So what's the point of substrate?

[spitzu]

Am I missing something? I've only had this set up for about 12 hours, but plain water in the box seems to be fine. I'm curious if many out there have success doing this, and if so, why do people bother with vermiculite/hatchrite/etc?

[PassionsPythons]

Different strokes... Different folks...

That's all I could come up with.

[Adam Chandler]

I believe some people use soaked vermiculite under the light diffuser so water doesn't accidentally splash up and make contact with the eggs when moving the egg box.

[Freakie_frog]

I use the light defuser because, I find that after about 60 days of being in 88-89 degree temps with little to no movement the water gets a little funky smelling, you know that how stagnant water smell. Also I'm not the most graceful hippo in the pond so sloshing is a given.

Plus I've noticed that the hot substrate helps regulate the internal temp of the box, as it doesn't lose heat as quickly as plain water, so temp swings aren't as big of a concern.

But thats just me.

[TheReptileEnthusiast]

Ditto, I mix in some perlite or vermiculite to prevent splashing. Using the grate to elevate the eggs just means you dont have to worry so much about getting the mixture just right, even if the substate is soaking wet the eggs don't get moldy. Nice lookin' bator btw.

[PassionsPythons]

These were some fantastic responses. I never thought about it, but I bet vermiculite does help regulate the temp a bit better than just plain water would. The splashing thing never crossed my mind either. Probably because I've never used just water before. I doubt I'd be able to stand the smell either.

[spitzu]

Yeah good point. I don't want to accidentally bump the incubator and splash the eggs. I may just go buy some hatchrite or something and just over-saturate it.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Whatever works for YOU, personally I use vermiculite to prevent splashing when setting up eggs or checking on them ( which I am sometimes guilty of)

[Drumsinthenight.]

All you need to do is maintain stable humidity doesn't matter what method you use to achieve that.

[SPOILERS]

Make moving egg boxes easier,no splash of water on eggs.