
Below you will find photos and an explanation of each greenhouse accessory we offer in addition to the standard features of the Growing Dome greenhouse kit.
Solar powered actuators, based on expansion of wax
in a tube, open the upper and lower vents at a preset temperature.
Both openers are adjusted by screwing the tube or adjusting nut inwards
to have them open at a lower temperature or screwing outwards to have
them open at a higher temperature.
Hot air escapes from the top of the Growing Dome, creating a "chimney"
effect, drawing in cold air through the lower vents, which prevents
overheating. The window vents close automatically, freeing you to
go on vacation without worry. The larger domes, instead of lower vents,
have solar powered or 110V cooling fans that are automatically regulated.
The two types of openers are described here. VIEW MORE DETAILS
The Electric (110v) cooling Fan is included in the kit
for the 33' - 51' domes. In some circumstances the owner may want
to upgrade to a solar powered option. For details see description
below.
The solar powered cooling fan upgrade is for the 33'
- 51' domes that normally come with 110v cooling fans as standard.
However, if you want to be more energy efficient you can upgrade to
the 12v fans that run off a solar panel. This would save on electricity
costs, however, the 110v cooling fans only use between 50-85 watts
each, which is the size of an average light bulb. They are on a thermostat
so they don't run all the time.
The downside of the 12v fans is they only bring in 1/3
of the amount of cooling air of the 110v fan (1000 cfm as apposed
to 3000 cfm). If you wish to have everything operate by solar you
would need this upgrade.
VIEW MORE DETAILS
The solar powered waterfall is chosen for two main reasons.
1. It provides aeration for the tank which the fish enjoy and helps
to slow down algae formation.
2. It creates a wonderful ambiance inside the dome.
The waterfall only runs when the sun is shining as it is directly wired to a solar panel that runs the submerged pump. The option consists of a pump, solar panel and connecting hardware.
Some people enjoy having the door with a window and
we've shown a picture of that below. It can provide another source
of air flow as it has a sliding opening window with screen.
The polycarbonate glazing is clear, but distorts images, so the window
in the door allows you to see out clearly in that direction.
Our normal bottom plate on the wall is pressure treated
lumber. It is covered on the outside of the dome with hardi-panel
siding and the inside is covered with sheet metal. The plate contacts
the gravel immediately below and does not come into contact directly
with the soil in the beds. The reason we use pressure treated bottom
plates is because most building departments require these and they
last longer by resisting decay and are also resistant to termite damage. Some people are very concerned about any chemicals in or around the
dome, so for this reason we offer an upgrade as described below. VIEW MORE DETAILS
Shade cloth is very useful in hot areas. It cuts down
the amount of heat entering the dome. The shade cloth is sized for
each dome and comes with strings and screw eyes to connect to the
outside of the dome and it pulls over tightly. You may have to cut
a hole in any area where a solar panel or vent might be obstructed.
Most people put it up in June and take down in October.
The Growing Domes come with aircraft tape as a standard
feature to seal the seams between the panels. This tape has a life
of approximately seven years and will eventually need to be replaced.
It does provide a leak proof dome and we have been very happy with
it over the years. However, we are experimenting with metal glazing
strips with a different kind of tape underneath. We believe the strips
will slow down the degeneration of the tape and be more cost effective
in the long term. We now highly recommend these as a standard feature on the 15 thru 33 ft Growing Domes unless you request the aircraft tape.
The benefit of a 2ft wall is to allow raised bed gardening
which owners really enjoy as they don't have to stoop down as much.
Also, in area of high snowfall they raise the dome so more sunshine
can enter through the glazing. the wall is covered on the outside
with a fiber cement siding which resists decay and weathering.
We often have people ask about heating options. We do not sell heaters, but recommend a Southern Burner Heater which is specifically designed for greenhouse use. Another option is a Mr. Heater top attached to a propane tank which you would set next to the water tank. This heats the water and allows it to radiate the heat throughout the dome.

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Please send questions to: info@growingspaces.com / P.O. Box 5518 / 1868 B Majestic Dr. / Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
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