Incubator Question

[PitOnTheProwl]

I am still WAY off from expecting a clutch but I found someone here in SA that has an incubator for sale for $80.
This is the same one they have MR_148. I have not seen it in person yet but they say it is like new condition.
So my questions are: Is it worth it? Would it be better to spend a little more and buy a new one? OR should I just do a mini-frige conversion?

I know the mini conversion is the cheapest is I can find a free broken one because then all I have to do is gut it and flex-watt.

[Jyson]

I would go with the Mini frig just because it's cheaper and you might even find one bigger than the one you linked. You can find some mini frigs that are still working for like 20$ on craigslist.

EDIT: Also, you could even use a cooler (not the styrofoam ones.)

[PitOnTheProwl]

Also, you could even use a cooler (not the styrofoam ones.)

Didnt even think of that

[zues]

Here is a real simple way to do a mini fridge. Instead of heat tape I use a bucket of water heated with a 200w aquarium heater. Once up to temp the heated water is very stable. Using my thermostat it will stay between 89.8-90.2. Also using this method you never have to worry about humidity. Mine is actually a mini freezer and it will hold six 6qt tubs. Here are some quick pics.

[jjmitchell]

I dont think any incubator build will be cheaper than 80 bucks.... a helix or spider robotics unit will cost you well over 80 bucks.. I have never used one of those units, but have heard good things.... It will be a small unit but not a bad starting place

[Twisted Reptiles]

Here is a real simple way to do a mini fridge. Instead of heat tape I use a bucket of water heated with a 200w aquarium heater. Once up to temp the heated water is very stable. Using my thermostat it will stay between 89.8-90.2. Also using this method you never have to worry about humidity. Mine is actually a mini freezer and it will hold six 6qt tubs. Here are some quick pics.

I'd be hesitant to go this route personally, that is a relatively big temp swing. I prefer have more control over the temps.

Look for a mini fridge, with the exception of the thermostat you can get everything else you need for it for less than $20. That one you're looking at looks really small. I don't think you'd regret going with the mini fridge.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Think about the big picture and plan ahead, this is a very small incubator I can see it for maybe 4 clutches at the most and if your plans are to really get into breeding it will not take long before it becomes too small for your needs.

You would be better off finding an old fridge and getting a reliable thermostat and make your own it would only cost you a little more but would last for years to come.

Also $80 for it used it also not that good of a deal since you can find it new right now for less than $10 more http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/gear/6ad2/

[zues]

I'd be hesitant to go this route personally, that is a relatively big temp swing. I prefer have more control over the temps.

Look for a mini fridge, with the exception of the thermostat you can get everything else you need for it for less than $20. That one you're looking at looks really small. I don't think you'd regret going with the mini fridge.

Less than 1/2 of one degree is a "relatively big temp swing"?

[PitOnTheProwl]

Yeah, I was thinking its not that big. I already have some really big ice chests and I can prolly find a mini fridge on the cheap or free.
I think I just talked myself out of it with ya'lls help

[Xan Powers]

I gotta put my 2 cents in. I bought the thinkgeek/mr148/accutemp they are all the same. it got here and I spent about 3 hours stabilizing temps and getting them just right. then I went to walmart and target and lowes and home depot, not a single tub would fit in it, unless I wanted to break the eggs into super small containers which I did not want to do.

long story short, I returned it and am now buildin my own out of a huge Coleman cooler and a herpstat with flexwat. it will last me at least the next two years and it's only about $75 more (cooler/stat cost)


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