Incubators??

[Cp3_Pythons]

Im looking for opinions on Incubators and what everyone's currently using wether Home Made or purchased. What do you prefer? Whats the In your opinion the pro's and con's of certain incubators? I've been looking at Incubators for some while Just dont know which way to go... Im not in need of something rather large but Dont want something thats too small either...
Ease of use and the simplicity of using the incubator would/will be a Deffinate Bonus....

Ideas? Suggestions? Your (if your using an Incubator) opinion on what you have/currently using.

As always any help is greatly appricated

The Model Im currently thinking of going with is located here:
http://www.bigappleherp.com/Accu-Temp-6000-Reptile-Incubator-Digital-Reptile-Incubator
(Although I'll more than likely go through another supplier to get the Incubator)

 

[Cp3_Pythons]

Although there's this model I belive the only real diffrence in them Beside the manufacture is the color of the unit:
http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog...ile-incubators/-/exo-terra-reptile-incubator/

 

[TheFragginDragon]

Personally I enjoyed building my own incubator (using a full size refridgerator that was scrapped with a local appliance store, i got it for free ) All told (2 Herpstats, heat tape, electrical cords, etc) it cost me about $230, but it has the capacity to incubate six clutches of BP eggs (or more colubrid clutches), and you could go with less expensive thermostats and it would probably work just fine.

Clay Davenport has a great tutorial (that I used to build mine).

http://www.arbreptiles.com/cages/incubator.shtml

 

[Cp3_Pythons]

You Know I never thought to look-up and see if Clay had anything on Incubators like he has Racks Very detailed information for the DIY Thanks for the info SMH that I didnt think to look that up prior to posting SMH LoL

 

[FosterHerpetological]

I also modified an old fridge, only difference is I just use it for my geckos. Works like a charm, keeps heat in, and can hold a good amount

 

[Matt2979]

I've never bought a commercial incubator. Can't really see any reason to. Last year I used a mini fridge, gutted as John described, and papered the back with a strip of 11" Flex Watt. A computer fan keeps air flowing to distribute even temps.

I was planning to use it again this year, but I JUST had to replace my fridge so I think I'm going to keep the old one and do the same thing. My advantage with the old kitchen fridge is that I can use the freezer as a separate incubator for my BD's eggs.

 

[TheFragginDragon]

My advantage with the old kitchen fridge is that I can use the freezer as a separate incubator for my BD's eggs.

Exactly what I did....mine has the smaller freezer compartment on the bottom, so I put a separate Herpstat and heat tape system on that and use it for my Colubrid eggs.

 

[Matt2979]

Exactly what I did....mine has the smaller freezer compartment on the bottom, so I put a separate Herpstat and heat tape system on that and use it for my Colubrid eggs.

I love my Herpstat proportionals! The carcass of the incubator is the cheap part, but do NOT skimp on the thermostat!! The proportional is constantly running, but at variable strengths so as to keep the most consistent temps.

 

[Shadera]

I modified a catering/proofing box that I got for free. I ran 11" heat tape down the inside back of it, installed some wire shelving, and use a helix to run it.

 

[Cp3_Pythons]

Great Idea's Many Thanks to everyone thats posted in the thread does any one have Pictures of the finished product & the process I've seen and read Clay's site GREAT work But I like to see Pictures of diffrent ideas so I can go from there and see diffrence's and decide what option would work best for me

 

[Pythonbreeder99]

This is pretty much as simple as you can get as far as a one clutch incubator goes. Take a styrofoam shipping container (most fish stores will give them to you for free). Then take a piece of flexwatt, wire it, then tape it to the bottom of the container. Put your egg box on it and hook it up to a thermostat! Easy as that!

 

[TheFragginDragon]

I'll just put a link to the thread I did a few years ago when I built it, pics are there.

http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/forums/showthread.php?t=103553

Since that thread, I've changed the shelving in the top to a grate-type to allow air circulation completely around the egg bins, added another shelf, a 3 inch fan for air circulation, and also rigged the bottom portion basically the same as the top.

 

[Cp3_Pythons]

Cody sweet set up and thanks for the pictures But Im aiming for something that will/would be a little more durable than that although I may have to settle for something on that line If I dont have a incubator ready....
Origanily I was going to let mother nature take her course and not use an incubator but I want to have one in place Just incase I decided diffrent or the females (Bp's) aren't taking to motherhood to well...

 

[Cp3_Pythons]

John,

NICE SET UP!!!! Im aiming for something Like that but will more than likely use a mini fridge (as for now I dont plan on producing more than 1-2 clutches at a time but steadily throughout the year) But I guess I mine as well use a bigger one for down the line...

 

[Subdriven]

This is a small one I built for 75 bucks from a small wine cooler.. only holds 2 clutches of ball eggs. but seems to be working pretty good

 

[Casey Hulse]

Cody, You might want to insulate the hot leads on the heat tape in your cooler with electrical tape, and make sure the foil tape does not come in contact with the leads, You could get a short/shock with your set up, and styrofoam is flamable.

 

[Cp3_Pythons]

Jeremie,

I like it ALOT.... Can you Pm or email me the details on that?? and How you set it up?

I really cant say how Thankful I am to everyone for there advice,

Also Jeremie that looks Almost just like the ones you can buy from LLL Reptile or Zoo Med

 

[Subdriven]

sure can. I think I have a thread on here about it.. or on ball-pythons.net..

 

[bradleymoore]

i grabbed this one a few weeks ago for 50$. it's just a wine fridge and was pre wired with 12" flexwatt. since i had a clutch of eggs last week... i've bought a 3" fan at radio shack and have the clutch in it and it's holding a perfect temp.

 

[Subdriven]

That looks good. was that $50 with or with out a thermisat? That is something I plan on building in 1-2 seasons when I have more then 2-3 clutches at 1 time. I can handle 3 right now and only have 2 females that are mating so I'm good for 1-2 more years..