112qt is the most common monotub size

Field Capacity: The Most Important Variable

Regardless of recipe, your substrate must be at field capacity before mixing with spawn. Squeeze a handful firmly — a few drops of water should drip out, but not a steady stream. Over-wet substrate is the most common cause of contamination and failed grows.

  • Too wet: water streams freely when squeezed → add dry vermiculite or coir
  • Correct: 1–5 drops drip out, substrate holds shape
  • Too dry: no water expressed, crumbles → add small amounts of water and retest

Full substrate guide →  |  Monotub Tek guide →  |  PF Tek guide →