From owner-celegans@net.bio.net Tue Jan 30 22:00:00 1996 Path: biosci!UCHSC.EDU!Tom.Evans From: Tom.Evans@UCHSC.EDU ("Tom Evans") Newsgroups: bionet.celegans Subject: Incubator Summary Date: 31 Jan 1996 15:31:42 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 56 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Distribution: world Message-ID: NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net Dear Worm Breeders, Here is a summary of the replies I received concerning refrigerated incubators for worm growth. In general, there aren't too many strong opinions out there, pro or con. Several people have noticed that their incubators can have temperature gradients of 1 degree or so from top to bottom, and sometimes from front to back. As long as one is aware of this, precautions might help prevent problems with sensitive temperature-shift experiments. What follows are some specific comments: (1) Certain Forma incubators (Models unknown) generate temperature spikes of a few degrees several times a day, during defrost cycles (Leon Avery). Some newer/higher-end models supposedly don't have this problem (according to the rep here in Colo.) but are about $3600. (2) Several people have Precision Incubators (Fisher or VWR) that are adequate and seem to be problem free, although they generate internal temperature gradients of about a degree, depending on the set temperature and room temperature (about $2000). (3) The Kimble lab has large Percival incubators that have been reliable, as far as I know, for the last few years; they run about $3800 - $5000 for medium sizes. (4) The small VWR Model 2010 incubator is acceptable for most applications where only a small space is needed. However, it can have a top-bottom temperature difference. It also vigorously circulates dry air, so that well-sealed boxes are needed to prevent drying and contamination (Leon Avery). I couldn't find it in the catalog. I have a big, used VWR Model 2030 of uncertain age, and it seems to be performing admirably, with a top-bottom temperature difference of less than a degree (at 20) (about $2500-6000 new, depending on size). (5) Tritech Research (Tritech_Research@lamg.com, Andy Papp's operation) sells small but inexpensive incubators that reportedly don't have the same problems as the VWR 2010. One unit has been in use for 3 yr. without giving any trouble (Dave Fitch). They run $500-$650. (6) Fisher's Model 307 incubator is reported to have serious problems, including periodic loss of temperature control resulting in fried worms. Apparently, this problem was not just one bad unit as several of four units in one lab have had problems (Jonathan Ewbank). (7) A company in France (Franclab, 213, rue de Versaiiles - 92410 VILLE D'AVRAY (FRANCE) Fax|+33.1.47095822. Ask for JOUAN MAXI ARTIC) makes incubators that are admired by Andras Fodor. Thanks to all who replied, Tom Evans tom.evans@uchsc.edu Dept. of Cell. and Structural Biology U.Colo. Health Sci. Cntr. Campus Box B-111 4200 E. 9th Ave. Denver CO 80262 .