Incubator

[alfazer]

I made a honey warming cabinet couple of years ago from an old fridge and an STC1000 controller. It works well with its 60w bulb and I hope to add a fan this year to eliminate hot spots. The temp control seems very accurate.

You've already guessed where this question is heading....

Could it be used as a incubator for queen cells? (I've no experience of incubating queen cells at all, but it's something I'd like to try this year.)

Thanks

 

[jimmybee]

I've done it in an egg incubator around 32 degrees. Should work if you have humidity and temp right. Good fun. seem to be larger Queens as well.

 

[oliver90owner]

You've already guessed where this question is heading....

No I hadn't and can't see why I should have!

Why not? Might be the question. These controllers are able to work from -50 to +100 Celsius? A fridge is simply a confined and insulated space. I can easily control my wine fermentations at 18C.

So I can see no reason why it should not control at around whatever temperature you require. Am I missing something simple here? Doubt you need the fridge side of things, that's all.

 

[protheroe]

I use one for an incubator with a small fan and 2 small 25w cooker or fridge bulbs.

 

[Gilberdyke John]

I made a honey warming cabinet couple of years ago from an old fridge and an STC1000 controller. It works well with its 60w bulb and I hope to add a fan this year to eliminate hot spots. The temp control seems very accurate.

You've already guessed where this question is heading....

Could it be used as a incubator for queen cells? (I've no experience of incubating queen cells at all, but it's something I'd like to try this year.)

Thanks

I'd not rely on a 60w bulb. Far better to use a tubular heater or similar both from a reliability and a safety aspect. Use of the fan will be a worthwhile development.

 

[madasafish]

I'd not rely on a 60w bulb. Far better to use a tubular heater or similar both from a reliability and a safety aspect. Use of the fan will be a worthwhile development.

I have hatched quails , turkey and queens with a 20W bulb (sprayed red) inside a small container ..

 

[alfazer]

Thanks for all the replies. I had no experience of any kind of incubator so sound like I could give it a go.

 

[Poly Hive]

Humidity is critical as are cages.....

One young lady gets loose over night and bye bye all your work.

PH

 

[Gilberdyke John]

I have hatched quails , turkey and queens with a 20W bulb (sprayed red) inside a small container ..

Bulbs fail. They are also fragile and could leave exposed live conductors but hey you do what suits you.