DIY incubators (flexwatt heating) temp calibaration

[XSReptiles]

I built my first DIY incubator today using medium sized cooler. I installed 24'' of 3'' 10 watt flexwatt heat tape connected to big apple proportional heat tape. I set it 92 had some issues as some parts of the heat tape ran to 106. Anyways its been running a couple hours with a few water bottles and egg crate on top. Heat tape is nice and warm but the walls of the coolers is int he mid to high 70s. I'm know its and enclosures area but wouldn't the tape need to be alot higher than the desired ambient temp in order for the air to be heated to 90?

Xavier

[Covington]

"I'm know its and enclosures area but wouldn't the tape need to be alot higher than the desired ambient temp in order for the air to be heated to 90?"

Can you try to restate this part to clarify what you are asking? I will try to help but I just want to make sure I know what you are asking.

[Covington]

Now that I have read your question a few more times I think I got it.

The heat tape is going to get hotter than the desired inside temp. Try putting a computer fan (need a 12vDC power supply) inside at the bottom of the cooler to circulate the air. This will even out the temps all around. Place a digital thermometer where your eggs will be and makes sure the temps stay within a degree or two of your desired incubation temp. If those conditions are met and it holds humidity pretty well (which a cooler should, especially with some damp vermiculite for the eggs to sit in) you should be good to go. I am not familiar with that thermostat but assuming it is accurate enough to keep the temps stable and not create an overheat/under-heat pattern you will have a successful clutch.

[Covington]

It will also help tremendously to keep the incubator in a warm room that has stable temps itself.

[XSReptiles]

Thanks for the help. I figured I needed to move the probe off the the tape itself to ensure the cooler gets warm enough. I'll pick up a fan to get air movement.

Xavier

[XSReptiles]

Added an additional 24'' of 3'' flexwatt and wired up a computer fan my dad gave me awhile back. Also added a digital thermometer. Temps are getting up to 90 degrees. I'll just have to keep and eye on it for the next few days.

Xavier