Stupid incubator question/comment

[Ladybugzcrunch]

Finished, finally! I got my DIY incubator up and running today and need some opinions. It is a small 6 bottle wine cooler converted into a bator. Has a built in fan and glass door. I taped flex watt to the bottom and it holds 2 6 qt sterilite tubs. In the tubs I used moist sand (I looked in every local hardware store and all the perlite/vermiculite has miracle grow in it) with light diffuser on top and an accurite thermometer/hydrometer inside. I have a hydrofarm thermostat plugged in and armed at 89 degrees. Ok now to the point. At first I had the T-stat probe outside the egg tub and the egg box got up to about 96 degrees. Next I put the probe inside the egg box and so far this is what I have - T stat reading 89-89.6, humidity inside the egg box 99%, and temp inside the egg box 90 degrees. SO...... would you lower the T-stat temp, where do most of you keep your T-stat probe, is there any reason why sand would cause an issue, is 99% humidity okay? Any other comments?

[PitOnTheProwl]

In the tubs I used moist sand (I looked in every local hardware store and all the perlite/vermiculite has miracle grow in it)

This is the one Lowes carries and it is good to use.

SO...... would you lower the T-stat temp, where do most of you keep your T-stat probe, is there any reason why sand would cause an issue, is 99% humidity okay? Any other comments?

I have my probe in the middle of my bator. You want all the humidity you can get without it raining in the box.

[Steve-J]

Also, the Hydrofarm thermostat is an on/off style which can lead to much greater temperature swings and is generally not recommended for use on an incubator. A proportional thermostat, like the Herpstat is really ideal for incubators. I know you already have the Hydrofarm, but it's just something to keep in mind if you experience temp swings. . .

[PitOnTheProwl]

^---- X2, sorry I didn't even notice you tstat choice. I am using a VE200

[Robert093090]

Also, the Hydrofarm thermostat is an on/off style which can lead to much greater temperature swings and is generally not recommended for use on an incubator. A proportional thermostat, like the Herpstat is really ideal for incubators. I know you already have the Hydrofarm, but it's just something to keep in mind if you experience temp swings. . .

Is this a good one for Incubating? I currently use a Hydrofarm for my racks.

[Steve-J]

Is this a good one for Incubating? I currently use a Hydrofarm for my racks.

I wouldn't personally use that on an incubator, (or even on an enclosure) That zoomed reptitemp is reputed to be fairly unreliable overall.
I would look at the Herpstat Intro if you're on a budget.

[Ladybugzcrunch]

This is the one Lowes carries and it is good to use.




I have my probe in the middle of my bator. You want all the humidity you can get without it raining in the box.

I looked at lowes. They (as well as the other hardware stores) have winterized and will be restocking in the spring. WHat do you mean by this
"You want all the humidity you can get without it raining in the box."

[Ladybugzcrunch]

Also, the Hydrofarm thermostat is an on/off style which can lead to much greater temperature swings and is generally not recommended for use on an incubator. A proportional thermostat, like the Herpstat is really ideal for incubators. I know you already have the Hydrofarm, but it's just something to keep in mind if you experience temp swings. . .

I know the proportional T- stats are better, I have a herpstat on my racks but another one just was not in the budget. This will be my first year with possible eggs so if all goes well a better T-stat and bigger incubator will be in the plans for next year.

[PitOnTheProwl]

As close to 100% as you an get without water dripping on the eggs

[Ladybugzcrunch]

As close to 100% as you an get without water dripping on the eggs

I thought about tenting a piece of plastic wrap in the egg tub with tooth picks but decided to just slope the egg boxes slightly instead. I think the condensate will just flow down the top of the tub.