Re: [gecko]sources for vermiculite & incubation mediums

[Doug Johnston]

Nathan... I am still able to find fine vermiculite at my local Home Depot. However, I have also been using Schultz Aquatic Soil (http://www.schultz.com/proaqua.htm) for some of my larger gecko species and for chameleons. I find it at Home Deport as well. It is fine ceramic pieces that have been fired. It has lots of  surface area to help retain moisture. Usually, I rinse it very well (has lots of dust), then let it drain for a while. I use a deeper substrate than I do with vermiculite. The bottom stays pretty moist and the top is drier. Seems to work very well for me. I first started looking at this because one of our European friends mentioned they use seramis. Seramis is not marketed in the US, but this stuff is the closest I've found. Nathan Hall wrote: Well, I can no longer find any Schultz vermiculite (due to asbestos scare I guess).  I really liked using it as an incubation medium.  It's fine, and I've been using it for many years.  What in the heck should I do?  All of the vermiculite that I've found tends to have large granules, and I don't want to use it.  I'm afraid to use Perlite since I have no experience with it, old habits and all.  What do some of you guys use as an incubation medium.  I'm willing to try other things, but I'm a little worried since I simply don't know how to "work" with other mediums.  Any ideas?  Any of you guys know if Schultz discontinued this product.    I ask that you take the time to let me know what medium you like to use and why.  Please let me know medium to water ratio and other specific details.   I'm tired of driving all over Houston to find the "perfect" vermiculite.  There has to be a better way.      Nathan Hall GECKOS UNLIMITED www.geckosunlimited.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] 713-775-5545 -- Doug Johnston http://pages.sbcglobal.net/scubadug