yeah ive read that alot of people use a perlite/vermiculite mixture, but i wasnt sure if using straight perlite is recommended or not. my local home depot is selling huge (and i mean huge) bags of vermiculite, i dont know if it keeps for a long amount of time, cuz i definitely wont need that much this year. i think i will just go ahead and buy it though, it seems like a good deal, and im sure ill worry less if its a mix of the two. hatchrite does seem expensive, the only reason i was considering it is because its premixed. i did see a sticky on how to do it though, so i guess ill just try my hand at the mix. thanks for your input!!! and please wish me luck. send gravid vibes my way. (to my snake, not me!! PLEASE!! )