DARK DOME BUILD
The Simplest Build
No electronics. No firmware. Just print, assemble, and grow. The Dark Dome is the fastest path from printer to mushrooms.
3D PRINTABLE FILES
Download & Print
All parts print on a standard FDM printer with a 220x220mm bed (split dome) or 220x220x270mm+ build height (full dome). PETG recommended for humidity resistance.
Substrate Platform
Drainage platform with 6 drain slots and 8 drainage ribs. Sits inside the base housing on the support ledge.
Smallest and fastest part. Print first as a calibration test for printer adhesion and bed leveling.
Download STLVent Cap Set
Set of 4 vent caps with snap-fit tabs. Insert into dome exhaust holes for adjustable airflow.
Fine layer height (0.16mm) is important for smooth snap-fit tabs. Solid infill since the parts are very small.
Download STLBase Housing
Low-profile electronics enclosure with mounting points for ESP32, BME280, fan, humidifier, and cable routing channels.
Compact base (R/φ² height ratio). Use tree supports to minimize interior contact marks. Print upright with open-top facing up.
Download STLDome (Full)
One-piece cloche dome with golden ratio proportions. Requires 270mm+ build height. Strongest option with no glue joint.
Requires 220×220×270mm+ build volume. Print base-down (open end on bed). If your printer is shorter, use the split dome option instead.
Download STLDome Upper (Split)
Arch cap of the split dome. Hemisphere section that sits atop the straight wall lower.
Print cut-face down. The flat cut face provides a stable base. Alignment step ring interfaces with dome lower.
Download STLDome Lower (Split)
Straight wall section of the split dome. Tall cylindrical section with seating lip for base channel.
Print base-down (seating lip on bed). Glue to upper half with medium CA + accelerator on alignment step ring.
Download STLASSEMBLY
Three Steps to Growing
The Dark Dome uses the same shell as all Void domes. The electronics bay stays empty — more room for airflow.
Print the Parts
Print the base housing, substrate platform, dome (full or split), and vent caps in PETG. Budget ~25-35 hours of print time across all parts.
Assemble the Dome
If using the split dome, glue the upper and lower halves with medium CA glue and accelerator. Insert the vent caps into the exhaust holes for adjustable airflow.
Add Substrate & Grow
Place the substrate platform on the drainage ribs inside the base. Set your inoculated substrate block on the platform, seat the dome, and you're growing.
GETTING STARTED
Your First Grow
The Dark Dome is the fastest path from printer to mushrooms. Here's how to start.
Get a Substrate Block
Buy a pre-inoculated substrate block from a mushroom supplier. The block comes ready to fruit — the mycelium has already colonized the growing medium. Oyster mushrooms are recommended for beginners.
Set Up the Dome
Place the substrate block on the platform inside the base. Make sure the block is centered with at least 1 inch of clearance on all sides. Seat the dome on the base with the alignment notch registered.
Maintain Conditions
Mist the inside of the dome 2-3 times daily for humidity. The vent caps handle passive fresh air exchange — start with them half-open. Place the dome near indirect light for roughly 12 hours per day.
Harvest
Mushroom pins typically appear in 5-14 days. Harvest when caps are still slightly inrolled at the edges. Most blocks produce 2-3 flushes — soak in cold water for 6-12 hours between harvests to rehydrate.
SPECIES
What Can You Grow?
These species work well with the Dark Dome's passive humidity system. All thrive with manual misting and adjustable vent caps.
Blue Oyster
BeginnerTemp
55-75°F
Humidity
85-95%
First Pins
5-10 days
Most forgiving. Grows fast and aggressively.
Pink Oyster
BeginnerTemp
65-85°F
Humidity
85-95%
First Pins
5-7 days
Loves warmth. Beautiful pink color.
Lion’s Mane
IntermediateTemp
55-75°F
Humidity
90-95%
First Pins
10-14 days
Needs consistent high humidity. Worth the effort.
Shiitake
IntermediateTemp
55-75°F
Humidity
80-90%
First Pins
7-14 days
Cold-shock (fridge overnight) can trigger pinning.
See our species guides for detailed growing instructions.
UPGRADE
Want More?
The Dark Dome is a complete growing chamber on its own. The same 3D-printed parts work with all Void variants — you never need to reprint.
THE VOID
Add UV-C Sterilization
Upgrade to The Void with LEDs and a simple hardware circuit. Same dome, same base — add UV-C sterilization between grows and five ambient light modes.
Build The Void →VOID CORE
Go Smart
The Void Core adds automated climate control with ESP32, BME280 sensors, PWM fan, humidifier, and a WiFi dashboard. Full app integration.
Build Void Core →Ready to Build?
The full Dark Dome build guide on GitHub covers print settings, assembly, growing tips, species reference, and troubleshooting.