Posted by:
mikebell
at Mon Apr 2 10:28:17 2012 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by mikebell ]
"the perlite obsorbes the water and holds the moister. Why do you think they use it in potting soil??"
Perlite does not absorb water. Vermiculite does that. Perlite is added to a mix of vermiculite to prevent the vermiculite from getting compacted and soggy, it allows air flow through the mix. The purpose of perlite in potting soil is to provide air flow in the soil, so it doesn't get too compacted. It gives surface area for roots. Water will stick to the vast surface area of perlite due to the many holes and craters.
A pile of perlite, or gravel or marbles or nuts and bolts or the commonly used light diffuser simply keeps the eggs from the water. Whoever posted the pic of just water under their light diffuser has a set-up that works just fine, you just have to be careful when moving the box to keep from sloshing the water on the eggs.
I have no doubt that your method works just fine, but the addition of a light diffuser adds an extra layer of protection between the eggs and the water.
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