Calling all bator builders and hatchahoics...share your wisdom

[BeardedChick]

Same here, though I will say the hot water thermo works just fine in the little cooler 'bator.

I ended up putting a Ranco (digital thermostat, expensive but highly reliable) in my larger wood 'bator and I really like it.

 

[dbcooper02]

Heat source.
Another thing I would like to add, if you are going to use a light bulb as your heat source.

With a single bulb as your heat source you stand a chance of waking up to a cold bator some morning. Imagine the frustration and grief that could cause.

I would recommend using two sockets and bulbs instead of just one. This will give you a built in backup in the event one bulb burns out.
db

 

[BirdBrain]

That is a really good point.

I have been doing some reading this evening and came across a reference to a double thermostat. Why? Is this just insurance or is it for an alarm system on more pricey models.

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

Quote:
Its a safety. If you wonted to make a incubator bomb proof you would use 3.

Thermostat #1 would be set to 101* an would power thermostat #2 an 3.

Thermostat #2 would be set 99.5* an power heat source #1.

Thermostat #3 would be set at 98* an would power heat source #2.

Thermostat #2 is the only one that should have to cycle full time so should be the only one to ever fail.

If thermostat #2 fails in the off position, thermostat #3 will take over at a slightly lower temp so you can see there is an issue without any harm being done.

If thermostat #2 and/or #3 fails in the on position then thermostat 1 will kill the power at a slightly higher temp. Again showing a problem but no harm done.

So for anything bad to ever happen two thermostats must fail simultaneously.


As for which thermostat to use, it comes down to your intentions. Do you just wont a ($)cheep incubator? Do you think you can make one better that you can buy? Or is the proses of making the incubator part of the hobby?

If your trying to build a better incubator by all means go buy the best thermostat you can afford.

If your trying to save money why are you buying a thermostat at all much less a water heater thermostat that is made to save energy not to keep a exact temp. A extremely accurate thermostat can be made with thermal coil out of any dial thermometer.

If its just for the fun of making a incubator, ya know, part of the hobby. Use what you have.


I build my own because of all three reasons. So what I use is cheep mercury bubble home thermostats because everyone has one an there made to read air temp so they cycle fast with little temperature swing.

Marlon