how reliable are water heater thermostats?

[unclejohn]

this link here
http://www.rona.ca/en/water-heater-thermostat
is my local rona shop. when i look at the picture though it looks like the temperature on it can only be set from 110F to 170F.
i was thinking about maybe just getting a dimmer switch
http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/lutron-credenza-cfl-led-lamp-dimmer-0528676p.html#.VKKvKF4Cw

then i can just set the temp as i need. People have said that with dimmer switches if the power goes out then the dimmer will not turn the light back on, but i am usually home anyways

are the water heater thermostats reliable at keeping it at 99.5?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

IMHO, the temperature differential between when they turn on power and cycle off is too wide, usually 3 degrees.
Some people still use them by placing the thermostat and heat source farther away from the eggs.

 

[isethebye]

properly set up and mine holds 100.0 depending on the room temp it may fluctuate .5 degree.
just had to turn it back on the 8th day from 100.4- 100 wireless temp reads 99.5 steady whereas the probe is more quick to respond.

 

[unclejohn]

IMHO, the temperature differential between when they turn on power and cycle off is too wide, usually 3 degrees.
Some people still use them by placing the thermostat and heat source farther away from the eggs.

what can i use rather than a water thermostat?

 

[Fred's Hens]

Simply? Another thermostat, Actually? A thermostat designed or when applied, a good incubator thermostat.

IncubatorWarehouse is a great source for those who build, repair, adapt or modify incubators. They have thermostat's to meet any size project and any wallet.

http://incubatorwarehouse.com/egg-incubator-accessories/incubator-thermostats.html

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Here's one option
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Egg-Incubat...ng-Hathching-Eggs-Chicken-Quail-/230752199624

I use these
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Very-Accura...970?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aaa619da2

and these
http://www.ebay.com/itm/AC-110V-F-Temperature-Controller-Temp-Sensor-incubator-thermostat-Switch-Relay-/181623974868?
pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a49a1ebd4

They cycle on and off frequently so I use a metallic heat element rather than a light bulb.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/125-Watt-Ca...912?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f202d7a00

this 250W is for larger incubators
http://www.ebay.com/itm/250-watt-co...592?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d03f063a8

have you been through these? I'm sure there are some that use the water thermostat.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/homemade-chicken-egg-incubator-designs-pictures

 

[Fred's Hens]

Here's one option
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Egg-Incubat...ng-Hathching-Eggs-Chicken-Quail-/230752199624

I use these
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Very-Accura...970?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aaa619da2

and these
http://www.ebay.com/itm/AC-110V-F-Temperature-Controller-Temp-Sensor-incubator-thermostat-Switch-Relay-/181623974868?
pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a49a1ebd4

They cycle on and off frequently so I use a metallic heat element rather than a light bulb.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/125-Watt-Ca...912?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f202d7a00

this 250W is for larger incubators
http://www.ebay.com/itm/250-watt-co...592?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d03f063a8

have you been through these? I'm sure there are some that use the water thermostat.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/homemade-chicken-egg-incubator-designs-pictures

Good resource links given.


Some folks aren't cut out to build their own incubator. They just go to a website like Brinsea and order one. Others buy the foam incubators ready to rock and roll.

I've built a half dozen incubators and enjoy the "craftiness" of it all. To each their own. You pay your money and you take your choice.

 

[frg34]

They cycle on and off frequently so I use a metallic heat element rather than a light bulb.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/125-Watt-Ca...912?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f202d7a00

Thanks for posting this. I already have my STC-1000 and was going to use a light bulb. Heating element looks like no work at all. Ebay and amazon have them for $5 and under too: http://www.amazon.com/Amico-Heating...9961885&sr=8-5&keywords=110+v+heating+element

 

[ChickenCanoe]

An incandescent light constantly cycling will eventually burn out. Shouldn't happen with a metallic element.
The only problem is that you can't tell if they're working by looking at them.