The NocBox is designed for quick and easy setup, providing a highly effective still air environment essential for sterile mycology work with minimal assembly required.
Setting Up Your NocBox for Mycology
Using a still air box (SAB) like the NocBox is crucial for minimizing airborne contaminants during sensitive mycology procedures, such as inoculation or agar work. Its design focuses on simplicity and efficiency.
Simple Assembly Steps
Setting up your NocBox is a straightforward process that takes only moments, allowing you to quickly establish a clean working space:
- Remove from Storage: Take the NocBox out of its designated storage bag.
- Unfold the Cover: Fully unfold the clear, main cover of the unit.
- Slide in Support Bars: Insert the provided support bars into their respective sleeves or slots to give the box its structure.
- Ready for Use: Once the support bars are in place, your NocBox is fully assembled and prepared for your sterile procedures.
Key Benefits and Design Features
The NocBox incorporates several design elements that enhance user experience and maintain a sterile environment:
- No Pre-assembly: Unlike traditional still air boxes or grow tents that may require assembling an inner frame, the NocBox eliminates this step, saving significant time and effort.
- Smooth Interior Surface: Its unique design provides a smooth inner surface. This feature is particularly beneficial for:
- Easy Cleanup: Wiping down and sanitizing the interior between uses becomes effortless.
- Reduced Contamination Risk: The absence of rough textures or hidden crevices means fewer places for contaminants to hide, promoting a cleaner workspace.
Optimizing Your Still Air Box Workflow
While the NocBox simplifies setup, adhering to general best practices for still air boxes will further enhance the sterility and success of your mycology projects.
Tips for Effective Use
To maximize the effectiveness of your NocBox and ensure a clean environment for your cultures:
- Sanitation First: Before each use, thoroughly wipe down the interior surfaces of the NocBox, as well as all tools and materials you plan to use, with a sterilizing agent like 70% isopropyl alcohol.
- Gather All Materials: Place all necessary items (agar plates, spore syringes, scalpels, lighter, etc.) inside the NocBox before you begin working. Avoid opening the box once procedures have started.
- Minimize Air Movement: Once your hands are inside the glove ports, work slowly and deliberately. Rapid movements can create subtle air currents within the box, which can potentially introduce contaminants.
- Sterilize Tools: Flame-sterilize metal tools (like scalpels or inoculation loops) between uses and allow them to cool inside the box.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Ensure your hands and arms are clean, and consider wearing gloves even when using the integrated glove ports.
By following these simple setup instructions and best practices, the NocBox becomes an indispensable tool for achieving consistent and clean results in your mycology endeavors.
