Thermostat question.

I am building an incubator from an old fridge and I need to know whats the best thermostat for around $50. Im on a budget from the cost of the incubator and the cost of the rack systems im building.

For an incubator you REALLY want to get a proportional thermostat (helix is a good brand) they are not cheap.. around $130.

I wouldn't want to use an on/off t-stat because you can easily kill your eggs. Even the quality on/offs are around $70.

Even a herpstat would be better than the others. Like April said get a proportional one! That is not the time to scrimp! :rolleyes:

What about a Ranco or Johnson, I decided to spend more for something this important. Are there any thermostats that can control 2 different temps for 2 seperate incubators?

Ranco and Johnson are on/off t-stats. NOT recommended for incubators.

The Herpstat II can control two different temps, but it carries a hefty pricetag.

ok what about the Herpstat 1?

Sure that is a proportional.. it controls one temp though.

helix is probably the thermostat used on most incubators and has been used for many years. when it comes to electronic controls, something that has stood the test of time is worth it!


vaughn

This may or may not be on topic... but with the old fridge incubator, what are the dangers of opening the door too often? Or at all? I've seen so much about high or low temps or temp differentials killing the eggs, or causing deformed babies.. etc.. If the ambient air outside the incubator is 82 or 83, and you open the door to check on the eggs, or to turn over a glass plate that's on top of one of the tubs, is there a danger in causing a big temp change?

ken, i tested a small drink cooler last year, it was a countertop model that you see in stores like fasmart, etc. it was about 30 inches tall, and it did swing temps when the door was opened. depending on how big your eggbox is will come into play too. the bigger the eggbox the more thermal mass to help keep temps stable. you can use bottles of water also as thermal mass. alot of guys cut a window into an old fridge to view alot. this year i decided to turn a closet into a "bator"

vaughn