Incubator heat tape and fan placement?

It's time to get going on my incubator, I've put it off too long. I have a broken wine cooler that can fit around 8 clutches. I am wondering whether I should put two full length strips of 11" heat tape on the sides of the cooler, or one full length strip of 11" heat tape down the back? Once I figure if I need one or two strips I will be ordering the heat tape and a VE-200, can't wait to get it filled up!

Since it's a relatively small cooler can I get away with having one small fan on the top or do I need two? Also, where have you found the best pricing on these little fans?

I can take some quick pictures when I get home, if it's needed. Let me know.

For an incubator that size you should be fine with just one 11" strip down the back and one adequately powered fan at the top blowing air down. Just make sure the fan is strong enough.

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Originally Posted by jball1125

For an incubator that size you should be fine with just one 11" strip down the back and one adequately powered fan at the top blowing air down. Just make sure the fan is strong enough.

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How would I know if it's going to be strong enough? I thought most people just used computer fans. Do you have any recommendations?

I would say with a wine cooler, just one piece of 11 inch is good enough. But I am curious about the fan too...

I used 3 3in strips in mine. I used that size just because I had a bunch of it laying around. You just have to make sure you don't put so much heat tape in the bator that your thermostat can't keep it cool enough-I made that mistake at first! I got my fan from Radio Shack for $10, seemed like a good deal to me since I didn't have to pay for shipping, and it even has blue LED lights on it :)

I put my fan there because I couldn't get it to stay on the top of the fridge. It worked just fine for me being placed there. I believe I have it blowing down, but I'd have to check.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t...ding/002-2.jpg

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Originally Posted by SlitherinSisters

I used 3 3in strips in mine. I used that size just because I had a bunch of it laying around. You just have to make sure you don't put so much heat tape in the bator that your thermostat can't keep it cool enough-I made that mistake at first! I got my fan from Radio Shack for $10, seemed like a good deal to me since I didn't have to pay for shipping, and it even has blue LED lights on it :)

I put my fan there because I couldn't get it to stay on the top of the fridge. It worked just fine for me being placed there. I believe I have it blowing down, but I'd have to check.
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t...ding/002-2.jpg

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I appreciate the pics, I will have to order my supplies tomorrow or monday. I think I'm going to go with one 11" piece of flexwatt, and I'll have to check out radioshack for a fan.

I just ordered my VE-200 and a couple feet of flexwatt, hopefully I can have my bator all setup by the weekend! I'll try and do a DIY thread when the time comes.

You can also get a fan here: http://www.coolerguys.com/

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Originally Posted by Don

You can also get a fan here: http://www.coolerguys.com/

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Thanks for the link, is their a particular one that you would recommend? Or at least the correct size?

Here is one that is about 4.5 inches wide. You have to buy the electric cord separately. I ordered the one with the little knob that allow you to adjust the speed of the fan. These work great.

http://www.coolerguys.com/840556063766.html

doent the cooler already have an existing fan in it?
spooky

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Originally Posted by mr.spooky

doent the cooler already have an existing fan in it?
spooky

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Sadly, no.

Wow, Rich at reptilebasics.com is awesome! I already got my VE-200 and heat tape. I can't wait to start putting it together tomorrow or this weekend. I still need to go out and buy the fan, tubs, perlite or vermiculite, and some light diffusers, but hopefully it will be done soon!