temp problems

V.hb · 09-13-03, 06:56 AM

Having some trouble keeping my incubator at 86 degrees.

I'am using Jeff Favelles type of incubator, as posted before in this forum. The water heater iam using has temperature settings of 85-90. So when I set it for 85, i get egg box temps of 84.. with 90, i get 87.. Any ideas of how to keep the temps more accurate?? Any help would be great, thanks!

V.hb · 09-13-03, 09:33 AM

ahh, looks like i've got it now.. woohoo.. wish me luck.

Jeff_Favelle · 09-13-03, 11:47 AM

The water in the heater is in will ALWAYS be higher than the egg chamber. My Python incubator's water is always 93F and the eggs are always 90F. That's why I make sure the Rubbermaid holding the eggs does not come into contact with the water. I even put a layer of styrofoam IN the Rubbermaid under the vermiculite that's under the egg-crate. Voila, instant stable temperatures.

V.hb · 09-13-03, 12:08 PM

Good idea jeff!

I did something similar, and its working now.. The incubator works great though, this is my second clutch of eggs in this incubator.. first round was easy no prob, but now i need higher temps, so it was a little more tricky to do. Thanks again.

V.hb · 09-13-03, 12:15 PM

Actually quick question about your Styro, do you put it INSIDE the egg chamber, or underneath it? I've got my chamber on bricks to keep it away from the water. you recommend putting a piece of foam inside under the vermic/perlite??

Jeff_Favelle · 09-13-03, 12:35 PM

Only problem is that the bricks transfer heat BETTER than the water itself! So I put styrofoam either on top of the bricks (under the Rubbermaid) or in the Rubbermaid. Depends on how "high" the clutch of eggs is.

V.hb · 09-13-03, 12:36 PM

Cool, thanks alot man, i'll give it a shot.

Jeff_Favelle · 09-13-03, 01:39 PM

Let us know how it goes bro.

V.hb · 09-17-03, 12:44 PM

Jeff, All works. The styro really does control temperatures nicely. Been stable at 86 degrees for the past three days now. Thanks for the info!! Hopefully i'll have picks of hatchlings within a couple of months! (these are Yellow Ackies btw) Thanks again! If you have any tips for acantharus incubation, iam all ears.. Haha..

NiagaraReptiles · 09-17-03, 03:04 PM

If you have eggs in the incubator, what's done is done and whether things were good or bad will be told over the course of the next few months.

As long as they look plump and white from day one, your only concerne will be moisture levels

Best wishes with them!

Wuntu Menny · 09-17-03, 03:18 PM

I'm curious, I use almost the identical setup on a smaller scale and don't have any trouble maintaining stable temps as high as 90F. What make of heater are you using?

Jeff, the styro spacer sounds like an interesting innovation. I use egg crate style diffuser material both as the spacer and to increase available space as I place several chambers in one incubator. I wonder about the bricks transferring heat better, though. Their density relative to the water would certainly make them retain heat longer, but wouldn't the greater surface area of the water and the fact that its fluid make it a more efficient thermal conductor?

WM

V.hb · 09-17-03, 04:35 PM

Thanks Jon. They look good, one looked dented, so iam assuming it will collapse.. But I do hope it wont! haha. The other 3 are white, and look pretty healthy. I guess as you said, Time will tell huh?

Jeff_Favelle · 09-17-03, 07:48 PM

Quote:

I wonder about the bricks transferring heat better, though. Their density relative to the water would certainly make them retain heat longer, but wouldn't the greater surface area of the water and the fact that its fluid make it a more efficient thermal conductor?

Not from what I've found. Look at wood and metal. Metal is waaaay more dense. But have to ever held a fork or spoon over something hot? The heat transfers insanely fast! I found the same with the bricks I was using. So I insulate my egg boxes. Underneath or inside, doesn't matter.

V.hb, just as Kendrick said, its out of your hands now. As long as they were laid prperly in a proper nest, you've done your best! Let us know the results!! Good stuff!

V.hb · 09-17-03, 08:37 PM

Off topic, but damn jeff nice BP!! not a bp guy myself, but thats a nice looking animal.

Jeff_Favelle · 09-17-03, 11:58 PM

Thanx man! But I agree, no where near as exciting as hatching a monitor!! Way more sense of accomplishment. Especially after hatching Ball Pythons for 8 years straight!

Keep us updated.......