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[Pythoninfinite]

There are a few variables which affect the amount of condensation and its distribution in an eggbox. I agree with trueblue that in most circumstances 50/50 is too wet for Australian snakes, especially as the vermiculite already has a large amount of water in it when you purchase it - and unless you oven dry it before you weigh it this just adds to the moisture content. In the small closed eggbox space, it takes very little moisture to reach an almost saturated humidity level.

The location of the incubator heat source is the single most contributory factor as far as eggbox lid condensation is concerned. If the heat source is ABOVE the eggbox, the lid will always be the warmest part and will NOT allow condensation to form. If your heat source is underneath the eggbox and you are heating from below, the lid will be the coolest part and will attract condensation.

Most of the early incubators used lightglobes for heat and they were placed above the eggboxes. These days with heat cords, mats, ceramic heaters etc, it is easy to place the heatsource anywhere you want. All work well as long as you are mindful of the possibility of condensation and the probs it may cause.

As far as the wetting agents go - (soap etc...) - they actually don't stop the condensation forming, they just allow the droplets to coalesce into a smooth film, so it is feasible that you could get water dripping onto your eggs without being aware of the buildup. I wouldn't recommend it.

I notice in Hazzard's avatar he may be using the "no substrate" method (eggs suspended over water) - I actually converted to that method this year with excellent results. I also used the same eggboxes as he illustrates - from Woolies, they even come with their own suspension tray and air hole!

Jamie.