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What is the best substrate to use for the eggs in the incubator and what size container should I use?

How long should i put the containers in the incubator before she lays them to build up a good humity level?

So far all of my eggs have been infertile im using the small containers that came with the incubator with the holes on the side and I have been doing a 20 grams Perlite and then use a water bottle and spray 16 grams for a total of 36 grams does anyone have any better methods that you have been succesful with please let me know thankyou all opinons it would be appreciated
SORRY FOR THE LONG POST

I use vermiculite in closed containers. with the holes, you may be losing water and dry out your eggs. I dont put the containers in the inc before the eggs go in, but it couldn't hurt to bring the medium up to temp. 24 hrs should be more than enough. I use whatever containers I have, mostly the 3in deli ones for a clutch of 2
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1.0 Hypo stripe, Het Rainwater from JL (BJ)
1.0 HypoTang from Crested (Apricot)
1.0 Tremper Albino (Cloud)
0.2 Hi-Yellow Leopard gecko (Beatrice, Pepper)
0.1 Normal (Freckles)
0.1 SHCT Leopard Gecko (Brite)
0.1 Tangy Mutt Leopard Gecko (Rainbow)
0.1 Tremper Albino (Leucy)
RIP Peaches, Ghost, Bill
Hatched: ~25
Holdbacks: 1.0 SHCTB- nice surprise! and 0.1 jungle
Available:
1.0 SHCT, 0.0.1 aberrant m?, 0.0.1 pastel F?, 7 month male circleback tang

Do you think Vermiculate is better to use than Perlite and how much are you putting in do you weigh it out?

I use vermiculite, but I think they are both good. I don't measure I wet it up then squeeze it out till I can't get anymore water out. I use deli cups with no holes, and place a damp paper towel over the eggs, then place the lid on tight. I open the container ever week and twice a week when closer to hatch time, then daily when due.
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www.LeopardGeckoBreeder.com

www.LeopardGeckoArt.com

5.13.1 Leos
1.0 Peach Fronted Conure
0.0.2 Red Ear Sliders
1.0 Pembroke Corgi
0.2 Cats
8 fish

I didn't have a good experience with Perlite. Many do. I use like a 1:1 roughly. If the vermiculite weights 35g, then I would fill it on the scale to 60-70g or so. If vermi weighs 22, then I would fill to 40ish. Close the lid, and then open and close it every 3 days
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1.0 Hypo stripe, Het Rainwater from JL (BJ)
1.0 HypoTang from Crested (Apricot)
1.0 Tremper Albino (Cloud)
0.2 Hi-Yellow Leopard gecko (Beatrice, Pepper)
0.1 Normal (Freckles)
0.1 SHCT Leopard Gecko (Brite)
0.1 Tangy Mutt Leopard Gecko (Rainbow)
0.1 Tremper Albino (Leucy)
RIP Peaches, Ghost, Bill
Hatched: ~25
Holdbacks: 1.0 SHCTB- nice surprise! and 0.1 jungle
Available:
1.0 SHCT, 0.0.1 aberrant m?, 0.0.1 pastel F?, 7 month male circleback tang

I too use vermiculite and pretty much as Ballonzforu does. It should be wet enough to form a "snowball", squeezing out the excess water. I also use clear plastic containers with a couple of air holes in them, I check them once a week & add a bit of water if needed using an eyedropper. I don't heat up the egg container ahead of time, but I do make sure my incubator is at temperature before the eggs are laid. I just use lukewarm water to wet the vermiculite before I add the eggs to it. There are pics in my post below "Last Hatchling for the year" from Monday showing one of my hatchlings, you can see my setup in them. Those containers will easily hold 4 eggs at a time.

Everything you'll ever need to know about incubating eggs can be found on this thread http://www.albeysreptiles.com/incubate-eggs.htm . I've used this method for 5 seasons without any problems. Hope this helps you.
Best regards,
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Jason Lavictoire
Capital City Geckos
www.capitalcitygeckos.com