DIY Incubator using Wine Cooler - Flexwatt Placement?

[snakesRkewl]

There's no need for that much heat tape, I'd cut it so it only runs on the back wall, problem solved.

[slapdirty]

lol.. it goes from 50-88 degrees super quik though.. back to the future quick!

[benwallage9]

Oh ok so you dont place it on the flex watt.... So do you think it runs one degree hot because of the probe placement?

[slapdirty]

I think most people do put the probe right on the flexwatt. My placement could be the reason for extra degree. Also, the herpstat says accurate to .9 deg.

[Smitty524]

Up and over the step is fine. No temp change or gradient in my cooker..

Looks like some professinals built that

[JohnNJ]

There's no need for that much heat tape, I'd cut it so it only runs on the back wall, problem solved.

I finally put the whole thing together and ran it last night. I put 11 inch flexwatt on the back wall only - 20 inches long. Checking it this morning the temps were not consistant throughout even though I had a computer fan running and no boxes inside. I noticed that the thermostat was running the heat tape full on to maintain the 89 degrees I set it to.

I don't want the heat tape to stay full on all the time and I need to even out the temps on all levels.

Do I need more heat tape?

Do I need a bigger fan to move the hot air around?

Does the fan need to be angled? Mine is stuck to the ceiling and blowing from left to right along the back wall.

If I add more flexwatt it will run over that bottom step. Is it OK to place egg boxes directly on the heat tape? Won't those get hotter than the others?

Also, do you hang the probe (where?) or do you put it in an egg box? My cooler only holds six 6qt boxes.

Thanks.

[JohnNJ]

Anyone?

[spitzu]

I'd say the wiring is jacked up if it's not reaching temp. You should have no problems reaching 89 with that much tape in there, fan or no fan.

[JohnNJ]

I'd say the wiring is jacked up if it's not reaching temp. You should have no problems reaching 89 with that much tape in there, fan or no fan.

The cooler in the photo is not mine. I have a piece of flexwatt that's 20 inches long - back wall only.

I put the probe in an empty 6qt tub and it did reach 89. The tape is not full on all of the time but it does turn on frequently (blinking red light).

I ordered a bigger fan. I have to figure out where to mount it to get the heat to circulate properly. The bottom shelf is cooler that the upper two.

[Raverthug]

try adding a second fan opposite of where your fan is now. Make sure all the holes are plugged.