RAMBLIN ROOSTER...I just got a Brinsea 20, and I have 32 eggs in there! When I first set, I put the biggest in the bottom and had the smaller pullet eggs laying on their sides on top. The problem was those were the shipped eggs and they would clunk around when I turned them.
So on day 3 I took them out, removed the black tray and rails, and put the eggs in the bottom...it provided MUCH more space! For the 5-6 that didn't fit in the bottom, I cut the bottoms out of a paper egg carton (for air movement) and put those up top so they are pointy ends down. I actually have room for more eggs if I wanted...maybe 38?
I also have the outdoor sensor of an indoor/outdoor thermometer/hygrometer in there, which is maybe 1x2x6 inches or so. Now everything is snug as a bug in there and no more clunking around. I am candling again tomorrow (day 7) and will likely remove a few that were still clear last night. By day 10 hopefully after I cull a few more they will all fit in the tray.
We are lovin this Brinsea! It requires very little of my time, holds the temp perfectly, and we have LOTS of embryos!
One thing I need to mention...it might not all be the Brinsea...but our climate. We aren't having issues with temps like a lot of others are, because we're in Arizona. And the house we just bought is so well insulated we have barely run the AC or heat since moving in 2 months ago and that probably helps keep the temp stable. We just started up the heater last week between 2am and 7am and that's only so I don't freeze when I get up for work in the morning.
Just read your directions and mess with the temp for a day or two before setting so you get to know how your adjustments will affect everything.