Incubator temp

I have my heat pad hooked up to a Hydrofarm. I had it set to 89 and had it running for 2 weeks before eggs were layed. I noticed it would drop to 85 so i set it to 91 and it stays between 89 and 91 never any hotter. Right now the hydrofarm says 89 and the $6.00 thermometer i bought on amazon says 86... the hydrofarm's probe is probably more reliable right? Either way I'm purchasing a helix in 2 days from a local guy who is selling off his collection. Should I be okay for 2 days?

Dare I answer this? The temperature needs to stay consistent as possible to prevent developmental problems. I'd say there's a good chance your eggs will be fine for a few days as long as you don't overly expose them by checking on them too much. Once you get the Helix, hook it up with as little disturbance as possible, then stay consistent from there on out and don't cut them open till the first snake pips. That will ensure proper incubation time. Hope this helps.

Thanks! Do you think it's the thermostat? Everything is sealed so i just dont know why it lets it drop so low..?

Yup, I think its the thermostat. The differential isn't tight enough... Pulse proportional are best but if you must use an on/off then go with a +/- 0.5 degree differential.

So if i set the helix to 89 I should be good?

Yes, it should be.

Hydrofarm says the probe is +/- 3ºF error. I have tested more than 5 (7 think now) and found they are all over the place. Not one was correct (I own a very accurate traceable thermometer) the worst was just over 3º high I would simply not trust the probe accuracy. The cheapest best thermometers on the market are found in the Proportional thermostats. Go figure. It is hard to break the +/-1ºF mark for less than 200$ but herpstat, helix both have done so. VE series has no published specs from the manufacturer that last time I checked so the assumption is +/-2º as it is the most common error range on the market.

Thermostat like hydrofarm allow way too much fluctuation, I do not trust them with my snakes and would definitely not trust them with my eggs.

Good RELIABLE thermostats Herpstat, Vivarium Electronics, Helix

One more thing not sure what you are using to monitor your temps but keep in mind that the most accurate way to do so is with a temp gun.

If you have a digital thermometer with a probe inside your egg box it can be 2 degrees off or more, so getting a second reading with a gun will let you know where your temps really are.

Alright is there anywhere local I can get a good thermometer? I dont want to buy one online and have the eggs go bad just to save a buck.

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Originally Posted by domenge

Alright is there anywhere local I can get a good thermometer? I dont want to buy one online and have the eggs go bad just to save a buck.

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You can get Accurite Thermometers with probes at Wal-Mart, Lowes, and Home Depot. I'd also invest in a Temp Gun which can also be got at Lowes and Home Depot.

I don't trust an probe reading 100%. I always check with a thermometer or temp gun.

Thanks alot everyone!

Okay I got my helix!! Now the guy told me to put the probe on the heat mat itself.. This correct or should it be elsewhere. BTW my incubator is a simple cooler set up. Raised box on a cookie rack with the largest heat pad you can get a petco.

And btw there was alot of humidity on the press and seal dripping this is all normal right?

I'm not an expert, but I've had experience with one clutch so far. Since no one has gotten back to you in a while I figured I should chime in. I had lots of condensation on my press n seal as well. I was told it was normal. I laid the probe for my thermostat ontop of my eggbox if I remember correctly. It gave me the temperature I needed. Outside of the box was always the same as the inside. I feel like this will vary with your setup and circulation. Hopefully others will either back up or correct me on this.

Hope it is going well for you so far!