Water reserve system DIY

[Normy84]

We got our first GQF cabinet incubator. I have found it goes through water extremely quickly, I looked at purchasing the water reserve kit but here in Canada it is over $100. I did a search and can find nothing for a DIY system. Anyone do this?

 

[muddy75]

We got our first GQF cabinet incubator. I have found it goes through water extremely quickly, I looked at purchasing the water reserve kit but here in Canada it is over $100. I did a search and can find nothing for a DIY system. Anyone do this?

Ive never used the gqf cabinet, but most DIY humidity systems include putting an extra (shallow) basin of water inside the incubator with and without sponges pieces to increase surface area. Do you have accessory hygrometer that has been salt tested to give accurate humidity??

 

[Ted_Harrell]

I don't have an answer but hope someone else has done this

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

I would just throw in water soaked dish towels and call it a day.

 

[casportpony]

@KsKingBee has GFQ cabinets I think, maybe he can help.

 

[The Moonshiner]

IDK what's available in Canada to purchase from.
It's also been 30 years since I've had a GQF cabinet.
The system was really pretty basic. The same pan that came with any of them that then had a float valve installed in it and line ran to a 5 gallon bucket. The line had a quick release installed in it so you could disconnect it and clean the bucket etc.
Shouldn't be a hard DIY project.

 

[KsKingBee]

@KsKingBee has GFQ cabinets I think, maybe he can help.

I got rid of my GQF and have moved to Brinsea 380's. You can add a float valve hooked up to a bucket fairly easy but be sure to use demineralized water so the float will keep operating. To raise the humidity just add more sponges or close the vents a little.

 

[BrinseaUS]

I love your set up!

 

[KsKingBee]

I love your set up!

Thank you, you have a lot to do with it. May I make a suggestion? As you can see I do not use the one-quart tanks under the humidity pumps, I prefer to draw from a carboy of demineralized and disinfected water. Even though I start every season out with fresh tubing if I cut it a bit too tight it can split and leak water into the motor compartment. Water in the motor has a bad reaction causing it to rust and need replacing. I found that if I drill drain holes in the motor compartment the water can leak out and save the motor. You could either share this bit of information or start drilling every unit. It might cost you some sales replacing pumps but I think it would help with consumer confidence.

 

[BrinseaUS]

Thank you for the information and suggestion! I will pass it along to the UK