First clutch of eggs condensation concerns.

[XSReptiles]

I'm presently incubating my first clutch of ball eggs. I have them in a 16QT tub which has about 3'' layer of course vermiculite and perlite (2:1 ratio respectively). I didn't measure out the water to media ratio rather I added water to the mix and then sqeezed hand full sized batches removing as much water as I could from the media. As I held the media in a tight fist I shock my hands to allow the most water out of the media. I checked each clump after to check it stayed formed after I opened my hands but broke apart after being poked.

The incubator has been set up in my closet for about 2+ months. Its heated with 2 3'' flexwatt heat tape that are 24'' long. One heat tape is taped to the bottom the other goes around the walls. It's controlled by a herpstat that also has two small computer fans plugged into it. The nest box has been in place since the female shed. Orginally I had the probe placed on top of the egg box lide. I had too much condensation in the egg bix so about 3 days before eggs I placed the probe in the egg box. This made a signifcant difference. The eggs have now been in place since the 5th. I'm getting a fine mist building on the sides and and over 1/2 - 2/3rds of the top (on the bottom of the press and seal). The mist of the lid was very fine as well yet after a day or so it had a couple larger drops. They were still relatively small not heavy enough that I would suspect them to fall on the eggs (again just 2-3). They might be a concern when the press n seal is being removed. This morning I decided the replace the press n seal as it seemed it had alittle more condensation.

I'm a bit confused as to why I'm having this issue. The herp stat should be controlling the temps (its set to 88.5 and I'm getting a reading from 88.2-88.7). Since the probe is in the egg box the incubator's air temp might be slightly warmer to get the egg box to the desired temp. Yet I have 2 fans running so I should have nice even temps. Any help or advice would be appreciated.

[XSReptiles]

Post of the eggs

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...d.php?t=116768

[Jason Bowden]

The eggs may be creating some of their own heat as they develop.

[Jason Bowden]

You might try tilting the egg box(1/2 an inch or so). Tilting the egg box should make the drops roll to the other side.
You definately don't want drops falling on the eggs.
Hopefully others will have some solutions for you.

[MKHerps]

During the last two weeks of incubation the eggs start heating up, this causes a lot of condensation in the egg box. Also the eggs will start to sink in a little. Most people call it dimpling in. You can take the lids and open one side, without snapping the lid back closed, just lay it back down. This will cause a slight elevation in the lid and your moisture build up on the lid will roll to one side of the tub versus dropping on the eggs and creating wet spots or even mold on them.

[XSReptiles]

Did alittle more reading on here and decided to try the probe outside the egg box again. I wipe off the condensation while removing the probe and tape it to the top of the lid. I also placed a small brush under the egg box to have it slanted. Hopefully I have no further issues.

Thanks

Xavier

[MKHerps]

Placing the probe on the outside of the box makes a big difference. Condensation occurs when the temp in the egg box is different then the temp outide the box.

[Dave763]

A bit of condensation is to be expected. As long as drops are not forming to the point that they drip on the eggs you will be fine.
I keep the probe in a tub. I use smaller (6qt) tubs, though I doubt tub size would make much of a difference.
I open each tub for a few seconds each week to exchange the air. When I open the press and seal if any drops fall on the eggs I blot them dry with a paper towel.

[WingedWolfPsion]

Honestly, I ignore condensation, unless I have to move something around, then I try to slip a paper towel in there so it doesn't drip right on the eggs. Never had any issue from it, though.

Condensation forms whenever the temperature inside something is cooler than the temp outside...with an incubator, that always happens, it's what it's supposed to do, after all, and no insulation is perfect. ^_^

[Bill Buchman]

I would not "sweat" the condensation. By the time you have enough to possible drip on the egg you will be past the point when it would harm the eggs.

During the last 20 days of incubation water-drops on TOP of the egg are not a problem. The BOTTOM of the eggs are always my concern -- throughout the entire incubation period. I keep sensor OUTSIDE the box in the middle of the incubator. I find this a more accurate/safer method of reading temps. I cook at 87 so as not to worry about spikes if my room temp rises during the summer. Good luck.