Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just got a thermal hovabator, and in about a 10 minute period the temperature fluctuates between about 87.5 and 91.8. So the problem is the thermostat isnt sensitive enough. What should i do to fix this?

Are you using the wafer? If so, you may need a new one. I have not noticed huge fluctuations, UNLESS, the hovabator was in a draft zone. My AC vent would cause it to fluctuate. Once it was moved from the draft, it worked just fine.

Best bet it to get a good thermostat though.
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Jay A. Martin

I realized that I was measuring air temperature, and was wondering if that might be my problem. So i took a deli cup put some moist vermiculite in it and am now going to try measuring the temperature of that.(dont really know if thats a good idea)

I stick a probe right smack in the center of the eggs. Partially exposed. Also, do you have the turbo model? If so, this is most likely pulling cooler air from outside the incubator.
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Jay A. Martin

Don't forget, the more material you have in an incubator, the more stable the temperature will be. Air itself does not retain heat well. Mine fluctuated alot until I put a container of vermiculite and the eggs in it.

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Jay A. Martin

Buy a Helix dbs 1000, turn the wafer on the havabator to High, full throttle, hook the cord of the hovabator to the helix, put the helix temp sensor inside the hovabator in the very middle about 2 to 3 inches from the floor of the incubator............................just my .02 cents.

set the helix at 89 Degrees.........all should be well.

Keep the hovabator in a room between 73 degrees and no hotter than 78 degrees...........keep away from doors and windows.

Those are both really good points. I do not have the turbo model. I will put a thing of vermiculite in it tonight, and see how that works. Otherwise my dad has access to really nice thermostats from honeywell for free. They work to a tenth of a degree.