Incubator for breeding feeders

[kplatvoet]

I have been thinking of getting an incubator just for breeding feeders - I would be happy if I could get crickets and silkworm to hatch reliably and feel that depending on the price (in the $100.00 range- I'd go as high as 2 if it does what I need maybe higher for something that would last) (I've also been checking out instructions for a homemade one on one members blog) I'm just not sure if it would work well - I know some people have feeders hatching in incubators but can you hatch silkworms and crickets in the same incubator at the same time? What size and temps would I need to stagger the hatch rates for a good supply of each ? It would be sort of nice if I could hatch out flies without wondering how many days it takes so if anyone has had any luck using an incubator for hatching blue bottles that information would also be useful.

 

[CarlC]

To buy something large enough to do a bit of everything would cost a fortune. You could easily make something for much less.

A old used fridge that has a good door seal, a Herpstat controller or any of the other brands that offer proportional controlling, heat tape, and a sheet of plexi glass.

Line the bottom of the fridge with the heat tape. Drill a hole in the side of the fridge to run your wires through. Seal the hole with some silicone. Remove the door from the fridge and cut out a large square. Attach the plexi glass with some sheet metal screws and silicone. Reattach the door the next day after the silicone has had plenty of time to allow fumes to disapate. Being able to view through the door isn't needed but it helps keep a consistant temp inside since you won't be opening the door to check on things. Program the controller to the temp you choose. Let this run for a few days to see if any adjustments need to be made.

Carl

 

[nick barta]

To buy something large enough to do a bit of everything would cost a fortune. You could easily make something for much less.

A old used fridge that has a good door seal, a Herpstat controller or any of the other brands that offer proportional controlling, heat tape, and a sheet of plexi glass.

Line the bottom of the fridge with the heat tape. Drill a hole in the side of the fridge to run your wires through. Seal the hole with some silicone. Remove the door from the fridge and cut out a large square. Attach the plexi glass with some sheet metal screws and silicone. Reattach the door the next day after the silicone has had plenty of time to allow fumes to disapate. Being able to view through the door isn't needed but it helps keep a consistant temp inside since you won't be opening the door to check on things. Program the controller to the temp you choose. Let this run for a few days to see if any adjustments need to be made.

Carl

Carl,

I like your idea.

Nick

 

[CarlC]

A fridge with a freezer on top comes in handy as supplies can be stored in the freezer section. Add a small computer fan to the fridge section to circulate the air. Humidity can be provided by adding a water tray to the bottom of the fridge. Cover the tray to adjust the humidity.

To make the assembly lighter all the heavy cooling equipment can be removed. Just be advised it is illegal to release the R22 refridgerent to the atmosphere.

Carl

 

[kplatvoet]

So it sounds to me like the major problem with my idea is that in order to have it work well (provide a steady flow of crickets,silkworms and hatch flies) the size I would need would cost in the 1000 dollar range instead of the 200 dollar range? I'm wondering how it would work if I used an insulated cooler. I hadn't thought of using plexi glass but I think it could be done with a cooler if I can't find a fridge -I also don't really have a good place to put a fridge. I'm going to send my husband out sidewalk shopping for a broken wine chiller they are smaller but they have glass doors. I'm thinking from what you've said that this would work (with your modifications) but I most likely will still have to buy feeders as to get enough as I would need more room.

 

[CarlC]

A cooler would work.

Once the weather clears try calling some second hand stores. You'd might be surprised and find out they have some older model fridge's for the right price. It doesn't need to look pretty because it can always be polished up with a can of whatever color spray paint you want.

And another option is calling your local HD or Lowes. They do free haul away when someone buys new. Maybe you could work something out.

Carl