New Incubator coming to CD Constrictors!!

We priced many ready to go incubators that would hold 40+ clutches and we got sticker shock.... upwards of $1500 :O

As many have seen, we have been building our own racks now for ourselves. We are fortunate enough to have one of the country's largest suppliers of plastic sheeting in our back yard... Piedmont Plastics. Buying enough sheets so far for our racks has got us corporate pricing now at $97.60 per 1/2" x 4ft x 8ft sheet of Cell-Tek black XPVC (with free cuts;))

The incubator build was a tough choice, but we put out a blueprint of our design and sent it to Piedmont. Our build is 72" x 36" x 20". Calculated out with 6qt Sterilite tubs, it should hold 48 tubs. We are doing six shelves that we will double stack tubs on. 4 tubs across and 2 tubs high on each shelf= 48 tubs. This size also leaves us the option to place (3) 12qt tubs on each shelf for some of those 10- 12 egg clutches we may see. There is enough "drop" material (leftover) to make a nice V18 hatchling rack, so that is a bouns!!

Our fridge style incubator held up very well all season, but in the same space we can more than double our capacity with this new build. Cut sizes were finalized last week and the raw material was picked up. Bronchitis has all but halted progress so far :mad:

We have calculated the final cost to be around ~$800. Some material we already have on hand. We already have a spare HerpStat 1, so add in $125 if you need a T-Stat.

(4) sheets XPVC= $390.40
Acrylic for window on door= $117 (need a full sheet- no scrap available)
Custom CNC work for recessing acrylic in door and CNC cutting 120mm fan holes= $125
(2)- 120mm fans= $36
(10ft) 12" THG heat tape= $30
(1) Power cord for THG= $4
Aluminum tape= $7 at Lowes (don't pay $12 for a roll half this size)
2# 6 x 1 5/8 plated screws= $12
(4) 2" caster wheels= $16
(2) 2" x 4" x 8' studs for frame on bottom= $6
(3) Stainless door hinges= $20
(1) Door handle= $4
(1) HerpStat 1= $125 (they are on sale right now;))
(20ft) door sealant= $50

All we are waiting on is to decide what thickness acrylic we want (3/16" or 1/4") and the CNC work be done on the door before we can finish assembly!!

The HARDEST part is done!!

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...ps1de52e6b.jpg

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...ps8fad4656.jpg

Made the base frame last night. Used the same method as the racks we have built.... just some studs cut to size and screwed together for support. Still have to add a middle frame support on the base.

Here we left 1/2" of the base frame exposed around the frame and then screwed the base down. The 1/2" of the base exposed will allow the sides and back to have a solid place to rest before being screwed to the base plate.

The 2.5" lip on the front of the base is just for the door seal to have a flat surface to seal against. Obviously the side and top door seal edges will be installed once the sides, top and back are mounted.

More assembly to be done Saturday.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...psf467bde7.jpg

Looks good so far man. Convenient when that piedmont place is close by so you can DIY!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

Looks good so far man. Convenient when that piedmont place is close by so you can DIY!!

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Check the link- they have several distribution centers throughout the country :gj:

You're in CT right? That MA location would be well worth your drive ;)

http://www.piedmontplastics.com/locations.aspx

We were busy today.....

Just need the CNC work done on the door and window, caster wheels, fans, shelves and HerpStat installed.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...ps5e1d4c5f.jpg

These fans ROCK!! 120mm DC fans, 1200rpm, 16db, hydraulic bearings, and push 65cfm of air each. You'll hear hatchlings pipping before you hear these fans ;)

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...ps0ca51fb5.jpg

Almost done.... should finish tomorrow except putting the shelves in. Door seal is cut and it just has to be put in place. We just need a few sets of hands to put the door and hinges on nice and square :gj:

Still have to cut the shelves to length and put brackets on the inside to support them.... sounds like fun :mad:

Heat Tape test:

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...psf6f0864b.jpg

Fan wiring:

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...ps89f4f28f.jpg

Fan Test:

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...ps480402ba.jpg

Door with in-laid acrylic:

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/h...psbed4c81a.jpg