Question about incubation temperature variations

[gcanibe]

I have a variation of 3 degrees F in my new incubator, last year was only a variation of one degree with my other incubator, do u think that could be dangerous to the offspring?
Generally maintained during the day to 88.7 but early in the morning low of 87 F and at the midle of the day was up to 90 F

[loonunit]

What kind of incubator is it?

I'd try putting some water bowls in the bottom to increase the heat capacity and slow the changes. But if it's the thermostat, I dunno what to do.

(was that +/- 1 degree with a FULL incubator, vs. +/- 3 degress with an empty one now?)

[TessadasExotics]

I don't think it would be too much of a problem. The worst thing is for heat spikes above like 92. I would def put some or more water bottles in the incubator to help with the temp control.

[seeya205]

What kind of thermostat are you using? You really should use a proportional thermostat and not the on/off type with an incubator! It will keep your temps alot more stable. I would fill the bottom with water bottles like stated above! Best of luck!

[SlitherinSisters]

Definitely use a proportional if you aren't using one already, and put more water bottles in the bator if you can. I'm using a Helix, which fluctuates between 88-89.

[RichsBallPythons]

from bottom to top 1-3oF is perfectly fine. Adding fans can help lower the difference and equal them out.

But no it wont cause problems with the snakes as long as its steady temp readings and not spiking all the time. Should ONLY get spikes when door is open then closed, which is harmless

[gcanibe]

This is the incubator I made and used last year, and only had a degree of variation, One ventilator, one Helix DBS1000 and 3 heat pads





But This year I will have more babies and i made another incubator with a bigger coca cola refrigerator, with the same features: One Helix, One Ventilator and 4 heat pads, When I get the picture of the new one i will show u as soon as posible.
Thanks for all ur answears

[abi21491]

That temperature will not hurt the eggs - I used a on/off on my first batch and it ranged from 87.5-91.5F all throughout the day. The babies hatched out very robust around 63 days later.

There is science out there that suggests temperature fluctuation can actually be beneficial to the developing embryo - atleast in sea turtles eggs. Of course this is a slow, consistent temperature change - not random spiking. Consistency is the key with incubation. You wouldn't want to have your clutch that's incubating at the same perfect temp to suddenly change half way through incubation, but a clutch incubated with the same fluctuation throughout is going to be fine. Just make sure your temps do not go over 91.5 for prolonged periods of time.

If you want to not worry about it I'd suggest going proportional (I chose a Herpstat for this year and I LOVE it!) but many people (including me!) have hatched eggs just fine with on/off style thermostats. Putting water bottles in the fridge should help with fluctuation regardless

[gcanibe]

This is my new incubator.
Temperatures are about 88.5 most of the day to 91 just a few hours a day.
Do u Think that this variation in temperature may bring some future problems?
Thanks for ur help.

[spyderrobotics]

The biggest problem with a incubator is having the right amount of heating power and more is usually better with a proportional thermostat. For me the 11" heat tape has never worked well. My best guess is that if you added another round of flexwatt you would see much better regulation.

Also when you are seeing the variations and reporting the temps is that the temps the thermostat is reading? If not, does the thermostat reading stay fairly consistant? If your reported readings are from the thermometer then keep in mind those thermometers are usually + - 2 full degrees and their resolution can vary too. When ever you are combining a thermostat and thermometers a good idea is to tape their probes together and just let them hang off of a table for 15 minutes before installing them in your enclosure. Then check their readings and write down the difference. This way you aren't chasing your tail once they are installed and wondering if its the enclosure, heat element, ect.

In the pic of the new incubator is the fan/heat setup the same way? If so another issue could be that its rather tall. It looks like you have the fans to blow air across the heat element which allows the air to rise up the back. I wonder if the heated air isn't circulating enough to make it back towards the bottom. You may want to consider adding another small fan at the top pointed down to force airflow back down the front.

One last note: Looks like the flexwatt is mounted with aluminum tape. I know alot of people suggest aluminum tape but they probably wouldn't if they had seen some of the heat tape failures. The elements can burn through the plastic covering. Aluminum will conduct electricity and if that happens you could cause a short (fire hazard) or it could become live (shock hazard). If you use it just make sure it isn't applied over the elements.

Dion Brewington
Owner, Spyder Robotics