Incubation substrate, what do you use and why?

[saber2th]

OK, its getting close to that time where eggs are going to be laid! And I know lots of first timers are wondering the same thing as I am, so... my question is what substrate do you use to incubate your eggs in and why have you chosen that? If you are using the substrateless method, let us know why!

This Poll and question will not only help me, but lots of first timers.

Thanks for your help,

Dave

[RichsBallPythons]

Vermiculite is all i use with light diffuser on top. Allows for more water ot be added without having to add more during incubation.

incubator set at 87.5 gives 89.9 top and 89.3 bottom

[JayCee]

Substrateless.

Diffuser with 4 feet on it (essentially just a spacer in each corner to lift diffuser out of water so air can work all the way around the eggs) & water, press-n-seal.

I realize it's just a small sample size, but hatched out 25 of 25 eggs last year. Zero bad eggs. No mold.

In theory it makes more sense to me than using any substrate.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I use a substrateless methods, fool proof, no worry when it comes to mixing, eggs are not in direct contact with the substrate and can't ever too wet etc.

[2kdime]

Substrateless here as well.

I used straight water last year under the diffuser with 100% hatch rate

I'll be using the water and Vermiculite mix this year though

Like said above, foolproof

[ScubaDiver007]

Hatchrite here.. Pour and stick the eggs in the cooker.. Maybe add a tiny bit of water in the corner toward the end of the cycle..

[Adam Chandler]

I'm not a big breeder but I tried Hatchrite last year for my one clutch and it worked great.

[FragginDragon]

Personally I use Perlite. In five years i've never lost an egg with it, and if it ain't broke, I ain't fixin' it

I do intend to try using substrateless in the near future though.

[SlitherinSisters]

Same set up as Rich and Deb. Substrateless. No messing up, no fooling around with water, no worries about if it's too wet or too dry. I tried hatchrite last year and my eggs kept dimpling and I never seemed to be able to get it right. I switched to substrateless halfway through and will be doing substrateless from now on.

[ClarkT]

Just wondering on the substrateless method. It sounds like it's the easy way to go.

With that, do you use press-n-seal on the top of the egg tub? or do you just use a lid? if press-n-seal, do you add any air holes? What is the entire method?

Thanks