how fast should a homemade incubator heat up?

[shaggy]

2 degree's in 30 minutes


80-82



i am using a 60 watt light bulb

 

[rebel yell]

how big is your bator? what is it made out of?

 

[shaggy]

18 gallon rubbermaid container

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=413677

i think i need to fill up some of the dead space and fine a way to insulate it

 

[rebel yell]

styrofoam cooler works great.

 

[Clay Valley Farmer]

I think you will need insultation to achieve 99f with that amount of space and 60 watts. Also without insulation or much mass the incubator will be more likely to have even heat and will be subject to more ups and downs based on temperature changes if the surronding room temperature changes.

For an insulated incubator 10-15 watts per cubic foot seams to be in the ball park. An 18 gal tub is going to be close to 2.5 cubic feet so a 60 watt bulb should get you there if you insulate.

I might considder though putting in two bulbs maybe two 40W as this will give you a back up if one blows and two heat sources will also help to even out the heat.

 

[shaggy]

Quote:
good advice ... time to go mangle another one of the wife's light sockets