How to make an inCUEbator

It's that time of the year again :clap:

I know this question comes up alot on how to build your own incubator so I thought I would do a step by step on one example using a mini fridge. I used this with great success :gj:

Obtain a mini fridge. This one is 35" tall, 19" deep and 20" wide.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...nc/tc00012.jpg

The first thing I did was cut a viewing hole in the front. This will keep you from having to open the incubator every 5 seconds to check on the eggs. For this task I used a sawzall with a fine tooth metal blade.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...nc/tc00013.jpg

Now you will want to cut and predrill your plexiglass. It's best to have your local hardware store cut the plexi for you. I used two pieces of plexi, one on the outside and one on the inside of the door to create a insulator.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...nc/tc00014.jpg

I used a clear silicone sealant on the inside of the door. This will help with the insulation.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...nc/tc00017.jpg

For cosmetic purposes I used aluminum tape to cover up the foam inside the door.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...nc/tc00016.jpg

Now attach the outer plexiglass and be sure not to torque the screws too tight or the plexi will crack.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...nc/tc00019.jpg

The next step is to plan out heating and lighting(optional). I went with 36" of 11" wide flexwatt heat tape. For the lighting I went with a 8" flourescent light that uses a 5 watt bulb. It's important to go with a low watt light that will not add much heat when using it.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...inc/tc0001.jpg

For attaching the heat tape first use a cleaner to make sure the tape will stick well. I used "brake clean" but any alcohol based cleaner works well. First I use small bits of aluminum tape to tack the heat tape.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...c/tc000112.jpg

Then go back an use longer pieces of the aluminum tape to secure the heat tape down.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...c/tc000114.jpg

If you are crazy like me you will go nuts with the heat tape :crazy:
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...c/tc000115.jpg

Now you are ready to think about egg boxes. For this I look for an egg box that is deep, just in case the eggs are laid stacked on top of eachother. These boxes are 13" wide 9" tall and 8" deep. I use a substrateless incubation.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...nc/tc00011.jpg

I wanted a clear lid on the boxes so I could easily see in. This can be done by using cling wrap or a plate of glass. I chose to cut up a larger lid from a different box.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...c/tc000116.jpg

This was a ton of time and could have been done with a simple cut piece of glass.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...c/tc000117.jpg

Now you will want to cut the egg grate(intended for 48" flourescent lighting fixtures) to fit inside the box. Make sure to make a tight fit.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...c/tc000118.jpg

Now when you add the Perlite the egg grate will rest on top of it. You will later add water to the Perlite till it almost reaches the egg grate.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...c/tc000119.jpg

Finally you are ready for ball python eggs. Just add your favorite thermostat and enjoy the incubation process :clap:
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...c/tc000120.jpg

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...c/tc000121.jpg

Sweet! I am deffinately bookmarking this for next season!!!

Looks Great!

If I hadn't already gotten mine up and going this would have been great for me..

Always for future use though.

That first photo made me laugh..:8:

Wanted to add a thank you for posting tub pics as well.

Great post, you're hired ;)

Sticky icky icky icky icky! LOVE IT!!!! Thanks for sharings ;)

Perfect! I was wanting to see a good detailed thread on how to use mini fridges. Thanks, Cue, you da man! :bow:

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Originally Posted by daaangconcepts

Sticky icky icky icky icky! LOVE IT!!!!

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Its a nice Incubator too!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AdamJB

Sweet! I am deffinately bookmarking this for next season!!!

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It's never too early to start keeping an eye out for a mini fridge. This one came from my work place when it mysteriously stopped working right about the time I needed one :devilish:

are you going to add a mini fan by any chance.

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Originally Posted by hmj75

are you going to add a mini fan by any chance.

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thats a good question. Looks good thanks!:gj: also STICKY!!