What do you use in your incubation tubs?

[JulieInNJ]

Just curious as to what everyone likes to use in their incubator tubs. I've seen a few methods and substrates and I'd like a feel/opinion on what people prefer.

Thanks!

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I use subtrateless incubation (substrate is not in contact with the eggs)

The eggs are places on a light crate over vermiculite.

[Blue Apple Herps]

I use subtrateless incubation (substrate is not in contact with the eggs)

The eggs are places on a light crate over vermiculite.

I do this but with perlite instead. Vermiculite is too hard to find and when I do find it too expensive. So I switched to perlite, and have had just as good as success with it.

[JulieInNJ]

Where do you generally find your substrate supplies? I did a general search in my area and didn't find much, so it's going to have to come from someplace online.

[xdeus]

Where do you generally find your substrate supplies? I did a general search in my area and didn't find much, so it's going to have to come from someplace online.

I picked up a huge bag of vermiculite from Home Depot that has lasted for years and is only about 1/3 empty. I also use the light bar/no substrate method so the eggs never come in contact with the vermiculite. It's just there to keep the water from sloshing around when I move the tub.

[Jason Bowden]

I've been using coarse vermiculite.
Might try the light diffuser method this season.

[PitOnTheProwl]

It's just there to keep the water from sloshing around when I move the tub.

You answered my

I was going to ask why you couldnt just use water without anything else.
Is there any reason the two mediums listed are the only ones ever used?
If its only there to keep the water from getting the eggs wet then in my mind you could use just about anything that is non-toxic, right?

[xdeus]

If its only there to keep the water from getting the eggs wet then in my mind you could use just about anything that is non-toxic, right?

Yep, those are just two mediums that work well, are easily obtained, and don't spoil or get moldy when soaked in water for several weeks. Can you think of any other mediums that would work? Some sort of plastic might work, but they might harbor more bacteria. Maybe the mineral composition of vermiculite and perlite prevent bacteria, mold, algae growth?

[Mike Cavanaugh]

I prefer to use the old fashion substrateless method... You know the one that doesn't have any substrate!

LOL, water is all you need. just be carefull when moving the tubs around so you don't spill. even if the eggs get splashed with a little water, it ain't gonna hurt anything.

1.) it is free.
2.) there is no question when more water needs to be added.
3.) It works perfectly.

[llovelace]

I prefer to use the old fashion substrateless method... You know the one that doesn't have any substrate!

LOL, water is all you need. just be carefull when moving the tubs around so you don't spill. even if the eggs get splashed with a little water, it ain't gonna hurt anything.

1.) it is free.
2.) there is no question when more water needs to be added.
3.) It works perfectly.

x2