Soterios' Wine Fridge Incubator Build

Howdy. It's that time again, and this year I'll be hearing the pitter patter of baby snake feet. Wait....that's not right.... you get the idea.

Found a broken wine fridge on craigslist. Paid $20 for it, but it's in such great shape I couldn't pass it up.

Tools Required:

-Various Sockets and Screwdrivers to Remove Guts from the cooling system
-Crimping tool for the Wire/Heat Tape interface
-Sealant/Caulk to fill some holes
-Soldering Iron
-Elbow Grease

Here it is, with the six shelves taken out for measurements.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i2...t/IMG_5089.jpg

Ripped out the compressor/cooling plate/reservoir and desoldered most of the useless connections on the computer panel. I left the light switch and controller on it. I also sealed the few holes that were in it.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i2...t/IMG_5092.jpg

I ran 6" THG Heat Tape, attached with Aluminum Foil Tape, Connected with the THG Heat/Wire/Clip/Insulator assembly. All from Reptile Basics

Regulated by a Helix Thermostat, direct of Helix.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i2...t/IMG_5138.jpg

Conveniently, one of the coolant lines to the cooling plate left a nice hole perfect for the probe and wires.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i2...t/IMG_5131.jpg

To help insure things run smoothly, I'll be running the Helix, this Accurite Outdoor Thermo/Hygro, and probably another remote sensor.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i2...t/IMG_5142.jpg

Example tubs inside

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i2...t/IMG_5147.jpg

Door Closed

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i2...t/IMG_5148.jpg

The original light and timer still work, so when I push the 'Light' button, the light comes on, and comes on when I open the door.

I will probably be adding two computer fans to the build. I thought I had a DC/AC adapter and extra fans laying around. So I'll be making a trip to RadioShack.

Ran it all last night. It cranked up to 89 without any trouble and sat there well. I can't wait to cook some snakes this spring. :)

Total Cost: Roughly $180

Thanks for looking. Hope this might help someone looking to do it on there own.

Added a fan tonight. Picked up a nice fan from Reptile Basics. :)

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i2...t/IMG_5213.jpg


Now I just need some eggs. My Pinstripe looks like she's going to pop soon!

Nice job. I have one similar.

Just a word of caution since you mentioned the light still working. If it is an incandescent bulb, (and my guess is that it is) be very diligent about turning it off when you are not looking in. If you accidently leave the light on, it will raise the temps in just a couple hours. Ours was forgotten for less than 5 hours and was at 95 when we noticed it. I hate to think what it might have been, if it had been missed for a day or more.

Nice build. :gj:

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Originally Posted by rlditmars

Nice job. I have one similar.

Just a word of caution since you mentioned the light still working. If it is an incandescent bulb, (and my guess is that it is) be very diligent about turning it off when you are not looking in. If you accidently leave the light on, it will raise the temps in just a couple hours. Ours was forgotten for less than 5 hours and was at 95 when we noticed it. I hate to think what it might have been, if it had been missed for a day or more.

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Thanks for the heads up. The light is on a two minute timer though, so it shuts down on its own. :)

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

Nice build. :gj:

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Thanks! I can't wait to cook some snakes! :)

With the fan on and the incubator empty, I'm seeing a temp range of 88.X - 90.6 on the shelves. I plan on adding some bottles to help tighten that up a little bit. Once it keeps that up for a few days, I'll shut her down until I get some eggs, confident that it will do it's job.

How did you take out the refrigerant lines and reservoir and then dispose of it?

I have another question on this build. Where did you run the line from the fan? I have the exact same fan and cooler, and can't figure out where to run the wire. I tried running it out from the door but it breaks the seal. Please respond.

Great job...looks awesome...:gj:

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Originally Posted by Eramyl

I have another question on this build. Where did you run the line from the fan? I have the exact same fan and cooler, and can't figure out where to run the wire. I tried running it out from the door but it breaks the seal. Please respond.

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I actually cut the fan cord, ran it through the same hole that the probe goes through (the bottom right) then soldered the wires back together. I'm sure this voids any warranty so do this at your own risk. The plug was too big to fit though, so I didn't have much choice. Then it's just out the back to the power strip.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sho220

Great job...looks awesome...:gj:

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Thank you. I'm quite happy with it. Though it hasn't hatched anyone yet. I'll be turning it on in about a week to warm up for what I hope is the first clutch. (Due around March 1st) :please:

Thank you for the reply. I ran the cord down and out of the door in the corner. I ran it for an hour and once it got to temp it stayed where I wanted it. I don't have a soldering iron, so it will have to work for now. Thank you as well for the inspiration to build this and providing pics, they helped a lot.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Eramyl

Thank you for the reply. I ran the cord down and out of the door in the corner. I ran it for an hour and once it got to temp it stayed where I wanted it. I don't have a soldering iron, so it will have to work for now. Thank you as well for the inspiration to build this and providing pics, they helped a lot.

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I'm glad to hear it helped. Depending on the way the door seals, maybe you could even trim a little bit of the rubber seal to give the cable some room if you have to run it through the door?

What size tubs did you use?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Eramyl

What size tubs did you use?

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Whoops, sorry for the delay. I'm using the Sterilite 6 quart clearview latch box. I drilled a small whole on either side of the tub just to allow it to breath a little.

The incubator has a clutch of eight ball python eggs in it now and has been holding a very consistent temp. The heatgun hasn't registered more than about +/- .4 degrees. The other temp probe I have hasn't seen more than a +/- .6 degree swing.