Yet another incubator question...

[Creative Morphs]

Hello,

I have been a "lurker" for awhile now and I respect the views and opinions of most everyone on this forum. I will be making an incubator to hold twenty clutches. It will be 30" wide, 85" tall and 20" deep. I am making it out of 5/8" melamine with a 24x48 plexiglass view window in the front. I plan on really insulating this well using 1/2" styrofoam sheets all around and spray foam in the corners and in any gaps. It will also have a fan. My question is: Shouldn't some fresh air be allowed to enter? Should it be so air tight? I was thinking about putting a small vent in the back to allow for some air exchange. I live in Phoenix so there wouldn't be any chilly air entering. I want to do this right and appreciate any and all input. Thanks, Dan

[West Coast Jungle]

The only holes I put in mine is for the wiring. You want it air tight to help keep temps and humidity from moving too much. I keep some tubs with rocks and water in incubator to help keep temp and humidity balanced. I am in the desert too and it can get real dry at times.

[Creative Morphs]

Thank you for the reply Raul. That makes sense. Anyone else have opinions?

[Creative Morphs]

Come on, just one more opinion then I can get started.

[Subzero]

No vents, air exchange will happen when you open it every 5-7 days to candle eggs.

[mmchoppers]

I agree. No vents, that would throw your temps off.

[FatBoy]

Agree 100%. Temps need to stay as consistent as possible. Vents would allow too much room for error. Post pics as you build it.

[Gloryhound]

Per Michael Coles instructions when we were setting up our incubator he had me drill a 1/8" hole close to the bottom of the incubator. This acts as a pressure relief and air make up point. It worked really well during the trial run.

[Danegerous]

the air exchange makes sense in theory, but when you really take into account the amount of time the eggs will be in there with the volume of air in the box, they won't have a chance to stagnate the air. The exchange of air into the eggs, is minimal. So, as stated above, the air you allow to enter when you open the door should be way more than enough to add some freshness to the mix.

The most important factor is the constanttemp/humidity. Now, if you were leaving the incubator for 6-8 months (some long hatch times, haha, but just in theory), then you might have to start looking into a cycling system.

You'll be fine.

EDIT: extra thought. I think it was the Sutherlands (on their website) talk about tub incubators. They say that even in a rubbermaid tub, the air exchange that takes place when the lid is lifted to candle the eggs is more than enough to support life. So, boom!

[Creative Morphs]

Thank you all for the responses. I will post pictures.