Choosing my incubator

[C C Gecko]

I was going to purchase the Thermal Hova Bator Incubator(1602-N) but found out I would still require a thermostat to regulate temps. The total of those 2 itmes would total up to about the same as a Zoo Med Reptibator - Digital Reptile Incubator which can regulate the temps by it's self.

What do you all think, purchase the hova bator and a thermostat or purchase the Zoo Med Reptibator?

Or do you think that the Zoo Med Reptibator would still require a thermostat?

IMO the Zoo Med looks more stable.

 

[Enigmatic_Reptiles]

Well I use Nature Spirit as my primary but I also have a MR148 for males/other species (depending). It works very well and hold stable temps. There are a few threads in here about it and how you have to set it up to get an accurate reading...but with a bag of water and a extra thermometer, this incubator works perfect (for me). If you don't mind spending the money NS incubators are awesome. I have nothing but good things with that incubator.

Here is the MR 148

 

[acpart]

From what I've read, it does seem that the zoo-med may be equivalent to the hobovator + decent thermostat. They have worked well for many people. If you read the incubator threads on here you'll see that some people feel these incubators aren't ideal for reptiles because the heat comes from the top and can dry out the eggs. If you're planning to use the SIM as an egg container, be sure to get the one adapted for the hobovator.

Aliza

 

[Imperial Geckos]

Well I use Nature Spirit as my primary but I also have a MR148 for males/other species (depending). It works very well and hold stable temps. There are a few threads in here about it and how you have to set it up to get an accurate reading...but with a bag of water and a extra thermometer, this incubator works perfect (for me). If you don't mind spending the money NS incubators are awesome. I have nothing but good things with that incubator.

Here is the MR 148

I have also heard nothing but positive feed back from the Nature Spirit Incubators and i was going to buy one now in November. However Natures Spirit is not making anymore incubators until further notice..

This is from their site:
"UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE...As of September 1st 2010 We are not accepting any new incubator or rack orders. We apologize for any inconvenience, but it is unavoidable due to an injury Casey sustained which will require surgery on his shoulder and extensive rehabilitation. We are looking at probably around 5-6 months for recovery.In the interim Casey will be working with family members to see if we may continue production in a limited way.Any orders received before September 1st will be filled in a timely fashion, as usual. Thank you very much for your patience and support during this time.
Casey and Darla Hulse. "

I dont know what im going to this year for incubators..im going to have to buy tons of Hovas... i had planned to buy an NS but, it looks like me and the rest of the world that wanted one will have to wait...

 

[roger]

I was going to purchase the Thermal Hova Bator Incubator(1602-N) but found out I would still require a thermostat to regulate temps. The total of those 2 itmes would total up to about the same as a Zoo Med Reptibator - Digital Reptile Incubator which can regulate the temps by it's self.

What do you all think, purchase the hova bator and a thermostat or purchase the Zoo Med Reptibator?

Or do you think that the Zoo Med Reptibator would still require a thermostat?

IMO the Zoo Med looks more stable.

I have the Hovobator 1602 and I do not use a thermostat.My temps stay stable without it

 

[C C Gecko]

Alright I can understand the Zoo Med Reptibator drying out the eggs possible issue.

I really liked the MR-148

If I choose to go with the Hovabator 1602N, would the thermostat I use be the same as I would use for my rack system... like the Ranco ETC-111000 Pre Wired or Johnson Controls Thermostat-Pre Wired or is there a smaller/cheaper version of that for incubators. I am not trying to cut cost here at all I just want to know so I am well informed.

 

[Johnantny]

Why not build your own? The larger the incubator, the more stable the egg container will be. Sometimes you can find a trashed mini fridge on craigslist or check a recycling center. Pick up some wide heat tape, and put your money into a proportional thermostat. Wont take more than 20 minutes to put it together and will last years and years hatching all your favorite reptiles. Its what most pros do!

cheers

John

 

[MellowMan24]

if your going to get the MR-148. i suggest you go to this site its the same thing just alot cheaper in price! i'm planning on getting mine from there soon.

 

[Jgreen909]

Why not build your own? The larger the incubator, the more stable the egg container will be. Sometimes you can find a trashed mini fridge on craigslist or check a recycling center. Pick up some wide heat tape, and put your money into a proportional thermostat. Wont take more than 20 minutes to put it together and will last years and years hatching all your favorite reptiles. Its what most pros do!

cheers

John

Exactly what I did. Found a broken Rockstar Energy drink fridge for $40 on craigslist.

 

[gixxer3420]

Ive got a couple MR-148 and they work alright. I also have a few hova bators and they work good.. I do not use a thermostat with my hova bator. Takes me about 40 minutes to get it dialed into the temp I want. Once its at the temp I want its stays there for the entire season. I'm in the market for a nature spirit incubator now. Once they are all healed up over there I'm going to place my order for a couple. My suggestion spend the money on a good incubator and you will be set for years to come.

 

[little98dime]

my home made is doing well fo rme so far. minimal temp fluctuations. here's a link.
http://geckoforums.net/showthread.php?t=65590

One thing to note is that I am using a towel and a thin sheet as the "lid". it helps keep in heat. the end that is to the outside of the shelf is folded back to allow for access. the air inside stays a nice 84-86 from the front to the back even with the towel folded back. Typical temp flux is only 1 degree.

 

[C C Gecko]

So I have read up more on the hova bator. So I can adjust the temps of it, there is just no saftly if there was a temp raise on the out side making the temps inside rise.

Has anyone used the hova bator without an additional thermostat? If so how did that work out?

 

[Imperial Geckos]

So I have read up more on the hova bator. So I can adjust the temps of it, there is just no saftly if there was a temp raise on the out side making the temps inside rise.

Has anyone used the hova bator without an additional thermostat? If so how did that work out?

I used 2 hovas with no additional thermostat last year to incubate for females .. temp variance was +/- 2'F

It got the job done, the eggs i lost were not do to any incubator related problems.

 

[Redleg]

It is a shame what happened to Casey and NS incubator not being available anytime soon.

I purchased my NS last year and could not have been happier with the results :main_laugh:

There are plenty of good ones out there. Good luck on your choice.