Questions about home-made incubator heat sources

[prncssprplfrog]

I think I'm up for the challenge of making my own incubator......maybe... but I'm having some doubts. I was just going to go out and buy an incubator, but I have REALLY expensive tastes & the ones I'm looking at are way out of my price ranger

I have a few resources at hand that I could use without going out and buying a ton of things.
Here's what I have so far:
*Bottle-lamp-kit from Walmart (okay- I bought that- but for crafting purposes only-really!)
*Omaha Steaks cooler (if I can sneak one away from my pack-rat Gram)- if not--->
* small (8"L X6"W X 7"H) Styrofoam cooler used to ship medicine.

*small reptile mat heater (maybe 6"X8")
*reptile rheostat temp controller
* Oh I think we just found a water heater thermostat, but I haven't looked at the specifics.
*Plexiglas
*hardware cloth


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My question is:

has anyone ever (successfully) used reptile heat mats & rheostats for temp control in a 'bator?
I haven't done any basic wiring since 7th grade tech. Any help along the way would be greatly appreciated!

I REALLY want to get started!

 

[CoopCrazy]

Sounds to me like you ahve all you need right there.. I have heard of a few folks using the mat heater with success but dont have names sorry.. I say go for it let us know how it goes..