Posted by:
streamwalker
at Thu Jul 6 07:11:12 2006 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by streamwalker ]
The Fan Model Hovabator works on the principle that circulated air mixes with the surrounding air and results in a more uniform temperature. While comparing the Still Air and the Fan Model; I did notice that my eggs in the Fan model were needing to be misted as the moving air over the eggs picked up more moisture. All the units work by taking in fresh air from small holes made at the factory along the base of the unit. These small holes are the key for fresh air and also the reason the Fan Operated Model losing humidity quicker than the Still Air Model. To compensate for the reduced humidity the solution is simple. On a Fan Model one small alteration is all that is needed to get the benefits of more uniform temperatures throughout the incubator with high constant humidity.
Separate the two halves of the unit. Make sure they are dry and clean.
You will need to purchase a silicone white based water proof sealer that is compatible with styrofoam. I like the low oder siliconized calk made by DAP, that is water clean up but the regular white silicone is fine too. It just takes longer to dry and be rid of acetic acid fumes..about four days. Turn the lower unit over and locate the holes on the bottom. Fill all the holes in the lower unit with the calk from both sides( inside and out ).
When dry and check for any fumes before using; flood the entire lower portion with water right up to the wire/ area. I have changed my wire floor to a softer non rusting plastic grid purchased at hobby shops that is normally used for hatch hook rugs. I use a double thickness and find it can be washed easier; and should an animal get crawling on the plastic it's less likely to pinch or scratch his feet or vulnerable shell.
You now have a system that will circulate air but pick up more humidity. There are still small holes at the top in addition to the two larger ones that you can control with the red plugs enclosed with your incubator. Place your boxies eggs in your favorite medium / substrate in small plastic containers. I lay the lids on loosely with two small holes melted thru the top of each lid.. I find this method to be a very accurate one for temp sexed boxies. Also my hatch rate went slightly up.
Your plastic container size may add some variables. You'll have to experiment with what fits and what you can find locally. I use a square Glad type that does not interfere with the thermostat or heating element.
Incidentally I have found that the wafer thermostat is very fragile and needs to be checked and often replaced in just six months. Fans are sold separately and can be added to the Still Air Model if your a bit handy with wires. I use a remote digital thermometer that is checked with a mercury thermometer. You can get them at Wal Mart for around $6-$7.
So much for brevity ,
Ric
[ Hide Replies ]
- incubator - chemman, Wed Jun 28 10:56:09 2006
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RE: Incubator "Still Air" or "Fan Model" - streamwalker, Thu Jul 6 07:11:12 2006