Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone.. I'm going to convert a small refrigerator into an incubator and I have a few questions. I'd figure I should post it here because it's for ball pythons eggs and hopefully some members here have done the same. I have found some vague instructions and a good video but am still unsure on what to disconnect. I know I need the flexwatt, thermostat, thermometer, and a computer fan. So I just need to find out what to disconnect in the back of the fridge and how to hook up the fan. If anyone knows please send me an e-mail or some picture. I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks
-----
0.1 arg. b/w tegu
1.1 het pieds
0.1 normal ball
0.1 southern painted turtle
0.1 crested gecko
1.0 hogg island boa
0.1 burmese python

I have 2 small pepsi coolers i use and i completely stripped everything out, you will not need any of it. You can add a small light, fans, heating element, etc, to a power strip. I can send you a pic if you need, mine worked great, i hatched over 150 animals this year, George

georget22: if you can send me any pictures i would greatly appreciate it. thanks
-----
0.1 arg. b/w tegu
1.1 het pieds
0.1 normal ball
0.1 southern painted turtle
0.1 crested gecko
1.0 hogg island boa
0.1 burmese python

Pic

I posted a pic of how i converted the small fridge into a working incubator. As you can see an open insulated box is all you need , i stripped everything else out and added a small light in the upper corner, Radiant Heat Panel as my element and small comp fan, which are all connected to my power strip. I use a low profile stainless water tray to help with humidity. By removing all the hardware and compressor, you will reduce your weight by 1/2. That particular size incubator can hold 10 egg boxes which themsleves can hold a 14 egg clutch. You can hatch alot of ball eggs in these, i did, hope this helps, George

I don't think you need to remove everything. That way you can still use it to cool your beer or if it's a freezer for rats when it's not used as a incubator.

I would advice you to ask an expert to remove the "freon" in it. It's illegal and dangerous to let that gas go.

Otherwise, just put heat tape, a good fan, a good thermostat, and you should be fine.
-----
love this world, don't hate it.

aha! i was wondering that. if it's not going to be used then why do i have to gut it out. it is in my reptile room already so i dont have to move it. and i really wanted to avoid dealing with the freon (sp) situation. so i know how to add everything else. my MAIN question now is... i have a computer fan..but you know there isnt really a way of connecting it to a power source.. sooo how would i hook that up to the electricity?? i'm assuming i'll have to become an electrician for a day. lol. thanks for everyones help.
-----
0.1 arg. b/w tegu
1.1 het pieds
0.1 normal ball
0.1 southern painted turtle
0.1 crested gecko
1.0 hogg island boa
0.1 burmese python

I have a smaller fridge I used this season and it worked great. Had to upgrade to larger one for this coming season. For the fan I had to splice the wires to a AC adapter I got from radio shack so it could plug into my power strip. I believe there is site that sells the whole set up with computer fan and adapter but I have not been able to find it. Maybe someone else will have a link. It is pretty easy to set up and you can covert it with out removing anything it will just weigh more.
-----
1.1 Spider
0.2 Pastel
0.1 Pastel het clown
0.1 Pastel het ghost
0.1 Mojave het ghost
1.0 Mojave
0.1 Lesser
1.0 Lemon blast
0.1 Fire
1.0 Cinnamon het clown
1.0 Pin het albino
0.1 Albino

sparky: thank you! that is what i needed to know. now with everyones information i know exactly what to do. thanks everybody and good luck this season!
-----
0.1 arg. b/w tegu
1.1 het pieds
0.1 normal ball
0.1 southern painted turtle
0.1 crested gecko
1.0 hogg island boa
0.1 burmese python

You can go to Helix Control's website, www.helixcontrols.com and order a computer fan that has three speeds to control your rate of air circulation. It is wired and ready to go, all you have to do is plug it into your power sripe and your fan is ready.
Hope this helps.
Twisted Constrictors