Hobby coral farming with Hobby Greenhouse

chazman113 · 03/19/2009, 11:09 AM

I am considering buying something similar to this to grow coral....

http://www.greenhousemegastore.com/E...fo/HG-RIEG-08/

Keep in mind, this isn't a commercial operation, more of just for hobby/ viability study.

My question is, is it just outlandish to think this greenhouse will be insulated enough not to cost a fortune heating? I'm only heating an 8x8 space and can cover it with an additional layer of polycarbonate, but then again it is only polycarbonate. I live in delaware and the winters don't get too bad. I think summers won't be a problem with the addition of a fans/evaporative coolers.

Has anyone tried such a thing before? Is there a better solution for a very small greenhouse "on the cheap"?

rick rottet · 03/19/2009, 11:23 AM

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...ght=greenhouse

dendronepthya · 03/19/2009, 01:48 PM

Quick general rule: build your greenhouse anticipating the hottest and coldest days of the year. Anticipate also possible electrical and/or natural gas failure. It only takes one crummy day to kill everything.

chazman113 · 03/19/2009, 02:19 PM

I've experienced one of those eventualities before, definentally not fun! Thanks for the post of the previous thread, hopefully I can learn from his mistakes.

ctenophore · 03/20/2009, 06:48 AM

That size is not worth the trouble. Far easier to keep a few frag tanks in your basement/garage. Way too much work for temperature and light control.

MrPike · 03/21/2009, 06:13 PM

I agree with both comments above - We had a -19 degree night and really appreciated the extra 25,000 btu larger heater unit we purchased.

I think bigger the better with a greenhouse. If your going to lose sleep with it, and you will believe me, its better to make some good money when/if it succeeds.

03/19/2009, 11:09 AM	#1
chazman113 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 200	Hobby coral farming with Hobby Greenhouse I am considering buying something similar to this to grow coral.... http://www.greenhousemegastore.com/E...fo/HG-RIEG-08/ Keep in mind, this isn't a commercial operation, more of just for hobby/ viability study. My question is, is it just outlandish to think this greenhouse will be insulated enough not to cost a fortune heating? I'm only heating an 8x8 space and can cover it with an additional layer of polycarbonate, but then again it is only polycarbonate. I live in delaware and the winters don't get too bad. I think summers won't be a problem with the addition of a fans/evaporative coolers. Has anyone tried such a thing before? Is there a better solution for a very small greenhouse "on the cheap"?

03/19/2009, 11:23 AM	#2
rick rottet reefkeeper// propagator Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: illinois Posts: 1,440	http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...ght=greenhouse __________________ Beware the hobby that eats- Benjamin Franklin Current Tank Info: 4 x 210 gallon prop system

03/19/2009, 01:48 PM	#3
dendronepthya Premium Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Akron, OH, USA Posts: 3,762	Quick general rule: build your greenhouse anticipating the hottest and coldest days of the year. Anticipate also possible electrical and/or natural gas failure. It only takes one crummy day to kill everything. __________________ - Than (dendro) Current Tank Info: 5000-gallon greenhouse system

03/19/2009, 02:19 PM	#4
chazman113 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 200	I've experienced one of those eventualities before, definentally not fun! Thanks for the post of the previous thread, hopefully I can learn from his mistakes.

03/20/2009, 06:48 AM	#5
ctenophore RC Sponsor Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Rockville MD Posts: 707	That size is not worth the trouble. Far easier to keep a few frag tanks in your basement/garage. Way too much work for temperature and light control.

03/21/2009, 06:13 PM	#6
MrPike Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Colorado Posts: 718	I agree with both comments above - We had a -19 degree night and really appreciated the extra 25,000 btu larger heater unit we purchased. I think bigger the better with a greenhouse. If your going to lose sleep with it, and you will believe me, its better to make some good money when/if it succeeds.