Vote for BP.Net for the 2013 Forum of the Year! Click here for more info.

» Site Navigation

» Home
 > FAQ

» Online Users: 2,924

1 members and 2,923 guests
Most users ever online was 6,337, 01-24-2020 at 04:30 AM.

» Today's Birthdays

None

» Stats

Members: 75,031
Threads: 248,489
Posts: 2,568,441
Top Poster: JLC (31,651)
Welcome to our newest member, isismomma
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 11
  1. #1
    Registered User ictguy78's Avatar
    Join Date
    08-23-2013
    Posts
    12
    Thanks
    11
    Thanked 16 Times in 7 Posts
    Images: 33

    DIY 8-tub Cooler Style Incubator

    I thought I’d share my DIY incubator build for anyone interested in a relatively quick, inexpensive incubator that can hold 8+ clutches. My total invested was under $175 with tax and shipping of various components. If you have to add a Herpstat or equivalent, plan on adding $100+ to the total cost.

    I have no DIY skills so if I can do this, anyone can.

    I selected the 150 quart with the specific shoe boxes from The Container Store because I can get two rows of 4 containers for a total of 8 containers in the incubator. The containers are just slightly smaller than the Sterilite 6 quart. When I measured a Sterilite 6 quart I had with the lid on, total outer dimensions were 13.75x8.25x4.5. The length of the Sterilite shoebox (13.75”) prevents it from fitting at the bottom portion of the cooler (only 13.5”). The shoeboxes I selected allow for maximum use of the cooler. All of this was done BEFORE I decided to lay the cooler on its side. The standard 6 quart Sterilite shoes boxes do fit when the cooler is on its side.

    Keep in mind a few things that I learned the hard way. First, think about what needs to go through the drain spout of the cooler. I had connected my THG heat tape BEFORE threading the power cord through the drain spout. Oops. Also, make sure you know which direction you want your fan to blow and install it accordingly. I caught that oops before tying the fan down. If you plan to make modifications, always keep in mind the height difference from front to back if you lay the cooler on its side. The approximate 1/4” extended lip that runs the inner perimeter of the bottom half of the cooler can play with your measurements. Also, make sure you have a good pair of crimping pliers to put the THG heat tape together…or know where you can get a pair. Home Depot didn’t have what I was looking for so I had to improvise. I wouldn’t recommend improvising.

    Finally, the only way I could do this was with the help of others. Thanks to the following:



    Enjoy!
    -Matt












    Last edited by ictguy78; 03-01-2015 at 10:59 PM.

  2. The Following 7 Users Say Thank You to ictguy78 For This Useful Post:

    CD CONSTRICTORS (03-09-2015),Felidae (03-03-2015),JLC (03-02-2015),PitOnTheProwl (03-04-2015),se7en (08-06-2015),tacticalveterinarian (03-02-2015),WellerJD88 (03-06-2015)

  3. #2
    Don't Push My Buttons JLC's Avatar
    Join Date
    01-28-2004
    Location
    Alexandria, VA
    Posts
    31,651
    Thanks
    3,195
    Thanked 7,199 Times in 3,028 Posts
    Blog Entries
    37
    Images: 304
    Nicely done! Thanks you!
    -- Judy

  4. #3
    BPnet Veteran tacticalveterinarian's Avatar
    Join Date
    07-23-2014
    Posts
    588
    Thanks
    621
    Thanked 704 Times in 284 Posts

    Re: DIY 8-tub Cooler Style Incubator

    Great photos and step by step guide! I really enjoy DIY projects!

  5. #4
    BPnet Veteran Viol8r's Avatar
    Join Date
    08-05-2014
    Location
    Jax, Fl.
    Posts
    438
    Thanks
    133
    Thanked 134 Times in 112 Posts
    Images: 3
    I just ran across this on FB....
    1. het Pied 1. Albino 1. Lesser 1. Fire 1. OG 1. Pinstripe het VPI Axanthic 1. Mojave Enchi
    1. Bumblebee 1. Black Pastel Kingpin 1. Pastel Tiger
    .1 Pastel .1 Pastel het Pied .1 Calico .1 OG .1 Mojave het Lavender Albino .1 Lithium .1 Caramel Spider .1 Bumblebee .1 Bumblebee het Clown .1 Leopard
    1. Wild Caught Corn 1. Coral Snow Corn .1 Snow Corn .1 Butter Corn .1 Albino Reverse Okeetee Corn ?.? Frilled Dragon .2 Ferrets

  6. #5
    Registered User
    Join Date
    12-03-2014
    Posts
    14
    Thanks
    32
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post

    Re: DIY 8-tub Cooler Style Incubator

    New to the breeding scene and appreciate the post. Might give this a try once I get my babies producing. But just wondering what the water bottles are for?

  7. #6
    Registered User ictguy78's Avatar
    Join Date
    08-23-2013
    Posts
    12
    Thanks
    11
    Thanked 16 Times in 7 Posts
    Images: 33

    Re: DIY 8-tub Cooler Style Incubator

    The water bottles are used to decrease temperature fluctuation when the cooler lid is open. The water bottles retain heat and help keep the temperature stable when the lid is opened periodically to check eggs. My snake room is heated to 80 so the water bottles aren't necessarily needed.

    Matt

  8. The Following User Says Thank You to ictguy78 For This Useful Post:

    WellerJD88 (03-11-2015)

  9. #7
    BPnet Senior Member CD CONSTRICTORS's Avatar
    Join Date
    07-14-2012
    Location
    Daytona Beach, FL
    Posts
    1,831
    Thanks
    739
    Thanked 1,163 Times in 658 Posts
    Very nice!!

    If this is not stickied in the DIY section, it probably should be. By far the nicest DIY cooler build I have seen

    The only thing I would be cautious about is the AC fan. Inherently AC fans create heat. Great if yours does not generate much heat, but I suspect that is why both your probes read over the setting of the Herpstat.

    I'd be curious to see what your temps would read if you just kicked off the Herpstat for a day? You may be surprised.

  10. The Following User Says Thank You to CD CONSTRICTORS For This Useful Post:

    ictguy78 (03-09-2015)

  11. #8
    Don't Push My Buttons JLC's Avatar
    Join Date
    01-28-2004
    Location
    Alexandria, VA
    Posts
    31,651
    Thanks
    3,195
    Thanked 7,199 Times in 3,028 Posts
    Blog Entries
    37
    Images: 304

    Re: DIY 8-tub Cooler Style Incubator

    Quote Originally Posted by coreydelong View Post
    Very nice!!

    If this is not stickied in the DIY section, it probably should be. By far the nicest DIY cooler build I have seen
    Good idea.
    -- Judy

  12. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to JLC For This Useful Post:

    CD CONSTRICTORS (03-09-2015),ictguy78 (03-09-2015)

  13. #9
    Registered User ictguy78's Avatar
    Join Date
    08-23-2013
    Posts
    12
    Thanks
    11
    Thanked 16 Times in 7 Posts
    Images: 33

    Re: DIY 8-tub Cooler Style Incubator

    Corey thanks for the sticky suggestion and Judy thanks for making it happen

    Corey you've got a great point regarding the heat generated by the fan. I'll shut the heat tape off this weekend, check temps, and report back.

    Thanks!
    Matt

  14. The Following User Says Thank You to ictguy78 For This Useful Post:

    WellerJD88 (03-11-2015)

  15. #10
    BPnet Veteran se7en's Avatar
    Join Date
    01-14-2015
    Posts
    1,781
    Thanks
    3,481
    Thanked 1,501 Times in 711 Posts
    Images: 156
    This is fan-freaking-tastic!

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v4.2.1