outdoor pond idea

[frasertheking]

i built a pond with my dad in the greenhouse . i love the look of swordtails from above

 

[Dr Joe]

The more I am looking into the greenhouse, the more sense it makes. It comes with options of opening roof panel for air, fan kit for ventilation, and propane heater for the greenhouse. They also sell cooling devices.

Have you got a link to the one your considering?

If you've got the budget, it's a great idea, and it you set the green house on several courses of block (short wall) it will give you added height and insulation at ground level from natures forces.

You can also cut Styrofoam panels to to fit the sides and top for added insulation when needed.

Propane heat does dry things out so evaporation will have to be kept in check. If natural gas is available (no puns please) it is usually cheaper.

Hard plastic is better than roll plastic, Glass is better than plastic and double pain glass is better tha single pain.

Plastic and wood frames won't conduct the cold to the inside like metal does.

Good thing there aren't a lot of choices to make huh?

I'm considering growing junk cars in my yard (you don't have to feed them, and I already have a head start on it)

Dr Joe

.

 

[frasertheking]

if you do the hole greenhouse thing go all out make a bog and little stream and plant lots of banna plants and tropical plants then add tree frogs and you got a little slice of forest

 

[Scorponok]

Still researching. Got a question. What's the difference between polycarbonate covers and polyethylene covers?

These are polycarbonate covers,
http://www.shelter-solution.com/Polycarbonate-Greenhouse-14Wx16Lx8H-pr-16297.html
http://www.conleys.com/hobby.htm

These are polyethylene covers,
http://www.shelter-solution.com/Round-Style-Solar-Star-Greenhouse-38ft.-Wide-pr-16713.html

This is solexx, any good?
http://www.4seasongreenhouse.com/solexx-conservatory-16x20-p-1066.html

 

[Dr Joe]

Solid polycarbonate sides and top, best light transmission & hardest to accidentally damage (meteors are an exception).

Uses soft polyethylene film for the top & polycarbonate for the sides. Can roll up sides for ventilation or maintenance, periodically needs replacement.

Solexx is translucent [SIZE=-1]corrugated (like cardboard) panels, thin & light.
[/SIZE]

 

[Scorponok]

I don't think they sell them like that. I got go with either/or. I think going with polycabonate might be the way to go for long term lasting.

 

[Scorponok]

Does anyone how solar pool heater works? Can you store the heat during day, and heat the pool during night?

http://www.pcpools.com/depts/dept-24.html

 

[Roflcopter]

that might be a way to save money,but if it was me i would juust use a normal pond heater.i dont think you can control the heat it gives off,so if it gets really hot somehow during the winter,what would you do because its a greenhouse and hot. but this is just IMO

 

[Dr Joe]

Does anyone how solar pool heater works? Can you store the heat during day, and heat the pool during night?

http://www.pcpools.com/depts/dept-24.html

You have to start with enough solar collectors to heat the reserve (there are formulas for this).

To store the heat, obviously you need a storage unit. An insulated water/antifreeze storage tank (filled with river stone type of rock to absorb and hold the heat, these are usually buried). Then a heat exchanger to transfer and regulate the heat to the pond water.

It's not a hard thing to do and if your clever enough, not very expensive either.

Check with sites like Mother Earth News and such for DIY.

DR Joe

.

 

[Scorponok]

Thanks for the info.
I have made up my mind to go with Solexx 5mm material. It's got the highest R-factor and lowest F-factor for insulation.

http://www.solexx.com/greenhouses.html