Reddit mentions: The best lab dishes

That seems like the best compromise. Looking around online, it seems like there's not a great all-in-one solution. I haven't looked at scales for bud, but that looks way easier. You can't really go wrong as accuracy isn't a huge deal, and all of the higher rated ones on amazon look pretty good. Sorry I can't help more. Only suggestion I have is (I know it sounds obvious) to get one that reads down to 0.01g. I told my girlfriend to buy a scale to weigh our bud on one time and she bought a fucking envelope scale that weighs 1g minimum and was always off by a couple grams. Completely useless.

This one would probably be my choice if I was buying after some quick searching. Best reviewed one on amazon that isn't over $20 (which really isn't necessary when weighing such large amounts unless you just want a nice scale).

Edit: I would really recommend picking up some weigh boats too. Makes it easier to keep bud and all of its stickiness inside since the larger scales don't come with a metal boat. You can always clean the scale off, but the boats are like $6 for 100. Here's one listing. That's a lot more useful for powders though, so you might not need them if you're getting a dedicated powder scale too. Definitely a luxury and not a necessity.

I was given this kit several years ago: http://www.amazon.com/Artistre-Molecular-Gastronomy-Experimental-Assortment/dp/B00OIC5KII . I greatly enjoyed it but some things aren't super useful to me and a customized kit would have been excellent

Suggestions:

a scale! http://www.amazon.com/American-Weigh-0-01g-Digital-Scale/dp/B0012LOQUQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418959233&sr=8-1&keywords=american+weigh+scale is what I used to use, super cheap and mostly accurate (i suggest also buying a few calibration weights to make sure of that). If you want to spend a touch more get one with either a larger platform or a display that won't be covered but 0.01g resolution is really important. I use a lab scale now but I still have the AWS for when I'm traveling or for when I need a second scale. Most of these compounds are essentially useless without a scale though

anti static dishes are handy but not essential. However I love having them around http://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Thermoplastics-WB-158-100-Polystyrene-Anti-Static/dp/B00CQB5SFS/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1418959559&sr=8-4&keywords=anti+static+dish is an example, you can probably find cheaper (and could get away with less as you could wash with soap and water and be okay versus a lab that would just dispose them to avoid any chance of contamination)

2-4mL disposable pipettes are super cheap (think 5 bucks for 100+) and incredibly handy, especially for weighing small amounts of liquids and plating

as for additives and such; personally i would start with the easy yet dramatic results. N-Zorbit is just fun to use and gives really neat results quickly, sodium citrate for fancy cheese sauces, lecithin and xanthan gum to emulsify and thicken sauces, etc. It's hard to make other recommendations without knowing what he wants to do and what his interests are.

In terms of barbecue I don't use much, MSG for spice rubs if that counts and calcium silicate for an anti-caking agent when I make spice rubs in bulk. For sauces I sometimes use the modified starches to thicken; Ultratex because it's essentially flavorless or xanthan because it's effective in small amounts.

or just get a gift certificate for modernist pantry. they ship internationally and are very helpful. Willpowder also ships internationally but only to certain countries.

What a cool theme! I hope your daughter has a brilliant birthday party.

You could serve individual different flavours of jelly (jello in the US, right?!) is these petri dishes.

You could use these specimen bags as party bags! These touchable bubbles come in test tubes and are pretty fun!

These molecule model kits were always good fun in science at school - maybe you could incorporate this into a party game? Or else make a few molecules and have them as table decorations!

Thank you for this contest! If I win, surprise me! I hope the party planning goes well.

I use plastic dishes. I get them here:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005MIQ3XI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use (and recommend) Malt Extract Agar (MEA). I buy it here:

http://www.fungi.com/product-detail/product/agar-agar-12-pound.html

You can use just about any agar and don't let the price scare you. A 0.5 lbs bottle of agar last me about a year and I do a lot of agar work. It takes 50g to make a litre of agar (0.5 lbs of agar powder will make 4.5 litres of agar. A 0.5 lbs of agar can pour close to 400 plates depending on how thick you pour them.

Sometimes I do make my own agar but MEA works good on everything I tried. Feel free to make your own if you can find the supplies.

Good luck and enjoy your microscopic adventures.

Post #2:

Preparation:

getting the supplies

Agar agar powder. [US](https://www.amazon.com/Telephone-Product-Thailand-Powder-Ounce/dp/B01KMHY2OU/) [Europe](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Special-Ingredients-Premium-Gelatine-European/dp/B00EZMPMNE)

Always start with agar! And don't throw old fully colonized plates out. Some contaminants (e.g. mycogone, AKA wet bubble disease will only show up after full colonization (white blobs oozing yellow/orange fluid). and that one (mycogone) will fck up your grow hard, been there done that...

Light malt extract. [US](https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Light-Dried-Malt-Extract/dp/B007XYGBXQ/) [Europe](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Balliihoo-Light-Spraymalt-1Kg-Bag/dp/B0153BASSY/)

Containers for no pour agar (Pasty Plates). [US](https://www.amazon.com/Glad-Food-Storage-Containers-Round/dp/B000WGBMMM/) [Europe](https://www.flaschenbauer.de/einmachglaeser/sturzglaeser/sturzglas-225-ml-to-82) (maybe use Google translate on that site). Also if you are in North America there are Glad mini rounds, they are used in the original Pasty Plate tek. They also have [430ml jars](https://www.flaschenbauer.de/einmachglaeser/sturzglaeser/sturzglas-430-ml-to-82) suitable as substrate containers

A pressure cooker. Good ones are a b**ch to find in Europe. I wouldn't buy [that one](https://www.ebay.de/itm/Pressure-cooker-17L-Stainless-steel-Made-In-Turkey-Largest-Size/133128864948) or similar constructed ones, they are complete s**t, build up next to no pressure and need ungodly amounts of water. I have two of them, but had to do some haphazard MacGyveresqe hacking to get them to sterilize properly, I'll bring that up later.

I also have a Fagor Alu 22 (22 liters, fits eleven quart bottles), but I think that model went out of production in 2017 without a replacement. IMHO the only sane option in Europe right now, would be to order a Presto from the US, they're ~80€ + 40€ shipping, so not that bad. [Presto 23 quart PC](https://www.amazon.com/Presto-Aluminum-23-Quart-Pressure-Canner/dp/B073NCFL2L/)

Also on US websites like shroomery, you'll always read something like "sterilize 90min @ 15 psi". Pressure cookers in Europe usually have no gauges and only go to 50-70 kPa (~7-10 psi). It isn't as bad as it sounds, since sterilization time isn't linear with pressure/temperature. I've found I can get away with 120 min sterilization time for grains, 75 min for PF sub and 30 min for agar.

Scalpel handle and blades. [US](https://www.amazon.com/100-Scalpel-Blades-One-Handle/dp/B01MPX3JTI/) [Europe](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Swann-Morton-Handle-5-10-Blades/dp/B004OIAVJY/)

(optional) inoculation loop. [US](https://www.amazon.com/OESS-Reusable-Inoculating-Inoculation-Bacterial/dp/B071DCS7TW) [Europe1](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Akozon-Inoculation-Inoculating-Microbiology-Laboratory/dp/B07KM7F8VH) [Europe2](https://www.amazon.co.uk/sourcingmap%C2%AE-Inoculating-Microbiology-Tissue-Culture/dp/B071X44DS4/)

Tyvek (for filtered lids). [US](https://www.amazon.com/Dupont-Tyvek-105gm-A5-Sheets/dp/B07418F31G/) [Europe](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tyvek-75gm-Bumper-pack-sheets/dp/B004EXTKSW/)

(optional) oster blender attachments used for PF slurry or LI. [China](https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-Head-Ice-Crushing-Crusher-Blade-Replacement-Part-For-Oster-Osterizer-Blender/182451440105)

3M Micropore tape (for filtered lids and monotub holes). [US](https://www.amazon.com/3M-1530-1-Micropore-Tape-Pack/dp/B0082A9FEM/) [Europe](https://www.amazon.co.uk/3M-Micropore-Surgical-First-Medical/dp/B01KYK2666/)

A spray bottle for soapy water. [US](https://www.amazon.com/Tolco-Bottle-Frosted-Assorted-Colors/dp/B000H88PCU/) [Europe](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Leifheit-72416-Laundry-Sprayer/dp/B0049PB11Y/)

Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), 70%. [US](https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Brand-Isopropyl-Antiseptic-Technical/dp/B07NFSFBXQ/) (dilute down to 70%, that percentage is best for sanitization [EU](https://www.amazon.co.uk/We-Can-Source-Ltd-Fingerprints/dp/B07PGB5X6Y/)

A rack to elevate your agar dishes while you do transfers, like these that come with microwave ovens (contaminants tend to collect on the SABs bottom).

A slightly wet towel to put the SAB on. Some people disagree on this, I use the towel to absorb the sprayed soap/water mix and not having that run off the table.

A clear box that's modified as a SAB. I use this one as a SAB, maybe they ship outside Germany. Anyway the manufacturer is kis.it (builds the monotub too), so I think they might be available elsewhere in Europe: https://www.obi.de/aufbewahrungsboxen/obi-allzweckbox-santos-transparent-oversize-140-l/p/3333341?template=PDP&box=box4

More clear boxes used to fruit bottles (basically a monotub, just with individual substrate containers). I use these as unmodded monos (no holes, no flipped lid, lids not latched): https://www.obi.de/aufbewahrungsboxen/obi-allzweckbox-cadiz-l-mit-4-rollen-transparent/p/1930387.

Butane torch [US](https://www.amazon.com/Multipurpose-MDee-Culinary-Refillable-Adjustable/dp/B07MNN2B43) [Europe](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kollea-Adjustable-Refillable-Blowtorch-Soldering/dp/B07QC1T6H5)

Bottles (can be wide mouth pint mason jars (US), quart Ziplock PP5 containers (US) or [these (which I use)](https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Round-Food-Containers-Plastic-Clear-Storage-Tubs-with-Lids-Deli-Pots-2oz-to-32oz/232308091965)

Hello, assuming your husband is counting saccharomyces and not brettanomyces cultures. I would recommend this:

Celestron 44341 LCD Digital Microscope II (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B4DBWP4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_OCM5AbSPK6WAA

I use this at my brewery for yeast counting. It's affordable and allows you to store images on a SD card. Also it has a digital zoom option that bypasses the need for anything higher than 100x.

I would also recommend getting him a hemocytometer which allows him to accurately count a sample at .100mm so he can to the math.

Here's a link to that:
Cell Counting Chamber Improved Neubauer Hemacytometer By Marien Field https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SJLBFDS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_pIM5Ab5QGV8C3

Good luck!

Found these: https://www.amazon.com/Microyn-Glass-Petri-Tissue-Culture/dp/B01N9HET4W/ref=sr_1_1?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1511283639&sr=1-1&refinements=p_n_feature_seven_browse-bin%3A5485476011&dpID=41lEU9CFvFL&preST=_SX342_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

I would also look at MatTek products: https://www.mattek.com/store/
as they make a lot of live cell dishes. It looks like most have polystyrene bodys but they also mention on their site that they do special orders?

Would using a coverslip holster/chamber (not sure what to call it) work for your application? Like this: https://www.thermofisher.com/order/catalog/product/A7816

There are these small little trays that I've used in Chem lab at school that might be useful. I believe they're called weigh boats and basically look like a small square dish, they're good for weighing powdery substances (hence the name, duh) and I'm sure you can find them cheap since they're disposable

edit: here's an amazon link I found https://www.amazon.com/SEOH-Plastic-Square-Weigh-Medium/dp/B001AEDI0E

EZ Bioresearch Sterile 100 mm X... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ARAZQM4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Or use this for no pour dishes. You just need to flip the lid, pour the agar, then PC

KAMOTA Mason Jars 4OZ With Regular Lids and Bands, Ideal for Jam, Honey, Wedding Favors, Shower Favors, Baby Foods, DIY Magnetic Spice Jars, 12 PACK, 20 Whiteboard Labels Included https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N3VSK1Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_nof7CbYKZQ5YD

I use polypropylene petri dishes that are plastic but also autoclavable. So I reuse them regularly and come out of the PC just fine. The only downside is they aren't as clear as glass, more translucent; it's enough to see growth going on just fine but I look at them in the SAB with the lid off to be certain about contamination. This is usually when I am ready to transfer so I would have the lid off anyways. I also hit them with UV light after pouring agar which may have added to the translucency. [Like these] (https://www.amazon.com/11mm-Plastic-Petri-Dish-Polypropylene/dp/B077MPZKTM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=1WO30284UUY00&keywords=polypropylene+petri+dish&qid=1550847431&s=gateway&sprefix=polypropylene+pe&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1)

I just ordered these and they worked like a charm! But do your reading before! (Honestly if you can handle a monotub you can handle agar) The plates will last a decent amount of time because they ship them vacuum sealed🤙🏼

Amazon friend. Pre poured trays ready to use. Even with shipping they're under a buck a piece. For starting out its worth it can help to consolidate steps as it leaves less room for error. Then again some people nail first try.
https://www.amazon.com/Malt-Extract-Agar-MEA-grams/dp/B008W7XHSU/ref=pd_aw_fbt_328_img_2/140-1355592-1355928?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B008W7XHSU&pd_rd_r=0df17d51-af99-4e06-b575-b464b444e42a&pd_rd_w=gpaEC&pd_rd_wg=LCD1a&pf_rd_p=6e6afc8a-fbbd-4649-97cf-4e08f5113612&pf_rd_r=8CM4G0TX37C3AZEJT2NG&psc=1&refRID=8CM4G0TX37C3AZEJT2NG

https://www.amazon.com/EZ-Bioresearch-Sterile-Petri-vented/dp/B01ARAZQM4/ref=asc_df_B01ARAZQM4/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241986316970&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=892502642786041879&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9002272&hvtargid=pla-607290418314&psc=1

Somebody mentioned it a previous post, these should work pretty well. The lids are vented too, so your soap can dry :)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ARAZQM4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Tr7UAbQ648TTX

I looks like you can get Petri dishes, test tubes and beakers pretty cheap on Amazon. Bunsen burners are a little more expensive but not too bad.

I have no idea why they wouldn't have put an address though. Sorry, hope everything gets sorted for you.

Its a Crystallizing Dish from amazon, way more affordable than aquarium specific glassware, and seems pretty well made.
Here is a link!:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JG2ZI2S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I don't think I've seen either the new OTB nor the conversion kit available for sale yet, just preorder. Where did you find it?

If you just want petri dishes, amazon has them for like $5 for a pack of 10. The expansion, however, is worth getting just for the extra challenges.

I have this one. I find that the bright-line feature is really nice and makes counting easier.

They all seemed super expensive when nearing that size.

https://shop.sciencefirst.com/wildco/miscellaneous/8081-LAB-TRAY-AUTOCLAVABLE-18-x-14-x-3.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00063KZX8/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?pd_rd_i=B000VAPU6I&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007ZE7VG/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B0007ZE7VG

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076WRDDKG/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B076WRDDKG&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=f52e26da-1287-4616-824b-efc564ff75a4&pf_rd_r=T3Z1G8AWXE3Y63N59E7W&pd_rd_wg=sNK6K&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&pd_rd_w=73mjH&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pd_rd_r=d30e4b1b-cb33-11e8-aca0-972ff06d4972

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071Y847S1/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B071Y847S1&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=f52e26da-1287-4616-824b-efc564ff75a4&pf_rd_r=N0SXZBJXP6MBSW9R0H4R&pd_rd_wg=x2ub9&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&pd_rd_w=ZAVbA&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pd_rd_r=0196ada9-cb34-11e8-9edf-e1ef8f33f040

For weigh boats I use these, work perfectly. And to round out your weighing arsenal, one of these for smaller loads, and one of these for the larger ones.

sure thing buddy.

Plastic Petri Dish Petri Plates Tissue Culture Plate 90x15mm, Sterile DNase and RNase-free(Pack of 20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KZ8RRDE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_N7yDCbHPCBJP9

They’re big boys too, makes them good for inoculation a butt load of jars.

I bought these, and they work great. I can't fit all the pawns and non-disease cube counters in the one dish I have space for in the box, so they get chucked in. Haven't lost one yet. I don't have the expansion... yet.

Here they are in the box.

CMS Magnetics® Magnetic Ferrofluid for Fun! 2 OZ. Packed with Gloves and Dropper

25 Lumistick 6" Premium 15mm Industrial Grade Glowsticks - Assorted Colors

Could be crystallized oil spots could be mold.

If and that isabigif it was in front of me I'd be pretty damn sure,

But when I'm not, I remove all doubt.

Amazon is covered up w/petri dishes. Simple to use.

Could always just get them real petri dishes lol

http://www.amazon.com/Sterile-Plastic-Petri-Dishes-100mm/dp/B008SWSM0W

like this?

http://www.amazon.com/SEOH-Plastic-Hexagonal-Weigh-Boats/dp/B001AEBLMQ/

I just PC’d two dozen of these about an hour ago. Threw em all in a big pile with some jars around the sides.. they all came out just fine. 75 x 11mm Plastic Petri Dish - Polypropylene - Pack of 12 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077MQ7GQM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RVEyDb8TSFW1H

You can get reusable plastic Petris on Amazon. I have bought a few 12 packs.

100 x 11mm Plastic Petri Dish - Polypropylene - Pack of 12 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077MPZKTM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IRGQDb2SM9837

Bam

I don't know the answer to your question, as I don't have this expansion. However, I purchased these dishes to use with my base game and regret not getting bigger ones. They are just barely big enough to hold all of the cubes of each color and even with some cubes on the board they're still too small to easily get your fingers into for more cubes. They also don't stay closed in the box what-so-ever. I have to rubber band them.

I just bought a beginner agar kit on amazon then a second stack of dishes, they aren't technically reusable even though I will try to until I can't. I may go with glass if I can get them for a decent price, I sort of didn't like the light plastic sticky sort of feel to these ones.