DIY Incubator

[BlackSwampReptiles]

We just finished building a new incubator for the 2017 breeding season. I wish I had taken more pictures during the build, but figure that some may find a summary of the construction to be helpful.

The incubator box is made from 3/4 inch plywood, lined with 1/2" foam. The interior was then lined with plastic paneling (sold for backsplash applications) and caulked at the joints to make it water tight.



The door of the incubator has a double-paned glass viewing window to allow easy viewing of the eggs without needing to open the incubator. Heat is supplied by a strip of 11 inch flexwatt heat tape which is controlled by a herpstat intro + thermostat. To avoid hotspots, a small PC fan is mounted to the top of the incubator, where it constantly blows air down and over the heat tape. It was designed to hold 4 SIM incubation containers.



I am happy to answer any specific questions!

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Thank you, Jake! Welcome to Geckos Unlimited!

I hope many little critters hatch right there for you in the years to come. I'm sure the front window will be a big asset!

 

[CrestedRick]

What are the dimensions of this and how exactly did you run the thermostat and flexwire?

 

[BlackSwampReptiles]

The outside dimensions are 19" tall, 21" wide, and 15" deep, which is perfect for fitting four of the small SIM incubation containers inside with air gaps on all sides for good heat circulation. The herpstat and flexwatt are simple to setup: the flexwatt just plugs into the back of the herpstat and the herpstat has a probe that I fastened in the middle of the incubator. Herpstats are excellent at keeping the temperature within a tenth of a degree of the specified temperature! I hope that answered your question?

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Not only is your incubator functional, it's the classiest incubator I've ever seen.

 

[BlackSwampReptiles]

Thanks Elizabeth! While the finished wood shell is not necessary, wood is my building material of choice, so most of my builds have this look to them. The next project is a stack of vivariums with sliding glass doors... stay tuned!

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Thanks Elizabeth! While the finished wood shell is not necessary, wood is my building material of choice, so most of my builds have this look to them. The next project is a stack of vivariums with sliding glass doors... stay tuned!

You're welcome, Jake!

I definitely will stay tuned.

 

[CrestedRick]

Haha very nice! Next you should build me a breeding rack lol

 

[Belle]

Amazing!!!