Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have noticed that there are alot of people that are wondering how to build an incubator I know this because I was one of them. Well just lately someone provided me with the proper instruction to do so, so I would like to share it with the rest of you. I am awaiting my order of flexwatt. But I will show you pictures and step by step guidance how to prep,install, and heat your incubator. First off I am using a small refrigerator that no longer works that I got out of the classifieds for free. First two pics is what it looks like, when I brought it home.


Okay so this next pic will show you the backside of the refrigerator, the motor and wires all need to be removed, I circled everything that needs to be removed. None of this is necessary for the incubator to work. And just adds extra weight plus it looks alot cleaner also. Tools need wire cutter, flathead,phillipshead, and hammer.

next 2 pics is of everything removed from the backside of the refrigerator, and the inside of the refrigeraor. The only thing that we want to keep is the racking system for the inside of the incubator, this is what our sterilite shoeboxs will sit on.
Next is a very thorough cleaning. I used bleach, and a bunch of old rags.


Unfortunately my flexwatt isnt here yet but Im going to use aluminum foil in its place to show you how it would be installed along with where the extension cord will exit the incubator.
In this next pic I used the aluminum foil as a replacement since my flexwatt isnt here yet. You run the tape down both side of the refrigerator and acrossed the bottom. I used and existing hole to exit my extension out of the refrigerator, where the original electrical normaly went.

This next pic I will show you is of a shoebox in the incubator along with a bowl of water sitting directly over the flexwatt to keep humidity levels up. Also you can install an thermometer on the inside of the refrigerator to help keep tabs on your current temp, but a thermostat is a must. I will show a pic of that installed when my flexwatt arrives.

I hope that this helped with your incubator build. If anybody has any ideas to make my incubator better, negative or positive feedback its all welcome thanks -Matt

You don't need to worry about the water bowl over the heat tape -- you don't really want your incubator to be humid it could cause problems -- it's the humidity inside the tubs that counts.

You might want to play around with them temps to ensure they are even throughout the incubator -- and to see if you need a fan.

Good luck.
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Tosha
JET Pythons
Toshas Blog

haha I new I forgot to add something, I always forget something thanks.

i would definately say that you need a small fan or 2 to circulate and distribute the heat evenly in your incubator. i have 2 in mine that i got at radio shack!

c

You have too much heat tape, unless it is going to be on the front porch with the rats.

well actualy since you metioned there is so much extra heattape I think I will put it out in the yard. thanks buddy

I have a one foot piece of 11 inch wide heat tape in my huge marine cooler and it is the perfect amount of heat. Heat rises - it probably would be better to use a smaller piece and put it on the bottom. A fan would help to keep temps even.

The humidity needs to be contained in the shoebox, not the frig. Press N seal works real well for that. Also, add mass (either water bottles or bricks) that will help retain the heat and help maintain a constaint temp.

thanks for the pointers, Learning something new everyday

im learning now too...
now once you have it all set up, do you shut the door on them? or leave it open?
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~Snake Charmer~

3.1 dogs (church, bandit, willy and tonka)
0.2 cats (squeaky, cami)
2.1 'normal' ball pythons (zenith, zahara-waiting to name the new one)and i want more snakes. guess you can say im developing a "reptile addiction"- lol

It's shut, of course.
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1.0 Pastel Ball
1.1 Het VPI Axanthic Balls
1.1 Het Albino Balls
0.0.2 Red Tail Boas
1.0 Albino Nelsons Milksnake
1.1 Room mates
2.2 Dogs
0.1 Cat

shut the door and leave it closed maybe opening once a day to allow fresh air

That fridge looks to be about 5 cu. ft.
General rule of thumb is 10 watts of heat per cu. ft. of space. So if you're using 4" heat tape @ 8 watts per foot, you'll only need to use a 6 foot length of tape.
You'll also not want the tape too close to the door, more in the middle as well, not to close to the top of the incubator as the heat in the entire unit will rise and cause huge gradients. Which brings us to the next issue, you WILL need a fan (~20-30 CFM should do) attached to the top of the incubator. Somewhere to disperse the heat more evenly.
Strongly consider losing the water and maintaining the humidity within the egg boxes that should be completely sealed. That way, when you open and close the door to look in every once in a while, the eggs will maintain a uniform temp.
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www.strictlyballs.ca

thank you that helped alot. the fan should be about how big?inches? also how should I attach it to the ceiling of the incubator? seal the containers with the eggs with the lid? no breather holes? also is it okay if I stack boxes ontop of one another?

The size of the fan is insignificant, what you're concern with a fan should be is the CFM (cu. ft. per minute) that determines hwo much air it is moving. I prefer to use fans for my incubators that are 20CFM. Don't buy a cheap ass plastic one from a computer store, spend $20 and get an A/C metal housing with ball bearing movement. After the thermostat, the fan is the most important piece of equipment in the incubator.

Yes, seal up all holes in the bins, allow the incubator to build heat and the egg boxes to hold humidity.
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www.strictlyballs.ca

GQF make a nice one