I must admit, CS, that somewhere in the beginning I was advised to put just enough lump in there to a level of just above the holes in the fire box. I was getting a great fire for about 4 hours at 240 or so. Then I read TNW's advice on this, and found that there's nothing unsafe about filling the thing all the way up to the rim of the fire box--and even a little more if you want.

I proved to myself yesterday, that I can get well over 18 hours at about 250* if I fill it up that much. I'm a newby too, with a medium egg, and it takes a while to really "nail" the low-and-slow projects. Best thing you can do is keep cooking and "camp out" on this forum. There's a lotta guys (and gals) on here, who are anxious to help and that really know how to solve problems.