Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

mike h · CaptiveBred Addict! Joined: 18 Mar 2006 Posts: 778

hi
In the process of testing a hatchmaster r and a home made polybox incubators.

Temp is spot on but struggling with humidity.
Reading nerds complete ball python, he suggests that there should be no or little condensation in the egg chamber.
In the poly box I have a large plastic giant butty box with some air holes.
The vermiculite when squeezed holds together but no moisture drips come out. My problem is that the butty box is condensed all round, including the lid, humidity is 95 ish. If I dry it out so only a little condensation the vermiculite does not really clump.
ANY SUGGESTIONS PLEASE.
Basically I am after all ideas to help me get it just perfect.
thanks
mike
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Scott W · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 10:41 pm Post subject:

stick to the simple 'clump' guide, if you can squeeze it into a clump and it holds it's shape and then you drop it and it crumbles then it's fine Wink

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mike h · CaptiveBred Addict! Joined: 18 Mar 2006 Posts: 778

thanks scott.
What about the condensation on the tub sides and lid?
Is this something to worry about? or just go for what you said?
the simple 'clump' guide.
thanks

mike
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Scott W · Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 10:59 pm Post subject:

There will always be a little condensation, normally as the temp in the tub is more stable than the incubator.

Don't worry about it unless it causes a rain shower back onto the eggs Wink

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mike h · CaptiveBred Addict! Joined: 18 Mar 2006 Posts: 778

I am sat here merrily clumping and dropping(slowly going insane)
It holds it shape, when i drop it, it crumbles but smaller bits keep there shape???
dont lock me up yet

mike
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colonel · Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 12:21 am Post subject:

Hi Mike
The method I use is to weigh out the same amount of vermiculite/perlite mix to the same amount in weight of water. For instance I normally use around 365 grammes of medium to 365 grammes of water per container.

This has work really well for me on a sealed tub but if you use conticos you may need to add a tiny amount of water halfway through incubation because they are quite well ventilated around the top and you get some evaporation.

Colin