Thermostat for incubator

[DemmBalls]

What is a good/reliable incubator for a DIY mini-fridge incubator? I'm not looking to spend a ton of money at the moment, so what would you say is the best inexpensive incubator for this application?

All comments are appreciated!

[dr del]

Hi,

Lowest cost I'd be willing to try would probably be something like a ranco or a johnson controls.

But a proportional is the way to go if you can.

Bear in mind the dollar value of a single clutch and the number of clutches that you can expect that thermostat to protect.

You are going to be producing pastels, mojaves, spiders and combinations of those morphs.

Cheaping out on the most vital part of the incubator is just about the worst decision you could make at this point.

Do you really want to lose a potentially $2k clutch because you saved $50 and bought a heap of junk thermostat?


dr del

[DemmBalls]

Hi,

Lowest cost I'd be willing to try would probably be something like a ranco or a johnson controls.

But a proportional is the way to go if you can.

Bear in mind the dollar value of a single clutch and the number of clutches that you can expect that thermostat to protect.

You are going to be producing pastels, mojaves, spiders and combinations of those morphs.

Cheaping out on the most vital part of the incubator is just about the worst decision you could make at this point.

Do you really want to lose a potentially $2k clutch because you saved $50 and bought a heap of junk thermostat?


dr del

Very good point. I guess that being said...where is the best place to get a proportional incubator (say a Helix or Herpstat)? I think I like the Herpstats if I go that route.

Thanks!

[m00kfu]

Ranco or Johnson controls will work fine for an incubator. One more thing to think about is that most proportional thermostats won't work on most generators if your power goes out.

[DemmBalls]

Ranco or Johnson controls will work fine for an incubator. One more thing to think about is that most proportional thermostats won't work on most generators if your power goes out.

I was looking at the ranco's...what model do you think would best suite my needs?

[m00kfu]

I've only seen one Ranco model offered for sale by reptile supply sites, this one here. I use it on most of my racks, it usually only has a 1 degree temperature swing.

[jjmitchell]

I am going to say helix or herpstat only...... I know people that use both and both are very reliable. Herpstat is a bit cheaper.... The bad thing with a on off is the fact that the contacts will eventually fail, and when they fail they usually stick together not allowing the thermostat to turn its self off so if you go that route especially with a bator use a double ranco or something simmilar so if one goes out the other will keep it working properly.

[mechnut450]

I have ranco on my snake cages, I didn't plan ahead enough for mutli clutchs I am now working on. So I have to figure out a back up t-stat myself. I was just planning on using the ESU one i have laying under the bed in container this year since I have it on hand and never had a problem with it. I am planning on getting a better one for next season since I have more clutchs and higher value ones. I pretty annoying about my temps I checked the hobuvator 4-5 times a day easy just to check the temp so far so good. I am also planningon doing the same with the ESU when I set up the coke machine with it tomorrow. BUt it will be a bit more easier since the machine in the snake room and has a higher level tempature than my bed room(which goes from 65-78 all the time ) the reptile room more along the lines of a 80-85 if I got the heat vent open wide of just a crack.

I always plann on running the units at least 2-4 weeks befoer the planned eggs. The other 2 clutchs are not as close to being layed as my het pied...( these get the hobuvator )