Need help with Hova-Bator incubator and adjusting temperature.

[Jeff876533]

Hey guys, i just got a hova bator incubator w/o the fan, just the basic model. It has a wafer thermostat thing, but i've not been able to get it to an exact temperature down. Do i need a thermostat, and if so, what is the cheapest one i can get? I have no cash right now, and if it's cheap i'll get my mom to buy me one. So whats the cheapest i can get for a decent thermostat? I saw a zoomed one that looks like it'll do the job well, but i need your guys's oppinions on it.


Jeff K.

 

[PaulSage]

I think the ZooMed model you're referring to is actually a rheostat (which your Hovabator already has) and not a thermostat. Rheostats establish the amount of electrical current going to a heating element, whereas a thermostat maintains the set temperature where the probe is placed. The "cheapest" thermostats (to the best of my knowledge) are Rancos but I could be wrong. I've never used hovabators, so I can't really recommend one, but I just thought I'd point out the difference, as I don't believe ZooMed makes a thermostat.

 

[Jeff876533]

http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/reptile-supplies/thermometers-and-thermostats/-/zoo-med-500r-thermostat-with-probe/

They also do have a rheostat:

http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/reptile-supplies/thermometers-and-thermostats/-/zoo-med-rheostat-150-watts/

Thanks for the answer Paul, they do have both thermostats and rheostats, but i dont know if they'll do the job. I did get a decent temperature maintained, but i still want something that's reliable. Any more suggestions guys?


Jeff K.

 

[BalloonzForU]

If you'd like to use a thermostat with the incubator the best type would be a proportional thermostat, and they can be a little pricier. If you can place the hovabator in a center room closet in the house. These are usually the most stable places to put the hovabators to keep a constant temp in.

 

[justin-branam]

the hovabator works like an on/off thermostat, just not very precise (mine fluctuates 5 degrees!!). in my opinion, the cheapest RELIABLE thermostat out there would be the ranco or johnson brand. they run about $85 already wired up, or $60 if you wire it (not too hard to do). they will keep your incubator within 1 degree of the desired temp. i ordered one for my hovabator, but i have used one for my aquarium for two years now, and it stays between 77-78 at all times, which is accurate enough for me.

you may also try plugging the holes in the incubator to give it more stable temps. it is designed that way to pull in fresh air, but with the geckos, the eggs are in containers anyways, which you open once a week to let fresh air in, so the holes are kind of pointless.

 

[dragonflyreptiles]

You can also put a deli cup full of water in it, that will help hold better temps since it takes longer for water to heat up or cool down than air.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

The Johnson controller is also an "ON-OFF" type. If you really want to use a thermostat controller, a proportional model like the Helix or HerpStat would work the best.

As far as getting the Hovabator to hold temps, you should keep it in a place where the ambient room temps stay stable, like in a closet, Keep in mind that every time you open and close the Hovabator, the temperature will start over-shooting and under-shooting.... and it takes a while to stabilize.

Another thing you can do to help this issue is to get a large gallon size zip-lock bag (that won't leak) and fill it half way with water, and put it in the bottom of the Hovabator. This serves as a heat-sync, and since it will already be at the temp inside, it will take less time for the heat to recover when the incubator is opened.

 

[Russ S]

Another thing you can do to help this issue is to get a large gallon size zip-lock bag (that won't leak) and fill it half way with water, and put it in the bottom of the Hovabator. This serves as a heat-sync, and since it will already be at the temp inside, it will take less time for the heat to recover when the incubator is opened.

I use the gell filled reusable hot/cold packs you can buy in the wal-mart pharmacy department. They are cheap and not as likely to leak as a ziplock.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

GREAT idea, Russ!

 

[Jeff876533]

The Johnson controller is also an "ON-OFF" type. If you really want to use a thermostat controller, a proportional model like the Helix or HerpStat would work the best.

As far as getting the Hovabator to hold temps, you should keep it in a place where the ambient room temps stay stable, like in a closet, Keep in mind that every time you open and close the Hovabator, the temperature will start over-shooting and under-shooting.... and it takes a while to stabilize.

Another thing you can do to help this issue is to get a large gallon size zip-lock bag (that won't leak) and fill it half way with water, and put it in the bottom of the Hovabator. This serves as a heat-sync, and since it will already be at the temp inside, it will take less time for the heat to recover when the incubator is opened.

Awesome idea Marcia, that'll work great. I may just buy a Zoo Med Thermostat and see how reliable it can be until i get enough $ to buy a more expensive one. I am like dead broke, so it'll be even hard to convince my mom to buy me a zoo med. I'll tel you guys how good it works if i do get one. In the meantime, does anybody here have one/ had experiance with one??

Thanks a ton for the replies,


Jeff K.

 

[giantkeeper]

Just wanted to say thanks for the great ideas for steadying the temp fluctuations. I placed a full 12oz water bottle in my incubator and the temps have been steady every since. Thanks again!