampatrickfurey]

Anyone really, I can think of a few necessary uses for any being that eats food, plus the first two minutes contains one of the most concise expansions upon a few things that I have ever seen on the Internet.

[@isaero9532]

Just made one. And test it on my agar, left it open for 2 minutes. 5 days in and no contamination on my control agar plate!

[@gordotek]

Nice job!

[@waynekozak3121]

I just did the same. Waiting a couple more days before I check the control

[@Mazarakis_Spyridon]

@@waynekozak3121 Any update? I am thinking to make one too!

[@jordanlarson6488]

Having those control plates was a boss move. Open for 5 minutes and no contamination. Hell yeah

[@fstopPhotography]

That was a great tutorial on how to build an easy home laminar flow hood. What I was not expecting was the detailed explanation of laminar flow vs. turbulent flow. That was fascinating. Thank you.

[@3emmanuel3]

I am a 70 year old newbie, and YES your video is THE BEST by Far. Thank You

[@gordotek]

That's awesome! Love it 👍❤️🙏

[@MicroMyco]

Holy crap, the flame test makes it look like you've truly achieved laminar flow!! Awesome work, thank you for making this available to the masses.

[@gordotek]

Yes indeed. I think by now all the critics have been silenced as this TEK has now been followed by hundreds if not thousands of people, everyone says it works beautifully, many calling it a "game changer" for them. But even in the vid itself, I show that it works by using an expensive laser particle counter, flame test, and open agar plate test. Its amazing there were any doubters, haha. Producing laminar flow is not as hard as many once believed.

[@Luis-qr8gc]

Please think about the meanings of the word "holy" and after doing so, please think about the meanings of the word "crap", and after, please tell me if you believe that it is respectful to use those two words together.

[@wardendios2612]

​@@Luis-qr8gc Both man made words a bit like the man made stories in your book called the bible! So who cares

[@WalkerBetweenWorlds]

@@Luis-qr8gc 🙄 go eat some shrooms. They might chill you out a bit and give you a sense of priorities. Ah, but they so often grow out of literal crap, so I imagine you can’t find any real value in them. Because eww poo poo. If you believe God designed us, and God designed us to have digestion and excrement, then take your indignation up with your god. This was supposedly his design and if his design is perfect (what holy literally means), he designed poop. In conclusion: holy crap.

[@denism8494]

get a soup can, heat it up on a stove, and the lip sticking out allows the can to sink into the plastic from the heat, cutting a perfectly circular hole

[@Randy-Lahey]

I have had so much issues with this method and it’s still better than anything else and I hate it so much

[@travonaqw]

@@Randy-Lahey I feel like I need a gas mask or something inhaling the molten plastic.

[@jenocide632]

Please don't do this...

[@Randy-Lahey]

@@jenocide632 the worst part is on the tubs a hole saw always cracks it.

[@jenocide632]

@@Randy-Lahey I've never had a problem with hole saws. I guess it depends on which tubs you get. The sterlite tubs from Target have always worked for me.

[@jedmcdonald1167]

WOW!!! Great design sir!👍I always felt like a flow hood was a lot farther dwon the road until I watched this video. Cannot wait to make one! For under $100 what an awesome contribution to the begginner/ intermediate mycology community. Thank you

[@mikeford6405]

Very thorough and helpful

[@jasonp92]

You are truly one of the great things about this community.

[@MissBlackMetal]

Please don't ever delete this video! I'm a brand-new soon-to-be-mycologist and I'll be referring to this video once I get all the parts and tools to build this. Thank you so much for uploading and sharing this extremely valuable knowledge!!!

[@johnsojourn9114]

You made it look so easy, I immediately bought all the equipment! It helped that I read your patreon post about this just 3 days ago.

[@benink5690]

Does it work properly???

[@johnsojourn9114]

@@benink5690 I hope so. Just got the ventilator in today so gonna be workin on it this weekend.

[@matheusropkejuneka2703]

@@johnsojourn9114 did it work?

[@linemanlovesyou859]

@@johnsojourn9114 did it work??

[@johnsojourn9114]

@@linemanlovesyou859 looks like it! I did a 10 minute flow test on an open agar cup and it seemed to be holding up. But it's only been a few days and I'm on vacation now so I'll know more in a week. I just hope the agar transfers and jars I've innoculated since then are also good :)

[@foxxyboxxy9348]

After seeing this, I can't get over the fact, that I didn't think of such a design myself. It's brilliant and simple. Kudos!

[@trevorfichtner3539]

Seriously, best DIY laminar flow hood video on the internet, right here.

[@gordotek]

Thanks, appreciate it! ❤️

[@rickchapman6277]

Wow! I´ve watched so many home made flow hood videos. This is by far the best, and most thorough I´ve come across by far. Thank You!

[@granaro8236]

This is one of the best applied mycology videos i have ever seen. I rarely subscribe on a first visit, but I will spend a lot of time on this channel in the next few days.

[@HighlyGiftedGrowery]

For two months I've been staring at my Raxial 8in AC Fan and knowing I could make a Flow Hood but didn't understand how they worked. Then BAM... thank you so so so much Mushie Love Peace Love Unity Respect

[@gordotek]

Glad you found it, you won't be disappointed, I've been getting LOTS of positive feedback from people who have made them, and not a single complaint. I laugh at the fact that a few people still don't believe this design works despite the avalanche of evidence I show in the vid itself (flame test, expensive Met One particle counter, 5 minutes open agar dish test, and complete grow from spores to harvest! What more do you need to see??? Hahahah).

[@michelerenem]

You are the best. I need a flow hood, but cannot afford them, so this is just amazing. Thank you for this.

[@Greg-zv8vp]

Thank you for everything. My best friend just died under me this morning (My dog Wilbur). He had lymphoma but his death was very still very sudden. I had previously tried to incorporate TM into my daily meditation routine but my overactive mind always seemed to break my concentration. I had initially sought your information out to help with setting my mind at ease before taking the plunge into psychedelics but, i found that just the steps leading up to it have profoundly affected me. I have my kit growing feet from where he died, part of me hopes consuming them will bring me closer to him. Thanks again for your calming disposition and excellent presentation.

[@gordotek]

Sorry to hear about your dear friend. I have no doubt you are on a healing journey that will result in a blessing and peace to you.

[@williamclarke2245]

I was watching your youtube on the TV upstairs- paused ,walked downstairs to my computer and ordered the AC infinity fan on Amazon. Your design is magnificent. Thank you !

[@rustysmith-kc6ys]

Bro just saved me hundreds of dollars! Thank you so much! The bottom hole was a challenge and I didn’t get the screws in but I made sure there’s enough silicone and it’s working like a charm. Day 2 no contamination on my test plates!

[@gordotek]

You should be able to get at least ONE bolt in man ;). Good work on the build anyway though!

[@rustysmith-kc6ys]

@@gordotek I’ve successfully done agar on it and so good so far! Even the plates are still clean! Thanks man

[@rustysmith-kc6ys]

Week 2, already done grain to grain, agar to grain without ANY contamination! Game changer for the man whose not got the money to spend on an expensive piece of vital equipment for mycology!

[@gordotek]

@@rustysmith-kc6ys AWESOME! Thanks for the follow up! I maintain that as long as you USE IT properly, and your spores aren't contaminated to begin with, you can achieve pretty much 100% success rates with this design. But of course many spore prints are contaminated and many people will not follow proper procedures when using the laminar flow (important to work toward the center of the flow or at least on an elevated wire rack, and not put things between the work piece and the HEPA filter).

[@JWS1974]

I told my wife I wanted a laminar flow hood. She freaked out when she saw the price. I showed her this parts list, and needless to say, she was on board with this project's price point! 😂

[@JonnyEaston]

I'm just starting out on my mycology journey and you've been really helpful, thank you! big appreciation from the UK

[@gordotek]

Happy to help!

[@Al_i8]

this is by far the most scientifically accurate and precise video of a budget flow hood i've ever seen! and this is coming from an IV pharmacist. Very good work man!

[@gordotek]

Appreciate it! I've been getting LOTS of positive feedback, many have said it was a "game changer" for them. They work surprisingly well.

[@Milkex]

You really have changed some minds. I had a 12" thick filter coming and I eschewed that in lieu of a 2.25" filter. Seeing you mention that people have used two filters side-by-side makes me believe that one thicker filter will be totally fine. Thanks again!

[@daphneraven6745]

I have to hand it to you, sir, that’s a better design than I would’ve done. By far. And a whole different level of confidence to be able to leave your agar plates right side up and wide-open for a full five minutes like that in front of the hood. That’s a sweet level of confidence and irrefutible evidence that you’ve got this your laminar hood design down cold. This is no small achievement, and a real contribution to make this design available for anybody who wants to to make, complete with a construction tutorial that pretty much anyone can follow. Thank you very kindly indeed!!

[@gordotek]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.

[@JakeFifield-t2f]

Tips: When you're sanding keep the filter at an angle above the abrasions (not flat!) so you don't fill your expensive filter with plastic. Also, allow your silicone to dry first and you'll get a much better seal that's essentially water and airproof then secure it down with a removable fastening that applies pressure to the silicone ring so you can easily replace the filter by repeating the above techniques.

[@BitcoinIsFreedom_]

Could you elaborate on the fastening aspect? That’s my concern/question, how long do each of these filters work and to prevent creating a new box each time, how does one swap out the filter?

[@italogee]

@@BitcoinIsFreedom_ probably over 3000hrs of use

[@gordotek]

Interesting ideas although I'm not convinced about the letting the silicone dry first. One thing I started doing after building a lot of these was using clear packing tape AFTER silicone sealing, all around the filter to hold it in place, this prevents the filter from coming loose during shipping (which unfortunately happened a couple times before I learned this). Your idea could work if you could figure out a good way to apply pressure to it after the fact but that is tricky.

[@gordotek]

Yea good for at least 2000 hours, so if only used for mycology that could be a lifetime of use. But swaping out the filter is not too difficult, its like a 10 minute job, the silicone is not like glue, if you pull the filter hard enough it will come out pretty easily and you can use a razor to remove remaining sealant and then just put in a new filter like you did originally.

[@eve_squared]

I made one of these and can confirm they work well I also did the 5 minute open air test (using 5 control plates) and left the agar plates for around 2 months. One contaminated due to the wrap shifting while handling and letting in contam but the other 4 plates dried out on the surface before they ever contaminated. It has been wonderful for doing agar work and helped me get back into mushroom work since I was sick of still air boxes.

[@gordotek]

🤜💙🤛 Nice job! Thanks for leaving feedback.

[@fungidelicmushrooms]

Amazing video. I learned more about laminar flow just now than I have learned in the last months

[@boygerboy2286]

My buddy and I bought the filter 2-pack and we each made one of these together. Absolutely worth every penny. I keep mine covered with a trash bag when not in use. Works like a dream!

[@gordotek]

Glad to hear, I've been getting a LOT of positive feedback and no complaints, they work well. Many people have said it was a "game changer" for them.

[@IktomiNegro]

Awesome build, I utilized both filters, having them next to each other. I used 110qt tote. Thanks for the knowledge, your awesome!👍🏽

[@gordotek]

Nice job! Yes many people have doubled up on the filter and say it works well.

[@AlanCassady]

what do you mean utilized both filters?

[@AlanCassady]

like the two filter set comes with four filters, two sets. what did u double up I swear there are some dumb fucks on here

[@Humboldtcounty707]

Built one using a 4" inline fan with a separate speed controller that I had from my cannabis growing days. This thing has been a game changer!

[@gordotek]

Glad that worked!

[@josephconkwright4215]

I built it and it has a 100 percent success rate so far

[@gordotek]

Nice! Yea I've been getting lots of positive feedback, no complaints so far.

[@deborah3557]

Hey! Now that it's been a year, how was it long term?

[@made.online2149]

Made mine tonight, excited to try it tomorrow! I will say that when I went with a 3oz squeeze tube of silicone, I ran out, and I don't think I was being particularly heavy handed with it. Had to use a different tube of silicone for the lid. It was also a bit of a pain to get out of the tube, so I think a bigger caulk gun tube like you used would be worth it. One issue I did run into was that my cheap Ryobi drill's chuck couldn't fit the hole saw. I improvised with a soldering iron in a ventilated area (which I used for all cuts, including the wire hole) and while the circular cut wasn't perfect, silicone was still able to fill it in nicely.

[@gordotek]

Nice job! Glad it worked out.

[@toddwmac]

Thanks a ton....for this and everything else you've given to this hobby.

[@pheresy1367]

Gordo!!! You keep on "bringing it"!!! Thank you. And, turns out, there is no need to install a frikken "jet engine" attached to a modified "pillbox"! And you have proved it.

[@gordotek]

Yea, I don't know why it took this long for the community to figure it out! ;)

[@MycoDogs]

i might give this a try cause ima broke boi, one suggestion though i noticed u take ur transfers right from the edge. theres often hidden contaminations at the edge of the dish that creep their way in when handling or through air movement so it is better to transfer a little bit away from the edges

[@gordotek]

I agree with you! Normally I take cuttings when the growth gets about 1cm away from the outer edge. The natalensis mycelium was so aggressive it grew all the way across the plate before I had a chance to take cuttings, at that point I still prefer the most outer edge of growth but you are right, there is more risk of contam at the edge. Thankfully when the entire process is done in front of the HAPA filtered laminar flow and the plate is sterile to begin with and stored in a sterile bag, there is not much risk of contamination. As you could see from the results, there were no problems. But yea, goal should definitely be to take cuttings before it reaches the edge and not cut from the very edge.

[@MycoDogs]

@@gordotek yeeeeeeeeeeee

[@thayguy14234]

I'm doing this build with the fan and filters you recommend but I'm using a long plastic tote and doing them side by side for more work space. Thank you so much for the awesome video and the very helpful links you rock man.

[@ArmySSGJordan]

You are a wealth of knowledge and highly appreciated in the mycological community!

[@moonlitseacapeandthedesert7167]

This is fantastic! I went from quite a lot of annoying reoccurring contaminations in an SAB to contamination free with this flow hood! Thank you for sharing - my inspiration for mycology is back again!!

[@gordotek]

Glad you build it! I think by now all the critics have been silenced as this TEK has now been followed by hundreds if not thousands of people, everyone says it works beautifully, many calling it a "game changer" for them. But even in the vid itself, I show that it works by using an expensive laser particle counter, flame test, and open agar plate test. Its amazing there were any doubters, haha. Producing laminar flow is not as hard as many once believed.

[@jesnoggle13]

Great explanation of laminar flow. Nice build

[@Vinc94Machinima]

Thats exactly what I did cuz getting one in my country was to expensive. I also placed it inside hydroponic tent and I close it when am working, let it run for 5 mins and then start working while it runs. Did some test by letting few bags of substrat open outside the tent, few in while tent is open and flow hood is runing, few that are in tent while its closed and flow hood is running. The one outside showed sings of contamination in 2 weeks, the one that was inside the tent while its open in 4 weeks, and a lot les contam... The one that was inside closed tent with flow hood runing, 0 contamination in more then 6 months at this point.

[@changardner]

I put this together in about an hour and a half (minus demanding dog interruptions) today. Silicone is curing as I type. I have so much agar work that I've been itching to do, and now I can... tomorrow.

[@gordotek]

Good job!

[@boscorner]

So many new discveries and things making mycology more accessible and inexpensive. We love to see it

[@FullDottle]

Such WOW! Thank you for this!! Questions: 1) How often do you need to replace the filter? 2) When replacing the filter, I'm assuming you just remove the silicone and replace as the instructional showed? Cheers *Update* I built the LFH as you show and I am very impressed! I did a test by opening an agar plate in open air for 10 min and one in front of the LFH for 10 min; the control has obvious contamination on day 4 and the test that set in front of the LFH is completely clean thus far! Thanks again!

[@gordotek]

Great job! Yea I probably should have done the control test as you decribe, but glad someone did this! ;) The filter is good for >2000 hours which could be a lifetime of use for man people, but regardless, its easy to change out if required, just pull it off, silicone sealant isn't like glue, then use a razor to remove any excess sealant and install the new one same way as original.

[@MA77CHAMBERLAIN]

One of the best youtubers to ever do it! Such great videos with simple but solid and fullproof information. It's funny watching other youtubers misusing their premium/expensive flow hoods and here we have Gordo making a 100% true Laminar Flow Hood for under 100$ and using it like a pro. Amazing content man, please keep it coming!

[@gordotek]

Its equally hilarious to see critics who don't think it works, haha. This TEK has now been followed by hundreds of people, everyone says it works beautifully, many calling it a "game changer" for them. But even in the vid itself, I show that it works by using an expensive laser particle counter, flame test, and open agar plate test. Its amazing there are still doubters, haha. Producing laminar flow is not as hard as many once believed.

[@KeizerSinbad]

I did a very similar thing. I however used that foamy craft board from the Dollar store. Yours allows for bigger filter sizes IMO. Good stuff.

[@kevinsedwards]

Just wanna say this thing totally works!!!! Make sure to keep it safely stored when not in use and be most careful not to get the filter dirty

[@gordotek]

Glad to hear of your success! I've seen some critics saying the design doesn't produce laminar flow, but they are wrong. The design does in fact produce laminar flow when properly tuned, you can see this visually with a proper flame test (as shown in my vid at 18:53) and you can also see it with a smoke test, even though I didn't do an intentional smoke test in the vid, there IS actually an accidental one, if you blink you could miss it, but it happens at 25:48 as I'm sterilizing a scalpel that is smoking from the induction coil. As you will see, absolutely beautiful laminar flow! Compare this to other videos of smoke tests on laminar flow boxes. Most of the critics disappeared after hundreds (if not thousands) of people built these with absolutely fantastic results, there is no question that the design works well, many have called it a "game changer" for them. I think its funny that initially there were skeptics despite the fact that I show the design works by using an expensive laser particle counter, flame test, open agar plate test, and a complete start to finish grow with it. Producing laminar flow is not as hard as many once believed. But you do need a legit HEPA filter and capable variable speed fan.

[@gensixtristan]

FYI the openings can both be cut with angled tin snips. i have confirmed this. You can easily cut in a circle without any cracking.

[@gordotek]

Great to know, thanks for sharing! If you have a picture, please send it to me along with a link to the tin snips and I will add that to the write up.

[@pariahthemenace]

Gordo Thanks been seeing this for years but this the best explanation since

[@strike187]

Just made the design. All went pretty well, although the diameter of the hole saw to the fan was a bit large. I went with all the recommended products. I just had to add a lot more silicone to cover the gap. I'd recommend a hole saw that's the closest to the specs of the fan. The hole saw I used was 8-1/4in. I'm excited to use the tek! Thanks!

[@sharpeax]

I just made it too, and the hole saw made a hole slightly larger than the fan housing. It caused the end of the fan that was inside of the tote to droop. My solution was drilling a hole under the tote to insert around a 1/2" long machine screw with a nut to hold it to the tote, which stuck up enough to hold that end of the fan up, which made caulking a bit easier for the side of the fan that stuck out of the hole. Great video, can't wait to use this thing to inoculate some agar!

[@gordotek]

Not sure if you used the hole saw I linked to or a different one but the one I link to is supposed to be 8 inches. I've now made lots of these and only use that hole saw and it has worked great for me, yes there is a small gap but it's very easy to seal with the silicone sealant.

[@strike187]

@@gordotek So I believe the problem was when I made the purchase for the supplies the link provided didn't have the 8in hole saw available. Only the 8-1/4in was available. After checking the link again recently I see that the intended 8in hole saw was back in stock and listed. The build still worked with the larger saw just a lot more silicone was used. Thanks again. So far so good.

[@jmeg7412]

I cannot love this enough! You have no clue how much I appreciate the work you provided in this video! I don’t understand how you have all these views and a low subscriber count! I will be an unproductive member of my team today while I binge other of your videos! 😂 Edit: “other of your videos”? Already seems I am useless today!

[@gordotek]

Views = you found GordoTEK Subscribers = GordoTEK found YOU 😂🙏

[@hdhellion4128]

Thanks again for your work. I hope you get a kick back on the amazon links. If not, you def should! What strain is at the end? That flush is 🤯🤯🤯 magical! Again a million thanks. Once I have more disposable income I will support more! Already bought from you 2 years ago. Im glad you are in the position to help others how you are. It doesn't go unnoticed. 🙏

[@gordotek]

Thanks brother! And to answer your question - natalensis

[@Holonet01]

Your explanation of the speed factor and flame test is gold. Loads of flowhood videos and never seen that mentioned.. And.. A bit important 😂

[@gordotek]

Yea I was never very happy with any of the laminar flow box vids on here which is why I made this one... Hundreds if not thousands of people have built these now and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The work very well, some have told me it was a "game changer" for them.

[@snagtubish9114]

Made one to these specs with two changes that others might consider. 1) Cut the wires and re-connect, keeping all wires on the outside of the box. You just need two wire nuts to reconnect the power. 2) Made a cone (from poster board) on the air input. When the fan was on, there was lots of turbulence (most air going in, but some coming out), so a potential to disturb our hard-earned laminar flow. The cone is 8" diam on one end, and 4" diam at the input, and 10" long. Now, all the air seems to be entering the 4" opening, nothing swirling around. If you want to make the cone, sweep 20 3/8 inch arc through 70.4 degrees, and another arc at 10 1/4 inches. Add to that shape, material to cover your overlap and material to allow connection to the box.

[@gordotek]

Cool idea.

[@Alexmw777]

thanks for the suggestion, i was having this issue as well

[@Wanderingviewer]

I loved your video best dyi project with a straight forward design along with an objective tool to confirm your design. Good work.

[@gtrfrk443]

Functional laminar flow hood that’s 30 times cheaper than that particle counter. Awesome vid

[@jimmuir8357]

Double filter. Great vid a I bought the 2 pack of filters and cut 2 borders right tight to a rib then bonded them together with silicone. I used my table saw but I’m sure a utility knife would work fine Tested it out and no turbulence change at seam

[@350500600]

So you took each filter and put them side by side, but cut the touching edges off and silicone them together? Does that sound right? If so, thank you so much for experimenting.

[@bytemuncher1]

What fan do you use for that setup?

[@gordotek]

The same recommended fan is capable of driving 2x filters.

[@micahmann6967]

This is so damn wonderful! I've got a professional one that been in my shed for 2 years 😢😂 I can't move it alone and don't have space at all, even just for its occasional use. I've been thinking of making one and this is the way I will be doing so. Such a great demonstration of its use and efficacy as well, those were some beautiful looking lil totes of glory lol. Thank you and mush love ❤

[@glyndwrevans]

When you say you have a professional one, what do you mean? Are you interested in selling it?

[@lyingcat9022]

@@glyndwrevans 5 months later… I guess that’s a “No” :(

[@OzkAltBldgCo-bv8tt]

I was skeptical on his particle count until he did the test. That's an interesting way to prove your point.

[@gordotek]

Yea that meter is great, but not necessary for people building it, flame test (45 degree bend, steady calm flame on a long stem lighter) is a good indicator, smoke test will show laminar flow too, and of course the open agar plate test also proves its working.

[@0psec_not_good]

Gordo! You’re such a fuckin boss! I’ve been studying up on how to build a flow hood for myself for weeks now, and this video just made my life a million times easier. I’ve been trying to figure out what size I need to make the fan housing, and what type of Dan is appropriate to use, etc.; you covered everything I was uncertain of. Keep up the great work, brother!

[@enigmaticennui]

I just made mine. Although I didn't bother screwing the fan in place, and I also kept the cord on the outside of the box so I didn't have to do that extra notch

[@MosesMLam]

Amazing! I am SO glad I found this vid before investing into a 'typical' $800+ laminar flow hood. Quite surprised that it could be done this way as almost every other video out there uses the very expensive laminar flow filters. How is it that they all recommend using those? Or is it because they are overkill? Are the typical metal/aluminum filter fins not necessary? Thanks again for sharing your experience!

[@gordotek]

No fins are necessary and they may actually do more harm than good. And yes even I was very skeptical that this would work at first, and I was surprised at the fantastic performance. Its like we all believed those massive filters were required and no one bothered to test anything else until now, haha.

[@MosesMLam]

@@gordotek So Gordo, I'm going to build this. However, I have a question about the filter angle. The box you used has a side that pretty close to perpendicular to the ground. However, most sterilite containers have sloped sides. Is it important to have the laminar air flow parallel to the working surface? Or if it has a 5 deg - 10 deg tilt, does that matter?

[@johnsojourn9114]

@@MosesMLam made it today and was wondering this too. I just put some small legs underneath the front of the tote so it would create a 90° angle.

[@MosesMLam]

@@johnsojourn9114 Great idea. Would love to hear how you find it working! I may opt to go with a wooden box, or using sheets of corrugated plastic siliconed together.

[@gordotek]

@@MosesMLam I do not believe a slight (5 to 10 degree) tilt will matter but I haven't tested this so can't say definitively. I like the idea mentioned here of putting some little supports or legs under the front to make it 90 degrees, should be easy to do that, you could probably even use something like playdough or even the leftover silicone sealant to make some nearly invisible clear silicone legs (you could perhaps use the leftover cardboard insert from a finished paper towel or toilet paper roll as your mold and fill that with the sealant, if you grease the inside first, the cardboard will come off when its cured).

[@tonywagner4836]

Great video! I am planning on setting up a small scale operation for personal ( and friends) consumption and selling to a couple of local resturaunts just to recoup my expenses. I have been working on a very similiar design to yours but you have saved me a ton of research time. I have a couple of ideas that I will throw out as questions. 1. Fan mount. I wonder ifvtheb2vscrewvmountbwill eventually Crack. My thought was to use an hvac take off which is a matching flange with an adhesive ring that would glue in place, thus spreading the loading out 2. I considered mounting the fan internally so I could mount a pre-filter. My thought was to reduce contamination in the box between uses. 4. Use a 6 or 8 inch pancake fan but am not sure of air flow volume 5, sterilite makes a container that has a built in gasket that would allow later access for any needed repairs 6. Attaching a second box outside rhe filter area forming a hood 7. Considered using a more industrial tote because of the more sturdier construction. Price differece Is small 7. When cutting the the filter hole drill a hole in each corner and cut into it, making a finished opening with round corners reducing potential corner stress cracks . Any comments positive or negative are most welcome. This is a learning process.

[@gordotek]

1) I don't think its a legit concern, doubt it would crack there, no strong forces really. 2) You could add a prefilter either over the fan intake, or attached to the HEPA filter on the inside. I didn't bother with this because I think the filter is good for a lifetime of mycology use based on manufacurers suggested lifespan of 4000 hours. 3) Why did you skip 3? ;) 4) Lots of different fans will work, check the CMF rating, you only really need a bit over 200 for the filter I used in the video, my fan does 428 cfm. Its important to have variable speed but you can plug almost any fan into a dimmer switch if you need to for variable speed control. 5) Yea I considered those, it would be nice, but they were triple the price so I passed. 6) I don't like actual "hoods" or sides or extra boxes of any kind. The "hood" part of a flow hood, its really not necessary or even helpful, the reason being is that these tend to create a vacuum space between the hood extension and the actual filter, this can cause even more turbulence. If you do some research you will see that most modern equipment has done away with top and side fins, the most critical use case is for medical/surgical settings and you can see the "Operating room laminar flow modules" DO NOT have top or side fins, that design is obsolete. 7a) Go for it. 7b) Rounded corners is probably OK, not sure it's really an advantage, this could block some of the filtered air so in my opinion its not a good idea.

[@victoriajimmy9361]

I love everything about this video 😭 Been obsessed about growing mushrooms since I was 14(I'm 24 now) and I've never had a contaminant free workspace,gave up three years ago,but now I'm back Thank you for motivating me to get back to work,I can actually make a living growing mushrooms and get my highschool diploma and go to university,You have no idea what this tutorial means to me, I'm literally in tears,tysm.Love from Nigeria❤❤❤❤ Will any type of inline fan work?

[@gordotek]

Glad to hear you were inspired, you got this! Almost any fan can work as long as the CFM rating is high enough, the CFM on the fan I used is 428 but I've heard you can go as low as 250, some people have even used inexpensive used computer fans. In my opinion it is important to have variable speed, if the fan doesn't have its own speed controller you can plug it into a standard cheap dimmer switch to control almost any fan's speed.

[@ahmadgamal1432]

@@gordotek Dude, you are a nice person!!! Thanks!!!

[@Rob-rs5rn]

The amount of time you spent on this!! Thank you so much man. Unbelievable.

[@benestes1919]

Great video. I've already ordered everything. I particularly liked the way you used a lighter to adjust the flow rate and how important that is. Thanks!!

[@gordotek]

Glad it was helpful! I know you will love it.

[@henrygurney8253]

No way! I never knew the caulking gun had a lil spot to cut the tube 😮 😅

[@gordotek]

A lot of people miss that, also a lot of people don't know what that poker thing is, haha.

[@doveseye.4666]

😊i open, but never close, never save, from start to done with the lot. Nice hood, videos like this are much needed.

[@MosesMLam]

Well, I finally built the 'laminar flow hood' today and rather easily with a few mods! These would be: Using an external top-mounted fan design, using a flat lid vs the original lid, and replacing all silicone with nano-tape and duct tape. First, I used the same sterilite container in the original vid, but instead of the lid, I used a thick piece of corrugated plastic I had lying around. Using a jigsaw, I was able to easily cut a replacement lid traced out with a sharpie. Then, I put the AC infinity 8" fan on top (face down) on the top as I wanted a top-down fan design, and to pressurize the chamber as evenly as possible (like real laminar flow hoods). I then traced out the *interior* of the fan on the top (and towards the back) and then cut this out with a jigsaw. The reason for the trace on the inside, is that my fan now sits on TOP of the 'lid' facing into the container (if I cut the circle any larger, then it would've been inside the container). To secure the fan to the 'lid', I used duct tape to connect the interior of the fan to the outside of the lid. Super clean, no silicone mess, and if I ever needed to, I can easily take out the fan. So that was the first mod - a top-down centered fan mounted on the exterior just like the real laminar flow boxes. Next, I cut out the square hole for the filter. To mark the hole, I originally put the filter inside and marked it on the outside but it was just too imprecise. It was much easier to get the dimensions (12.5 x 10.5 in for me) and mark it outside exactly. Then I cut it out. I started using a modded soldering iron with an exacto blade (google youtube for vids), but it took too long. I switched to my oscillating tool with a drywall round blade and it cut cleanly. No chance of cracking at all, and super smooth cuts. Then, I used a torch and lightly went around the edges to smooth out any burrs (after a simple clean of any loose plastic). Now the best part - I mounted the filter not with silicone, but with nano-tape (google Alien tape - super cheap at costco). With the tape cut lengthwise in half, I lined the tape along the outside of the filter hole. Then when ready, I pressed the filter onto the tape. Perfect seal, removable, and super super clean. I think the whole step took me 10 minutes. Longest was measuring out the tape and cutting it! Similarly, the lid is mounted with nano-tape lined along the top edge of the Sterilite container with the flat lid pressed on top. This creates an air-tight seal and I have access to change the filter and to clean the bin if I need to. I also had to remove the handles and cover up the hole where the hinges mount with a small piece of duct tape to ensure an air-tight enclosure. As to the flow itself, I have to admit I'm a bit skeptical. At the M mark of the AC infinity fan, I seem to get the 45 deg flame, but it is not without some turbulence (probably due to the filter not being truly a laminar filter). However, I hope it's enough and will get the job done! (Edit: Also of concern is that the AC infinity axial fan is designed for in-line duct work, and not for use with a filter. As a result, there is a considerable amount of air being forced back out of the fan intake when running. Perhaps not a concern, but I may build a 'hood' to eliminate any contams from being pushed into the flow as a result of the outgoing turbulence) Next step is to make some control plates as I don't have access to a particle counter and see how it fares! Total build time with the mods: about 90 mins. Hope these tips are helpful for those of you planning this build! And thanks @GordoTek for sharing your ideas!

[@MosesMLam]

I thought I'd post an update to this build. It's now been several weeks after I poured 40+ plates, and did 6+ g2g transfers. I also let 2 glass petri's sit in front of the 'flow hood' for 3 minutes as test petris. The result: ZERO contams. That's right. zero. In comparison, my SAB has had about 15% contams. So while it technically isn't a "laminar hood", the results (for me) are still superior to a SAB and worth the $100 CAD I spent to built it. I'd recommend this for any mycology hobbyists over an SAB or mini etsy builds with the modifications I noted. The nano tape is holding up very well, and I'm really glad I did the top mount fan design. I did have to ditch any pre-filters as this in-line fan does not handle additional pressure well. However, I keep the fan covered up when not in use.

[@marcusespinosa4200]

You should really consider making a video demonstrating your way of making this "laminar flow hood" for us visual learners out there, in my personal opinion I think this is really helpful I just don't wanna do anything wrong n if you could show how exactly you did it I would greatly appreciate it, Thank you.

[@gordotek]

Cool man, nice work! Not sure why you say/imply this is not a "real laminar flow hood" though, because it does indeed produce real laminar flow and your results and all the testing shows this clearly. Hundreds of people have built these now and I've only been getting positive feedback. I'm still amazed that a certain small minority of people can watch this vid and not believe it works, haha. I mean I do an expensive laser particle counter test, a flame test, a 5 minute exposed agar plate test, and a complete spores to harvest grow all in the video to prove that it works, what more can be done? 😂. You can make some smoke in front if it and clearly see the nice smooth laminar flow visually too.

[@KallePihlajasaari]

@@gordotek I don't think he has a problem with your design, he just wants to be pedantic about the term "hood" which is not part of this design. It might be more correctly called a laminar flow "bench". Used properly this should be adequate for almost any such application and I plan to build one down the road, I think I will add a raised (spaced 300mm or so) plastic roof over the top and front of the unit to prevent falling dust in my basement workshop environment from landing on the unit when switched off.

[@bytemuncher1]

@@MosesMLam Thanks for posting your results.

[@jameswall1589]

You just upped my game by almost a year. Saving slowly for a flow hood. I'm wanting to do agar so this is a must.

[@gordotek]

I know you will love it, they work great. I've been getting tons of positive feedback, many telling me it was a game changer for them.

[@jameswall1589]

If it works it works. To quote 311 "fuck the naysayers cause they don't mean a thing"

[@ranjanty]

Glad I found your channel, this was an amazing flow hood build. Now I know how to check for true laminar flow using your simple method. I'm subscribing to see the rest of your mycology video. BTW I already built a 2x4 flow hood which cost me about 500.00 but wished I seen this video a year ago as I'm just a hobbyist and you can take this with you on the go. I just might build this one too.

[@gordotek]

Yea I have one of those 2x4's too, its a beast I think it weighs over 80 lbs, not portable at all.

[@MattRoadhouse]

I'm building a dual-wide (both HEPAs) in 1/2" MDF - melamine interior. CFM rating says it should work, although I'll heave a dead space in the middle to avoid. Thoughts? @@gordotek

[@billybobjoe444]

I cant wait to try to build this. Wonderfully made made video with very clear instructions and and plenty of evidence of a working finished flow hood.

[@gordotek]

Yea I always laughed at the early critics who didn't believe it worked since I show in the video the flame test, a blank agar plate test, a very expensive laster particle counter test, AND do a complete start to finish grow with it! Haha, what more could I possibly have done??? But yea, there are no critics anymore, because thousands of people have built them and confirmed the design works beautifully.

[@dnacreations96]

GordoTEK?! Can I send you a picture of the flowhood I built? I made a wooden one. BY THE WAY, it works wonders! I did 25 cups of agar and none were contaminated. Thank you for showing us the way to success!!! I’ll shall be uploading a video soon and give you the credit you deserve :-)

[@gordotek]

I'm so happy to hear of your success! I think its funny that there are some skeptics out there despite the fact that I showed in the vid laser particle counts, 5 minute blank agar dish exposure test, and did a full spores to harvest grow with it, zero contams, haha. Hundreds of people have built this now and I've gotten 100% positive feedback so far, not a single complaint. I can receive pics on social media or patreon. Regards!

[@davidlee50]

Back when PF TEK was legal here, I used water in a vase with an air stone in a 10 gallon tank and had a 1mil thick plastic drop cloth. I had a heating pad under the tank and is was fantastic back then.

[@jblack1979]

Awesome work would definitely like to try this eventually!

[@KnightHawkJosh]

Thank you for being you. You just earned a padawan.

[@tonybahama6817]

What an awesome video. I’m ON this. I’ve had stellar results in a SAB, but I realize it’s a dice-roll. I’ve used an alcohol lamp inside my SAB with a chimney hole in SAB roof. Must be careful around that lamp tho…this project is what I needed 👍🏼💯. Sub’d.

[@FancyCraffs]

If air is leaving through the chimney, it’s being sucked in through the arm holes.

[@yeet-dg7cg]

Just use a glove box and a jet lighter

[@bytemuncher1]

That sounds like a royal pain in the arse. My glove box is also a hassle which is why I'm building one of these.

[@tonybahama6817]

@@bytemuncher1 it is.

[@tonybahama6817]

@@FancyCraffs yep. Why I’m upgrading & watching this video. I’ve had very few contam experiences tho, so…

[@bmartin2304]

For cutting out the plastic you can use tin snips. if you can't peel it back while cutting at the start, use the double cut method with red and green snips to get started on one side. cuts clean, no burs to file, less work. Thanks for this video, I'm definitely building a budget hood like this for starters!

[@gordotek]

Good to know. Yea there are many ways to cut the plastic.

[@IRizofy]

I always use masks, gloves, clean clothes that has been lint rollered and moving slowly to not bring up any dust or debris or at least minimize it. No need to rush anything and disturb it unless absolutely necessary

[@asamusicdude]

So i have a similar one I made 7 or so years ago with the same M3 filter but I use a pre filter which is a small charcoal Filter/scrubber they use for smells in grow rooms on top of a duct fan. plus i add the layer of the black filter that comes with the main filter inside.Makes it last for years with no contams and you can smell the sterile air!!!!! Made mine with wood. I also found a way to reuse charcoal filters by cleaning them and recharging the activated charcoal With microban

[@gordotek]

Yea the filter I link to does in fact come with those charcoal filters also, I didn't use it but you can certainly put it before the HEPA filter to act as another pre-filter.

[@rustysmith-kc6ys]

Man my fan was too high after I drilled the hole to insert screws. I just put it out a litter further and caulked it as much as I could

[@joshuaimhof4529]

a million thanks friend, will put this on the summer fun list of projects to get done! I owe ya one

[@LaceChaser]

"Even Flow" written by "Eddie Vedder" from Pearl Jam will now come to mind forever... Coincidence That you need "even flow" and to avoid "Eddys" when doing mycology? My ADHD brain is going wild right now.

[@gordotek]

That's gold! 😂

[@sreejithks9250]

This is the way!! May the force always be with you.

[@paulgreen1626]

Do you install the Pre filter, the True Hepa Filter and the carbon filter or do you not include the carbon filter? Great video by the way, and exactly what I've been looking for. Thanks

[@gordotek]

I have not been using the carbon filter but I think you could add it before the HEPA as an additional pre-filter. Its not needed though, and one person said the Raxial fan user manual said not to use it with carbon filters (not sure why?).

[@19nineteenthirteen19]

This is the comment I was looking for! Awesome sauce.

[@somethingfun-321]

WOW! i don't normally leave comments on youtube but man this is a great video and soooo helpful. Best video on this subject that i have found yet!

[@gordotek]

Glad you liked it!

[@JDvb23]

Awesome, definitely gonna consider making a wooden “cabinet” style thing to cover it when not in use when I get around to making this :) Edit for clarity- the box would always sit inside the cabinet, I would just have a faceplate I can remove easily to keep it clean

[@Cabanaman]

If you got two of the same tote you could just nest it in the second one

[@ryanarmishaw3305]

Okay, using your instructions, it is built. Thank you VERY much for this amazing tutorial and write-up. I effed up the silicon, and made a hell of a mess, but who cares. As long as it is sealed, it'll do its job. Not trying to win any beauty contests here. Just needs to dry, and then I can get busy.

[@gordotek]

Great job! I know you will love it.

[@jmi967]

You could also use a heat gun or a lighter or candle to smooth out the edges.

[@NaturalAesthetics07]

Everything is coming today.!! Wow this is awesome.!! Easy and just what’s in looking for for the time being.!! Thanks a ton man this is a level up for me.!

[@gordotek]

You will love it, I've been getting lots of positive feedback and not a single complaint so far.

[@MNation69]

Leaving a comment for the algorithm. Thanks so much this is really fantastic

[@msilv8335]

Built this. Mine looks really horrible because I suck at applying silicone. Still 100% effective. Did the same 5 minute agar test and it was clean. Agar work is SO easy with s hood instead of an SAB.

[@gordotek]

🤜💙🤛 Nice job! Glad to hear of your success.

[@kane100574]

would love to see a vid on your fishtank heater proof box

[@gordotek]

I think I show it in one of my vids, but I'll including that in the next grow vid.

[@emilybeaudry9866]

What a great idea. I have been looking at a diy with plywood, but this so much easier.

[@fungusamongus357]

I bult a similar device but differed in that I used a second box nested to the big box, to serve as a plenum. I work inside the larger box which may or may not further reduce ambient air contaminants. using a plenum allows me to use a dedicated mini shop vac for air supply. It works well, and I get good results.

[@gordotek]

If it works for you, great, but using a shop vac with no control over the air flow sounds like it might end up creating too much velocity unless you use the perfect filter that just happens to be a perfect match with that shop vac flow rate.

[@corygetz8484]

This is the channel I've been looking for!

[@gordotek]

SO glad my content found you!

[@JerryHoward88]

Are there any fairly inexpensive particle counters that you know of that could test what is needed for mycology workspaces?

[@gordotek]

No, sadly not. The ones that work are expensive, and the cheap ones don't work 😂 but that said, you really shouldn't need one, the 5 minute agar plate test shown in the video will tell you if the filter is working, and the flame test will also tell you if the flow rate is correct, and a flickering flame will tell you you have turbulent air. So for next to no cost you can get a near perfect answer. I just bought the particle counter to get instant feedback and because I knew there would be people who didn't believe my simple inexpensive design really works (that is now not an issue as hundreds of people have built it and I've only received glowing positive feedback).

[@JerryHoward88]

@@gordotek Thanks for the quick response. I appreciate it.

[@jtdamomma]

Oh thank you so much! I've been using a boxfan with the highest air filter I could get, with cardboard wings to keep a straight flow. I haven't had a lot of problems, but I know it is VERY limiting. lol. I can't wait to try this out!

[@mycoband]

thank you so much, been wanting to build one for awhile but haven't had the money. Now can get everything i need and be contam freeeeeeee

[@MrWhocares123456]

This TEK came out THE DAY after i just finished building my $800 flow hood. FML

[@gordotek]

;(