Heating Elements

[jnjross]

Quote:
most of those have a safety shut off at 90 degrees,

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

Quote:
If mine wasnt outside It would drive me crazy but because it is its just loud enough for me to tell its still working. But if it was inside I would have just swiped the heat element out of the hairdryer.

 

[HappyHatch'en]

I'm looking at building an incubator as well and from my research I decided that the GQF or Dickey Incubator Co. heating element for the price was the way to go......and because controlling the heat and it's swings a good thermostat...mmmmm "how long have they been using the waffer? It's the automatic turner and timer that has me buffaloed.

 

[jnjross]

i'm get a gqf element, 140mm pc fan, dh is a ac man so he's going to make me a preset stat with .5 diff, and i'm just going to use lg turners since i can get it for $28.

 

[WalkingWolf]

Light bulb works great and is inexpensive, I do have a submersible heating element I made for my hatcher it is a cabinet with the water pan in the bottom and the light in the top. The element consist of a short section of cast iron pipe with a 25 watt bulb sealed inside. The bulb is suspended in rape seed oil which is non conductive to transfer the heat. The wattage is controlled with a dimmer switch to heat the water just enough to raise humidity for hatching duck eggs which need a higher humidity. Canola oil is another version of rape seed oil and can also be used.

 

[Davaroo]

I use light bulbs and/or the regular incubater heaters.
I buy new inexpensive wafer controllers at about 10-12$ each each season. I keep a back up on hand, as well.

I have yet to have problems with temp control by using these tried and true methods.

Contrary to popular, BYC belief, sometimes its best to NOT re-invent the wheel. Until you get some experience (or earn a degree in thermodynamics), you would be better off putting a small bit of money into a decent thermostat/controller and using light bulbs for heat.

Exercise your frugal, recycling talents on the incidentals of wiring, circulation fans* and making a sound, well insulated housing.

[* Scrounge these from old computers and other electronics. These are invariably 12vdc, so you go to the local thrift shop and get a 12 vdc power supply for a dollar or so.]