Heating experiment.

[Toddrickfl1]

I was setting up an enclosure for my new hatchling today and I had a wild idea. Why not use the heating element and thermostat that came with the Hovabator incubator I bought? So I disassembled the incubator and took out the element and then rigged it to fit onto the lid of my enclosure. So far the temps have remained a solid 86 thru out the whole enclosure. Any one else every try this?

 

[Blackdog1714]

No warpage on the lid? Maybe something inbetween the element and the lid. Also I would add large washers to the topside just under the screw head to distribute the stress out a in a larger diameter that just the screw head. Cool Repurposing-I am a huge fan of a second life for a single onbject

 

[Toddrickfl1]

There might be warpage in a few days will see. I just set it up today.

 

[Blackdog1714]

I figure monitor the temps and it should give you a good life. Considering you cant read the digital gauge I would say you have the humidity spot on

 

[Tom]

At 25 watts, it might have trouble keeping temps up on a cold night, but your thermometer will answer that question for us. Neat Idea.

 

[Toddrickfl1]

At 25 watts, it might have trouble keeping temps up on a cold night, but your thermometer will answer that question for us. Neat Idea.

You are correct. After temps dropped at night it wasn't keeping the enclosure warm enough and it was running nonstop. I took it out and decided to try another method. Somebody gave me the idea of putting my heat source outside of the enclosure. I mounted my CHE about a foot and a half above my tub enclosures lid. I had to play with the height a little to get the right temps but so far so good. It's been a few days and the enclosure is staying around 86-88 and humidity around 90ish. Anyone else every try this method?

 

[Tom]

I have not tried that method. I'm curious, what is the temp on the surface of that lid to keep the inside temp in the mid 80s?

 

[Toddrickfl1]

I have not tried that method. I'm curious, what is the temp on the surface of that lid to keep the inside temp in the mid 80s?

It's pretty hot to the touch but not enough to burn you. It's a 150 watt CHE. I've had it on there 2 days now and the plastic has warped a little but not too bad.

 

[Tom]

It's pretty hot to the touch but not enough to burn you. It's a 150 watt CHE. I've had it on there 2 days now and the plastic has warped a little but not too bad.

That doesn't seem safe or advisable to me...

 

[Toddrickfl1]

That doesn't seem safe or advisable to me...

I have a 50 watt CHE and a thermostat coming in the mail Im planning on rigging. This here was just something I tried. I think maybe in the summer time with a low wattage light instead of a CHE it might be better.