Step by step simple incubator.

[BoidKeeper]

Well with help from Jeff Favell I finally got it done. I went nuts trying to find pics of what these things look like when finished so I thought I would share the pics with everyone just incase someone else might be able to benifit from them.

Step 1. Line a styrofoam fish box with plastic. Place a heater in the bottom. Mine is stuck to a glass cutting board.
http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/504/289step_1-med.jpg

Step 2. Place bricks on either side of the heater.
http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/504/289step_2-med.jpg

Step 3. Place a third brick accross the top to act as a bridge.
http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/504/289step_3-med.jpg

Step 4. Fill an appropriate size rubbermaid with moist/damp vermiculite and place probe for digital max/min thermometer on the virmiculite.
http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/504/289step_4-med.jpg

Step 5. Poke holes in the lid and place on egg box.
http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/504/289step_5.jpg

Step 6. Put lid on box and gradually bring the temps up.
http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/504/289step_6-med.jpg
Cheers,
Trevor

[Tim_Cranwill]

Hey, thanks man! That will come in handy in a few weeks;)

[BoidKeeper]

No prob. Glad it came in handy. I don't need a second one but I want to build now for next year when I will. lol
Cheers,
Trevor

[casacrow]

How do you control the temperature? I imagine that the heater has a thermostat. ( I likely just answered my first question) I am also wondering what your high and lows are and how long it takes to bounce between them?

[BoidKeeper]

Yes thats right the heater has a thermostat on it. I have the temp set so that it is between 84.7 and 84.4. Not sure how long it takes to move back and forth.
Cheers,
Trevor

[nuno]

Trevor, Very nice of you to share!! what kind of heater is that? where did you get it?

[BoidKeeper]

Just an ordanary 100w pet store job. The thermostat control on it is the pitts, next time I'm not going to skimp and get one with a better control.
Thanks,
Trevor

[casacrow]

Thanks for your info. I have never been able to create an incubator that stable. Mine have always fluctuated about 2 degrees. Awesome job!

[Dom]

Very nice! I have seen many ppl use these types of incubators and I have heard nothing but good comments on them . BTW Great post!

[Tim_Cranwill]

Hey Trev, if you've done any research on the heaters, let me know what you are going to go with. I'll need to order my stuff in a week or two:)

Thanks.

[Tim_Cranwill]

Oh, I think some one suggested in another post to use a piece of glass to cover the top so that you don't have to open the lid so much. I guess you'd need a clear lid for your rubbermaid than too....

[Lisa]

Wow that's great, can't wait to use the plans

[BILLP]

I was wondering what kind of heater that is? It look like a fish tank heater, is there water in the bottom or am I missing something

[BoidKeeper]

Yup it is a under water 100w aquarium heater. The box is filled with water up to an inch below the top brick. It's important that the water never touch the egg box. I also changed the egg box so that the holes are in the side now and not the lid. I also wedge up on side to so that the humidity runs down the inside of the lid and away from the eggs and does not drip on the eggs. The next heater I'm going to use will be a Rena Top Light Excel. They have an excelent control on them. They are alos listed as being the first CSA approved fully submersible heater.
Cheers,
Trevor

[Xetox]

If anyone is looking for a plans for a large scale inc here ya be :)

http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/incubator.html

[BoidKeeper]

Cool, thanks.
Trevor