temperature fluctuation during incubation

So I'm currently setting up my incubator. I had planned on using a submersible water heater in a few inches of water as I've heard that's a good easy way to make your own. But I'm noticing a lot of temperature fluctation. It usually goes between 87-89.5 degrees. It's a cheap heater I got off of eBay, is this much fluctuation ok, or should I invest in a better heater

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Originally Posted by kylearmbar

So I'm currently setting up my incubator. I had planned on using a submersible water heater in a few inches of water as I've heard that's a good easy way to make your own. But I'm noticing a lot of temperature fluctation. It usually goes between 87-89.5 degrees. It's a cheap heater I got off of eBay, is this much fluctuation ok, or should I invest in a better heater

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It's a relatively large fluctuation for incubation. I've never been a fan of these types of incubators though.

Honestly, I think you may have better luck with a styrofoam color, heat tape, and a proportional thermostat.

Im not to familiar with setting up heat tape, but I just saw the temps drop to 86 so I might have to pick some up, I was just hoping to avoid this since I don't have a spare thermometer controller and would need to to get another for the tape. I have some time yet to figure out how to set it up

You need a thermostat no matter what method you use...even if it comes with something in it. You can always try a hovabator...just buy a proportional thermostat.

Ok, I'll try the controller with the aquarium thermometer first see if thay keeps a more accuratw temp than the built in one in the heater itself

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Originally Posted by kylearmbar

Ok, I'll try the controller with the aquarium thermometer first see if thay keeps a more accuratw temp than the built in one in the heater itself

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What kind of controller is it? you want a THERMOSTAT...a proportional one. Don't use an on/off one because there's too much temperature fluctuation.