Why are the ideal temps different for forced air/still air and...

[Ruby Rogue]

...what, exactly constitutes a forced air?

If there is a fan in the incubator which is moving the air around and keeping the temperatures steady all around, but not drawing air in from a vent or pushing air out of a vent, does this still count as a forced air?

Does an incubator need vents if the door is opened 3 times or more per day to let air in?

Why are the ideal temperatures different for forced vs still?

 

[R2elk]

If there is a fan in the incubator which is moving the air around and keeping the temperatures steady all around, but not drawing air in from a vent or pushing air out of a vent, does this still count as a forced air?

There have to be vents whether it is a forced air or a still air incubator. Failure to provide fresh air can cause suffocation especially during the last days.

Does an incubator need vents if the door is opened 3 times or more per day to let air in?

Yes, it needs a constant supply of fresh air. The higher the elevation is the more critical the requirement for a constant exchange of air.

Why are the ideal temperatures different for forced vs still?

Theoretically the air temperature is the same throughout the incubator in a forced air incubator. Unfortunately not all forced air incubators have an ideal air flow.

In a still air incubator, the air stratifies and the temperature is hotter the higher it is in the incubator. The temperature for a still air incubator is recommended to be measured even with the top of the egg. This is to ensure that the internal temperature of the egg ends up at the right temperature.

 

[Ruby Rogue]

Thanks for your informative reply.

Do you mind a couple of more questions?

I'm going to attach a couple of pictures to give you a visual.

Are the holes in the back of the lamp sufficient ventilation? The fan is placed in front of the lamp so it's 'possibly' (probably?) drawing some fresh air in, yes?

What temperature range is safe for this type of setup?

The first photo is the back of the lamp from outside.

The thermometer inside bottom right is not accurate, it's for humidity only.

 

[R2elk]

Thanks for your informative reply.

Do you mind a couple of more questions?

I'm going to attach a couple of pictures to give you a visual.

Are the holes in the back of the lamp sufficient ventilation? The fan is placed in front of the lamp so it's 'possibly' (probably?) drawing some fresh air in, yes?

What temperature range is safe for this type of setup?

The first photo is the back of the lamp from outside.

The thermometer inside bottom right is not accurate, it's for humidity only.

Proper positioning of a fan is so that the fan blows across the heat source. One of the reasons for this is to prolong the life of the fan motor by having it in the coolest part of the air flow unlike where yours is in the hottest part of the air flow.

For my cabinet incubator, the air inlet and outlet are both 1 1/4" in diameter. In my cabinet hatcher, the air inlets (2) and the air outlets (2) are all 3/4" in diameter.

I am not an engineer and do not know what your incubator is constructed from and will not venture a guess as to the safety of your set up.

 

[Ruby Rogue]

Cool

I've tested it, this seems to be the best way for this setup. It holds temps good and it's not completely airtight so like...hopefully it works out alright.

It's a cardboard cooler box covered in Styrofoam covered in duct tape.

 

[Ruby Rogue]

And thanks!