Can this incubator be trusted?

[jben]

Like Robin and pfan said, get a reliable t-stat. also i built an incubator from a cooler and have no problems with it, there's a DIY in the DIY section.

[Gavin Cooper]

did you need to buy a thermostat or is the one in there sufficient?

First year breeding I didn't use a t-stat and temps were all over the place. You need to do alot of adjusting to keep it stable. Second year I used the Hovabator with a t-stat and it was much better.

I now use a small fridge converted to an incubator with my Herpstat and I love it.

The choice is yours in the end but remember that you get what you pay for.
I only used the Hovabator because I already had it. I also know many people that use them problem free but as sited on this thread it's obvious some have had problems.

Gavin

[coldthumb]

I use a Herpstat since they are what has worked for me (,and i like the power curve adjustment that they have).

..and you can't beat a good used standup freezer for an incubator.They have the best insulation,plenty of room,and it's not likely to move should someone stub their toe on it.

[Bill Buchman]

I use a Herpstat since they are what has worked for me (,and i like the power curve adjustment that they have).

..and you can't beat a good used standup freezer for an incubator.They have the best insulation,plenty of room,and it's not likely to move should someone stub their toe on it.

What Charles said!!!!!!! Herpstat and freezer/beverage dispenser.

[WingedWolfPsion]

A Hovabator with the wafer thermostat removed, the top vent hole blocked, and connected to a Herpstat thermostat, is what I'm using this year.

I have it set up with substrateless incubation, and I fit FIVE clutches in there. Not small ones, either. I put the water directly in the included plastic base, and put the light grid over top of that--no separate containers.
3 clutches have hatched out in that setup so far, and not a single loss of any egg in there.

[J.Vandegrift]

A Hovabator with the wafer thermostat removed, the top vent hole blocked, and connected to a Herpstat thermostat, is what I'm using this year.

I have it set up with substrateless incubation, and I fit FIVE clutches in there. Not small ones, either. I put the water directly in the included plastic base, and put the light grid over top of that--no separate containers.
3 clutches have hatched out in that setup so far, and not a single loss of any egg in there.

Nice. The herpstat is the key. As long as you get that wafer out of there it should be pretty reliable. Then it's pretty much just a styrofoam cooler and a heat source.