Perlite - Coarse vs Fine Grade

[Eric Alan]

I have my first eggs due to drop in a couple of weeks and have a quick question for everyone. I'm going to be doing substrateless incubation with Perlite (egg crate platforms) and have the choice of either a coarse or a more fine grade Perlite. What would be the pros/cons to this decision? Would there be any temperature/humidity considerations with either? Does it matter? Thanks!

Best regards,
Eric

[Tigerhawk]

I don't see where it matters. The eggs will not come in contact with the substrate. With the method you have chosen. As long as you use the same volume of material, I think it won't matter which one you use.

[John1982]

The only purpose of the substrate in this style of setup is to prevent water from sloshing up on the eggs in case you jostle the tub too much. So long as your substrate below the crate absorbs water and is mold resistant you're pretty much good to go.

[Eric Alan]

Thanks, guys. I figured this would be the case (not really mattering at all), but had to ask. I am a natural over-thinker and with this being my first clutch I have a pretty severe "helicopter parent:" complex on the horizon.

[MarkS]

personally I like the coarse stuff, the section of plastic light diffuser (egg crate) can have a tendency to sink into the finer stuff but as long as it sitting on top and not sinking it should be fine.

[Eric Alan]

personally I like the coarse stuff, the section of plastic light diffuser (egg crate) can have a tendency to sink into the finer stuff but as long as it sitting on top and not sinking it should be fine.

I got a recommendation from Corey to use a couple of lengths of PVC on the bottom of the tubs to rest the diffuser on to keep it from doing just that.

While we're on the topic, water to substrate ratio won't be as important with this method, correct? As long as there's plenty of water in there to keep humidity up (but not dripping), I'm good, right?

[MarkS]

While we're on the topic, water to substrate ratio won't be as important with this method, correct? As long as there's plenty of water in there to keep humidity up (but not dripping), I'm good, right?

Yup, that's one of the main reasons I like it. you don't have to worry about getting your water to medium ratios correct. The purpose of the perlite is to increase the surface area from which the water can evaporate.

[CD CONSTRICTORS]

I stopped using Perlite. I sometimes find chunks of dirt in the bag.

Coarse Vermiculite.... bought two cases at Lowes. Should cover us for the season

[Eric Alan]

I stopped using Perlite. I sometimes find chunks of dirt in the bag.

I'm glad you continued beyond this statement. My eyes did this when I thought you were saying that you used dirt.

[CD CONSTRICTORS]

Just a quickie....

https://youtu.be/GM_jwcJfHcU