Perlite or Vermiculite

[shawn97]

Hi,

I was wondering which one is better in your opinion.

 

[eyelids]

I use perlite... I can't say it's better than vermiculite, but I've never had problems with it... To be honest though, I can see the upside of using vermiculite as it will probably keep the eggs in place better... :idea2:

 

[shawn97]

Thanks!

 

[Jenn]

I use perlite.

 

[shawn97]

2 perlites so far

 

[GeckoGathering]

Perlite for hatching

I use perlite... I can't say it's better than vermiculite, but I've never had problems with it... To be honest though, I can see the upside of using vermiculite as it will probably keep the eggs in place better... :idea2:

I also use perlite and
I will say it is better, in more ways than one.
And I know plenty of people hatch with
vermiculite and with good results.
#1 Perlite, you can set it and forget it as that TV guy says.
With it, use Albey's proven water ratio .8 to 1 weight of the perlite.
No holes in the lid and bingo,..your best chance for hatching.....
#2 Called the Hoffman Company...
makers of both products. Both volcanic products but with different functions.
****Perlite is a drainage product.
(will appear dry to some but its doing its job with needed
humidity around the egg...no lid holes)....................
****Vermiculite is a water retention product ......
If you set it you better not forget it and if you use Albey's water ratio
you are likely to be setting your egg(sort of) like in a puddle of water
compared to the perlite..................
Too dry conditions would not be chosen in the
wild, nor would too wet conditions..............
Egg shell can soften and with weight of the egg adding to
possible drainage of needed gecko contents.
Sometime appearing in denting on the bottom of the shell.
Yes, I've used, tested both products, and a bit sad to say
created conditions to satisfy my tests.
The only possibly better hatching method (but not tested)
would be natures way.
Take care. HJ

 

[eyelids]

#1 Perlite, you can set it and forget it

I agree with that for the most part... I incubate each female's eggs in their own container... By the time the fifth clutch goes in I have to add water or I'll find that the eggs aren't ''plumping up''...

 

[GeckoGathering]

Perlite

I agree with that for the most part... I incubate each female's eggs in their own container... By the time the fifth clutch goes in I have to add water or I'll find that the eggs aren't ''plumping up''...

Hi Mike. That's interesting. I too do each clutch in a seperate hatch box. In my case most eggs (for females) are done with
no incubator. But seemingly, if no holes in the lids, the water would stay
unless it were opened a lot from wiping away humidity from the inside of the top of the lid. Are your container lids clear so you can see in the box?
Take care. HJ

 

[eyelids]

Yeah they're clear... I open them once a week for just a few seconds... My eggs do get huge though so maybe I just have thirsty babies... LOL...

 

[gators0204]

I started with vermiculite long ago, switched to perlite. Now I am useing superhatch which is far superior than both in my opinion. http://www.reptiles.repashy.com/superhatch.htm

 

[GeckoGathering]

Expand

Yeah they're clear... I open them once a week for just a few seconds... My eggs do get huge though so maybe I just have thirsty babies... LOL...

Sounds like mine in the last days before
peeking through.
I think they draw in more moisture at the end of
the cycle. Enough to give concern sometimes.
I had one (Ripley) size get to about 13 grams.
Lots and lots of fluid..
gecko size gecko shot from the egg ( literally) as I piped it from concern
due to 72 day hatch time....and I mean "shot"---ka------sputtt =---->gecko!
take care. HJ

 

[GeckoGathering]

Perlite vs Superhatch

I started with vermiculite long ago, switched to perlite. Now I am useing superhatch which is far superior than both in my opinion. http://www.reptiles.repashy.com/superhatch.htm

Hey Gators, Interesting.
I've never used or heard of
it before. Take care. HJ

 

[gators0204]

Hey Gators, Interesting.
I've never used or heard of
it before. Take care. HJ

Great stuff so far. I have read a lot of posts on the repashy forums of how the superhatch "saved" dented or failing eggs that were on perlite or vermiculite. Out of all the mediums it's the easiest to use and it's reusable making the most cost efficient as well.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

I've used vermiculite for almost 14 years at a ratio of 1 part vermiculite to 0.8 parts water by weight, in sealed containers with an air exchange every 7-14 days.