So I think I have an idiot proof incubator...

[Artemisace]

This is a really interesting design and given your success rates you've inspired me to build a couple of these. One for my BPs and one for my retics. I won't have eggs till next year and will post a thread when I start building. Gonna subscribe to this thread so I can keep up. My one question would be what would you think of using cheese cloth or something else to cover the diffuser? Or would that hold to much water on it? I would also think using plastic canvas would be a great budget way to cover the diffuser, if you could find it. Just my thoughts.

snake room

[OhhWatALoser]

Cheese cloth might hold water but it would block airflow, I wouldn't suggest it. If you saw how big a normal hatchling ball python is compared to the holes in the light diffuser, you wouldn't put a second thought toward it. A runt ball python might be able to slip past, which is where I do like the idea some plastic mesh under the light diffuser that should be able to stop it. I say under, because the egg would still get the same airflow.

[Artemisace]

Cheese cloth might hold water but it would block airflow, I wouldn't suggest it. If you saw how big a normal hatchling ball python is compared to the holes in the light diffuser, you wouldn't put a second thought toward it. A runt ball python might be able to slip past, which is where I do like the idea some plastic mesh under the light diffuser that should be able to stop it. I say under, because the egg would still get the same airflow.

Just hatched my first clutch this year actually I guess the holes in the diffuser just look big to me in those pics that's why I asked. Have you tried the battery powered aquarium heaters? I heard those work pretty well.

snake room

[OhhWatALoser]

I don't see any advantage to something battery powered, I can't control it with a thermostat and I have to worry about batteries dying. I wouldn't even use one on my fish tank lol.

[SamO]

I like the idea of multiple levels - use all the space in the incubator. Might even be able to make stackable eggcrate boxes, or some other method of remove shelves easily. Here is the plastic grid I was talking about (below). I also see why you might want to put it below the eggcrate, less plastic in contact with the eggs.

[se7en]

Nice!

I'm bookmarking DIY incubator threads. This one is on the list.