DIY Bator help

[Welshies]

So i managed to make my new DIY styrofoam bator for about $45. I included a fan. However... I'm testing it out right now. How do i know if the bulb i am using is too hot or unsafe? I'm concerned about fire hazards. This bulb is 40 watts.
I know that when testing, I'll know the right temperature and be able to find it... more so what I'm worried about is fire hazard, I guess. Putting a bulb so close to styrofoam is kind of scary. How can I ensure my house doesn't burn down?

 

[Birdinhand]

I would watch for signs of the Styrofoam getting over heated. in my last cooler-bator I used an under tank heater and stuck it to a glass casserole dish, added computer fans and dialed in the temp by adjusting two floor and two ceiling vents with wads of saran wrap shoved into them to dampen the air flow. I like things like heating pads and under tank heaters much better than light bulbs. bulbs are more prone to burning out and or catching on fire but sometimes you have to go with what you have and keep a close eye on it. the fan should help a lot to even out the air temp, which helps a lot with hatch success rate!

 

[AlleysChicks]

So the bulb will be on 24/7? How will you keep the temp consistent without a thermostat?

 

[Welshies]

So the bulb will be on 24/7? How will you keep the temp consistent without a thermostat?

By picking and using the most appropriate wattage. I had to switch out the 40 watt bulb and use a 25. So far the 25 watt is doing well.
I don't need a thermostat. It just makes things easier.

 

[AlleysChicks]

By picking and using the most appropriate wattage. I had to switch out the 40 watt bulb and use a 25. So far the 25 watt is doing well.
I don't need a thermostat. It just makes things easier.

Ah. I thought that way too and I had a massive temp spike 2 weeks in. I was using a dimmer switch and all my eggs died. Good luck.

 

[Welshies]

Ah. I thought that way too and I had a massive temp spike 2 weeks in. I was using a dimmer switch and all my eggs died. Good luck.

Gee, no need to be that way...
I can't just fork out money on something I don't need. Yes, a thermostat would ensure my eggs hatched, but my bator has been completely fine and stable so far and I will see how it goes. I keep mine in a digitally controlled temperature sooo... it should be fine, thanks.

 

[BantyChooks]

Gee, no need to be that way...
I can't just fork out money on something I don't need. Yes, a thermostat would ensure my eggs hatched, but my bator has been completely fine and stable so far and I will see how it goes. I keep mine in a digitally controlled temperature sooo... it should be fine, thanks.

She is just sharing her experience. No need to be so defensive.

Bator looks nice.

 

[AlleysChicks]

Gee, no need to be that way...
I can't just fork out money on something I don't need. Yes, a thermostat would ensure my eggs hatched, but my bator has been completely fine and stable so far and I will see how it goes. I keep mine in a digitally controlled temperature sooo... it should be fine, thanks.

What way? I’m just saying be cautious. Mine was fine the first 2 weeks, then it wasn’t. That’s all I was saying.

Also the tape holding your fan up may loosen up with the heat, make sure to screw it in so it won’t fall and crush your eggs.

 

[Welshies]

She is just sharing her experience. No need to be so defensive.

Bator looks nice.

I'm sorry. Maybe I took it wrong, it just came off as rude to me.

 

[Welshies]

What way? I’m just saying be cautious. Mine was fine the first 2 weeks, then it wasn’t. That’s all I was saying.

Also the tape holding your fan up may loosen up with the heat, make sure to screw it in so it won’t fall and crush your eggs.

I can't screw something into styrofoam. So far the tape is fine, my eggs are also being kept to the other side because of that concern.
I'm sorry if I was rude. I probably took it wrong, but you came off as being passive aggressively rude. So I am sorry I hope it's okay.