How to Make an Incubator Using an Aquarium

An incubator is simply an area where the environment can be controlled. Most people think about hatching chicken eggs when they hear the word incubator, but the device can be used for other scientific and medical applications. An incubator made from an aquarium will keep the heat and humidity at the proper level to grow bacterial cultures, hatch eggs and keep the hatchlings at the proper temperature, or provide suitable growing conditions and recuperation benefits for plants and animals.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 20-gallon aquarium
• Heavy clear plastic
• Box cutter or sharp scissors
• Duct tape
• Small lamp with dimmer switch
• 75-watt light bulb
• Thermometer that can be read from a distance

Making an Aquarium Incubator

1. Measure the length and width of the aquarium opening.

2. Cut the heavy plastic to a rectangle shape, 2 inches longer and 1 inch wider than the aquarium opening.

3. Apply the duct tape along the top edge length of the heavy plastic, folding it over to cover the rough edges.

4. Repeat Step 3 for the bottom edge of the heavy plastic.

5. Cut a strip of duct tape the width of the heavy plastic.

6. Apply the duct tape along the side of the heavy plastic, folding it over to cover the rough edges.

7. Repeat Step 6 for the other side of the heavy plastic.

8. Place the aquarium on its side lengthwise.

9. Attach the heavy plastic to the aquarium with duct tape, positioning it so that it extends 1 inch on either side, and is flush with the top of the surface the aquarium is resting on.

10. Position the lamp in the aquarium, with the cord running under the door flap.

11. Place the thermometer in the incubator.

12. Plug in the lamp and turn on the light. Adjust to the required temperature with the dimmer switch.

Tips & Warnings

• Smaller or larger aquariums can be used. If a lamp with a dimmer switch is not available, experiment with different sized light bulbs.
• Make sure the electric lamp is rated for the wattage of the light bulb you use.

References

• University of Missouri--Make Your Own Incubator