Reptile & Amphibian Forums

just wondering what people normally use for large incubators (not room incubators). I'm currently trying to setup an incubator that is insulated and has outside dimensions of 33" wide by 59" tall by 19" deep. Some have recommended that heat source should be about 5w to 10w per cubic feet of incubator space. My future incubator will have a little over 20 cubic feet, so I'm thinking I need about 200w for heating. I have a Helix DBS1000 ready to go to control the heat source. The currently thought heat source would be about 8' to 10' of Flexwatt heat tape. Any other options before I order some tape? If tape is the only option, should I try to spread out the tape in the incubator (bottom, sides) or just put everything on the bottom?

Thanks,
Bristen.

All the ones I've seen had Flexwatt. Most people put the Flexwatt running down the back/sides. Make sure to install a small fan the prevent the heat from layering, if you don't you could have problems with the upper rack of eggs getting too warm, or the bottom ones too cool.
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Chad Bachman

Hi Chad,

I am planning to get some small fans to prevent layering. I may also decide to flip the box on it's side, that's not decided yet. The only reason I was really leaning towards the vertical setup, is the amount of floor space required would be smaller.

You wouldn't happen to know what size egg boxes is normally used for Ball Python clutches? I don't know what spacing between shelfs I should be using...?

Thanks for the reply!
Bristen.

>>All the ones I've seen had Flexwatt. Most people put the Flexwatt running down the back/sides. Make sure to install a small fan the prevent the heat from layering, if you don't you could have problems with the upper rack of eggs getting too warm, or the bottom ones too cool.
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>>Chad Bachman

>You wouldn't happen to know what size egg boxes is normally used for Ball Python clutches? I don't know what spacing between shelfs I should be using...?

>You wouldn't happen to know what size egg boxes is normally used for Ball Python clutches? I don't know what spacing between shelfs I should be using...?

Not sure what most people use, maybe someone else could answer that for you.

Good luck,
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Chad Bachman

the snake keeper uses insulated shipping containers with dimensions of 16x12x8 they didnt specify internal or external

10 1 lb deli cups full vermiculite
5 1 lb deli cups full perlite
6 1 lb deli cups full water
mix well

oh i also use 2 heating elments from the little giant incubator with there solid state thermostat still attached very efficient for a refrig size incubator, but i will be using 4 heating elements in a 25 cu ft freezer standup or chest size to prevent overworking and a herpstat proportional thermostat bought from mg reptiles

I use a heat panel for my upright freezer incubator and it can hold temps above 95. I know this because I set the DBS 1000 on 100 and the heat in the incubator got to about 97-98 and stayed at that temp. So I would think the 89-90 for ball python eggs would be no problem to maintain. The heat pannels are a little pricy but when your hatching Pastels 75.00 is no big deal. Thanks David

other photo.

I like the heating elements you can get from Lyon Electric http://www.lyonelectric.com. You can get them up to 250W. The advantage of using a heating element as opposed to heat tape is the fact that they heat up very fast and cool down just as fast. With heat tape you have a longer heat up period so I don't think it keeps temps as stable.

George Knaack
GLK HERP

Nice
I need to look into getting or making my own for next year.

DragonDavy

N/A

Bristen.