Michael Whelchel

Michael Helmersson wrote:

Trace Oswald wrote:For the size you are talking about, a bow shed roof may be the best, most cost effective solution. Search Stimson bow roof shed for cheap plans. They are easy to build, but will take some time.

I think you mean this?:

https://www.by-the-sea.com/stimsonmarine/bowroof.html



These are pretty cool.

Right now -- this is the design we think will work.  Thanks everyone

[quote=Alex Moffitt]Hi,

So Points are, You are on 20 acres in Alabama, USA.

You want to build a green house with an aquaponics system.

You also plan on having solar panels.

Your area gets snow and hurricanes.



Are you sure that using cattle panels, is going to be strong enough for your needs?


I am concerned about the designs video shown before and its ability to hold up with snow fall weight, strong winds, and movement of earth beneath it!

With particular concern to the moment forces effecting the structure!


I believe several other people have mentioned building strong trusses, and building concrete flooring! this is something that I think is a good suggestion!


Would you consider looking into a Paul weapon earth ship?


Thank you for listening,
Regards,
Alex






[/quote]

In our area we really are too far north to worry about hurricanes and snow is very limited ... right now leaning towards the hoop design.

Thanks

Mike Haasl wrote:Oh yeah, those sorts of trusses can be pretty strong.

What would you recommend for a 20x60 size greenhouse?  Is that too large?

Good idea on using the metal hoops,  much larger greenhouse but still affordable.

Trying to get plans or DIY ideas on building a 30x60 (estimate) size Greenhouse without extreme costs.  I have viewed an idea using Cattle Panels (youtube below)

Cattle panel greenhouse

But not sure if I can get the size I want (30x60) and a few feet taller with this method?  Ideas?

Use will be an Aquaponics system with Rainbow Trout and plants.  I will have other issues like climate control especially cooling it down in summer.  Also looking into solar power (so I want to save money on the building).

Good advice John,  glad to know a ram pump can be buried,  that will help.

Also, yes, the water to the house is mainly a backup in case or for limited use.

I will think over your ideas on the fish in a pond but might not work in Aquaponics since the fish waste is needed for the plants,  also rainbow trout might need a bit of extra cooling when it gets 100 degrees in full sun even with the spring being cold.

Thanks again

Ok after studying ram pumps via youtube videos supplied by George,  it will not work.  The issue is that this spring really turns into a raging waterfall several times a year when we get heavy rains as bad as +4 ft of water flowing so strong that it can push fallen trees into the end of the line -- bluewater creek.  So a ram pump and all the pipe would be gone after such an event.

It appears what I will need to do is bury a solar pump into a hole buried in rocks to protect it.

Thanks again for good advice

Thanks George,  many things to research and consider.

You are right,  plan for failure because if anything fails in a aquaponics system everything could die.

The reason I want rainbow trout is first I am from up North in Indiana and I love trout and second it is rare in the south to have a rainbow trout farm ... which will be a plus for resale.  I will research your ideas on how to grow warm weather crops with cold water,  that seems to be the only hold up.

I think putting the tank by the spring and pumping to house with buried pipe is best idea.

Thanks Carl good advice.

My spring ( attached more photos ) has been flowing since the Indians roamed this land (we find artifacts),  along a shale rock bed and old trail.  It's source is underground and it is normally 20-30 degrees colder than BlueCreek which it flows into and never runs dry.  It has areas that are about 6-10 inches deep and my plan is to dig that area out, fill with rocks and a pvc pipe / pump.  One issue is large rain storms can be very strong with the force of water washing anything in it's path away when they happen.  So securing the pump would be an issue.  But I like your idea of a large tank near the spring and greenhouse then pvc or other to the house and filtration systems.

A neighbor up the spring has tapped into it successfully and powers his home so I know the water is good,  but I will have it tested.

I will review your other ideas --- thank you.

Now my issue is in another area Aquaponics,  raising rainbow trout would be nice with the cold water BUT I am not sure my plants will grow in cold water.  If I warm it up -- fish die.

I will post that in another forum.

Edward Norton wrote:That’s a very nice problem to have. You could use the cold water in the summer to cool the house. As mentioned, a ram pump would be a great option and very low cost. It will also work day and night all year.

Any suggestions where to buy?  I understand they can be made but a bit beyond my abilities.

Thanks