Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i took the heating element from my hovabator an put it into the lid. my question is what can i use to make the foam a little tougher? something to put on it that will make it stronger.

On the outside, you can use clear sealing tape to strengthen the foam. I wouldn't use it inside - too much humidity likley.
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Mark

I'm not sure if I completely understand, but you could mimic something like what is done with faux stucco finishes over styrofoam insulated concrete forms.

Instead of a stucco finish you could apply a thick layer of latex drylok and then lay down a layer of polyester mesh tape while that first layer is still wet. Then put on a second coat and it should be plenty strong.

I only mention latex drylok because it is cheap, waterproof, safe and readily available in quart containers. But there are probably other choices as well. And I also know for a fact that it sticks very well to styrofoam.
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Currently keeping:

6.10 Gonyosoma oxycephalum (Javan, mixed colors)

0.0.4 Rhynchophis boulengeri

1.1 Philodryas baroni

1.1 Lampropeltis triangulum multistriata

0.0.1 Rhamphiophis rubropunctatus

0.0.2 Morelia viridis (Aru & Merauke locale types)

1.0 Rhodesian Ridgeback

I took my hovabator cover (with disconnected fan) and used it on one of those frozen meat styrofoams you find lying around the trash pickups. It cuts easily, and you cut at a slight angle to make the cover fit tight. No tape needed. These "meat" boxes measure almost 4'cube, so it gives you plenty of options. A flexwatt of appropiate size can be taped to the side to increase heating potential. Just be sure to use a good thermostat and make some test runs so temps don't go haywire on you. Mine is 3' cubed and allows one or two smaller foam boxes inside to maximize the eggs if needed. I just use a heavy glass cover on the egg boxes to keep humidity in (you can open bi-weekly to air out) and a plastic grill (the kind used on fluorescent fixtures) sits on the moist mixture to make sure eggs sit slightly above it.
This allows me to add water as needed without it touching the eggs.

Mike