Help my build please

[EL Pato]

After hours of research I have decided to build my own incubator, instead of having to order one. This will be used for waterfowl. I have the basics. I have a question on the water heater part, does it contain an internal thermometer that shuts down when it reaches the calibrated temperature? Anything else I need? I have a 45 quart Styrofoam cooler. If you guys guide me I will post pics and updates of my hatch. This is my fist time hatching anything btw.

 

[RGWright]

If you use a water heater thermostat, make sure you keep it near/about 3 inches from the light. This helps keep the temp regulated. It's fine to use. A wafer thermostat is better, but I have seen plenty of incubators with the water heater thermostat that were very successful, and stayed rather sturdy. It takes a bit to get it to work, but remember to keep it about 3 inches from the light. That's the most important thing. It will shut down when it reaches the calibrated temperature.

 

[EL Pato]

Thanks for the tip. Do they sell the wafer thermostat at Lowes? I could still exchange if need be. I was already thinking the water heater thermostat had to be far not close to the heat source. My cooler is rectangular shape. Were would be the best place to stick the bulb? In the middle of the long side or short side?