My 2nd Greenhouse (the revised edition)

[scubadude]

Well the 1st greenhouse was a live and learn process and the business grew beyond my expectations so Im going at it again. I learned so much from the first thread thanks to the help of MANY ppl. As some of you know (that have read my 1st thread ) I have purchased 2.5 acres out in the country, the lot already had a greenhouse on location with some sweat equidity. The size of the new greenhouse is 20'x50' so this is almost twice as big as the first one. Here is my layout for the greenhouse (actually this layout is 20'x40' cuz the first 10' will be for my orchids) I need everyones help on a few things

• Layout design?
• Spacing? There is atleast 2' between tanks/walls except the large LR vat and SPS/Clam tanks there is 18"
• I plan on concreting the whole floor to the GH (Greenhouse) and want all tanks/vats holding water to be on level ground but I want the rest of the concreted area to be pitched to a couple of drains, Ideas on how to pitch the concrete when I lay it?
• The SPS/Clam and large LR vat system will be covered in 10-30% shade cloth?
• The remainder of the greenhouse will be covered in 40-60% shadecloth?
• Each SYS (system) will have a seperate underground radiator for thermal cooling/heating.
• Im thinking of plumbing the Large LR vat and SPS and Clam systems together? if so should I even use a u/ground geo therm? Im thinking with such a large volume I might not need as much cooling?
• All critiquing accepted......especially the ones who have followed me along on the other thread

Here is an itemization of all the systems/vats

SPS System - White Fiberglass raceway 8'2" long 26" wide 12" deep 110gallons
Clam System - White Fiberglass raceway 8'2" long 26" wide 12" deep 110gallons
Mushroom Sys. - White Fiberglass raceway 7' long 3' wide 16" deep 140gallons
Zoos Sys. - White Fiberglass raceway 7' long 3' wide 16" deep 140gallons
Leather Sys. - White Fiberglass raceway 7' long 3' wide 16" deep 140gallons
Other softy Sys. - White Fiberglass raceway 7' long 3' wide 16" deep 140gallons
Invert Sys - Undecided still...Probably acrylic DIY w/many sections/baffles? 5'x3'
Fish Sys - Undecided still...Probably acrylic DIY w/many sections/baffles? 5'x3'
SPS Frags 4sale - Glass 6' long 3'wide 18" Deep 200gallons
Soft Frags 4sale - Glass 6' long 3'wide 18" Deep 200gallons
1000g LR vat - Blue swimming pool (like rubbermaid brutes but blue)
600g LR vat - Blue swimming pool (like rubbermaid brutes but blue)
300g Quarantine system - Rubbermaid brute, im planning no LR, or LS with UV Sterilizer on this system, maybe some racks

[ricksreef]

way to go bro', gettin' in on this thread early
so when i fall off the edge i know just what to do

on the concrete floor pitch. your building your own stands
i assume? you could do a slight pitch in the floor, with it
going to the center & using deck drain the entire length.
that way you only need to slope in a 'V' in the floor & not
pitch it all towards the center. it's much easier to put in
as all you do is set the concrete form in a "v" slop & trowel/screet
to it. it shouldn't be to difficult to level the stands if you
stay with a moderate pitch.
( you know i can be 'coerced' into giving you a hand if you
ever need it ;) )

oh, & i'd plumb a radiator into all your systems. my fishroom
system dropped 12* last night . when we get a week
of this straight i bet it'll affect even large volumes of water.
( i know most swimming pools have dropped from 80*
to 74* in the last couple of weeks, before the chill hit)

[Soltaker]

I read thru the other thread, just hadn't posted in it.

I don't know that you need too many suggestions. I think that with the trial and error process of the other GH, you have an excellent idea as to what needs to be done with the new GH. I think that the concrete floor is an excellent idea, but how would you go about keeping the tanks level, while having the floor sloped enough to drain? Interesting problem.

Also on a bit of a side note, your other thread, along with the success you have had with it has definitely peaked my interest in undertaking such a project. So if in the future you get a few PMs from me, you know what it is going to be about ;)

[Poseidon]

Can't wait to see the first set of Pictures!!!

[Reefland]

Rocky,

Congrats on the new project and as with the last, I'll be looking forward to watching this develop.

My first bit of feedback; will 2' be enough room in between systems? It seems to be a little tight to me and when the need arises to perform maintenance on these systems, the spacing will be all so important. I realize this will cut down on "water space" but the extra space for you and others to fit in between will surely save lots of frustrations.

Scott Z.

[RubixCube]

My opinion on the cement floor. The "V" idea is the best way to go for an elongated area. What you want to do to make your stands level is to pour your stands last. Pour your slab into the "V" shape wait for it to cure. Then pour your stands. This way, your entire floor is point towards the drain except for the areas you want level.

[Macbeth417]

I just finished the original thread and I was amazed . I can't wait to see how the new place progresses.

-Erik

[miamiluis]

Hey!! Yo!! Rocky!!
Get up you son...
...cause Mickey Loves You!!

Dude!! It looks amazing!!!
Can't wait to see the fantabulous pics man!!!! Let me know your system's Estimated time of arrival so we can dive it together!! However, in 18" of water, a one-tank dive will last all day!!
If you need a hand, just let me know, and I'll cross the street!!
Alright bro!! Wishing you and your family the best Holidays!!
Merry X-mas!!

Your Ricky Marting brother!!
Miamiluis!!!

[scubadude]

on the concrete floor pitch. your building your own stands
i assume? you could do a slight pitch in the floor, with it
going to the center & using deck drain the entire length.
that way you only need to slope in a 'V' in the floor & not
pitch it all towards the center. it's much easier to put in
as all you do is set the concrete form in a "v" slop & trowel/screet
to it. it shouldn't be to difficult to level the stands if you
stay with a moderate pitch.
( you know i can be 'coerced' into giving you a hand if you
ever need it ;) )

oh, & i'd plumb a radiator into all your systems...

Rickster,
the 2 glass tanks that Im using have stands...you have seen them (same as in the old GH) but the other vats that I will be using I think will be standing on cinder blocks with a piece of plywood underneath. Im thinking along the lines of pouring concrete pads (level) for each tank/vat just the size for each individual tank as I progress then maybe on down the road pour the V drain as you mention, this V drain sounds very appealing and YES i would love your help on this ;-) I take it I have to manually trowel the concrete at a slight slope while it is drying? there isnt a tool that I could lay in place or technique that would be easier?

So if in the future you get a few PMs from me, you know what it is going to be about

No Problemo bro! Sumtimes I may have other pressing things so dont freak out if I dont get right back to you though

Can't wait to see the first set of Pictures!!!

Here ya go below :P

My first bit of feedback; will 2' be enough room in between systems?

Very good point Scott! Here again the reason why I started the thread, Your gonna have to forgive me on some points I get pretty agressive and I want as many tanks as I can and LOVE the idea to have species tanks but I have since your post reanalyzed and changed the layout and even decreased the amount of tanks. Also I want to add that the back of the GH is East and the front of the GH is facing West and I think Im gonna be putting the tanks parrallel with the length of the GH for better sunup/sundown exposure, and I want a long (paved eventually) walk path right down the middle of the greenhouse for better access. I will try and do a diagram of my new layout now that Im thinking and post it for you/every1 to critique.

What you want to do to make your stands level is to pour your stands last. Pour your slab into the "V" shape wait for it to cure. Then pour your stands.

Or vice-versa? I wanted to pour my stands first for a couple of reasons....first and foremost is this whole project has to be on a gradual increase on budget as It is less costly for me to pour the stands and they are more important I would think then to pour the remaining area....atleast at first to get going? Watcha think?

I just finished the original thread and I was amazed . I can't wait to see how the new place progresses.

Thanx Eric

If you need a hand, just let me know, and I'll cross the street!!
Alright bro!! Wishing you and your family the best Holidays!!
Merry X-mas!!

Your Ricky Marting brother!!
Miamiluis!!!

Luis!!!
Wasssssuppp! Got your phone msg the other day....Thanx ;) Are you signed up on FMAS yet? Going to any of the meetings? We are doing ORA tour Jan. 31st but I think there are no more slots available. I know you are probably slammed w/school. When is a good time spring/summer that you will have some time? I will bring my boat down and me and you can goof off and do some diving.

Living la viva loca...w/pocillapora verocussa!

Ok heres some pics
GH (GreenHouse) as it was when I bought the property.



GH as of yesterday


If you notice that the fans arent on the end of the greenhouse I did this for a couple of reasons which I will explain later. Heres a pic of the fan motor which Is one of the reasons....I can replace the motors much cheaper than the whole fans...like a $60 difference...and now I have 3 fans instead of 2.

Here is the well system when I bought the house/property (also note the 2 heaters for the GH, dunno if I will use yet)

Here is the well system after my upgrades approx $2k (new softener, and 2 new bigger better pumps, and pressure tanks, etc. etc.)


I havent JUST been working on the greenhouse....I had to buy a riding mower, chainsaw, etc etc. and clearing some of the land...and I had to fence/gate up all my property...for Shelby to keep from running off with her new freinds (neighbors lot)

[almostdiva]

Rickster,
I havent JUST been working on the greenhouse....I had to buy a riding mower, chainsaw, etc etc. and clearing some of the land...and I had to fence/gate up all my property...for Shelby to keep from running off with her new freinds (neighbors lot)

SHELBY!!!!!

and a buddy, too!

Awww... they are making pals obviously. You've been a BUSY guy, Rocky. Looks like it will be really nice when done though! Is is my imagination, or is this GH a bit bigger than your old one???

Rebecca

[scubadude]

SHELBY!!!!!

and a buddy, too!

Awww... .. is this GH a bit bigger than your old one???

Rebecca

LOL Rebecca
Shelby says Hi! I put a doggie door on our back door and now she is always outside chasing all the squirrels or exploring, the wife wants to get a black pug now so she will have a boyfriend I guess

Yes the GH is twice as big as my old one.

[Poseidon]

WOW!!!

Well you are off to a running start thats for sure!! Way to go on cleaning up the area.

Just curious how "good" is the water coming from yur well? Are you going to have to spend big money for an RO/DI? I imagine you are prob going to get NSW for the initial fill up right? Or are you going to fill with fresh and add a Semi truck full of salt mix

keep it up, hopefully you will be back and running come spring so you can ship me some cool Acros!!!

[scubadude]

WOW!!!

....Just curious how "good" is the water coming from yur well? Are you going to have to spend big money for an RO/DI? I imagine you are prob going to get NSW for the initial fill up right? Or are you going to fill with fresh and add a Semi truck full of salt mix

Thanx for the kudos Mike

Believe it or not my water is better coming straight out of the well versus city water TDS level on the well water is about 325 and TDS on the city water varies (time of year) from 450-750 however the well water has the sulphur smell (rotten eggs) until it goes through my water softener, and there is also some slight coloration which some tannin grain in the softener should fix that. I already have an 50gpd RO/DI hooked up to a 20g pressure tank for my 75g reef in the home and for drinking purposes. I also have another 100gpd RO/ Double DI already from the old Greenhouse...just havent hooked it up yet. I will probably use IO and RO/DI water for sure for my SPS and Clam systems but for my fish, inverts, and softies im still playing around with some ideas...I will probably post my finalizations as they come to me and of course im still open to ideas I really want to try digging a SW well since I am not too far from the ocean it is quite possible....however Im not ready to throw down 1000 bux to punch a hole in my backyard just on a whim....not yet anyway...I may after I do more diligence on the topic.

[Poseidon]

Wow!!! Never heard of a SW well b4!!! Is that sw available b4 or after your current well? I guess I'm asking how deep do you go for that?

[almostdiva]

Go on ... get her a boyfriend! The black ones are sharp looking, too, IMO.

I'm with Mike -- how deep a hole do you have to dig before you hit salt? And how "salty" will it be?? That would be pretty cool indeed and you would save a small fortune on salt mix. Let's see... for a system as large as yours, you would go through $1000 in salt in how long? The economics of it could pay off VERY nicely, once you get to the point that the one-time cost of punching the hole is worth it for you!!

Rebecca

[scubadude]

The depth is something thats not figured out yet, atleast on my behalf. Most well drillers that I have talked to said "dunno until I find it" It is generally over the depth of most freshwater wells and the closer to the ocean you live the shallower the SW well can be. One guy told me that I will go atleast 300' to get SW and he has no guarantee how salty it will be and no idea what else will be in the water....Im not worried to much about anything else in the water

Mike,
I know I CANT use my existing FW well in conjunction w/ SW....I wish...that would be too good to be true

The economics of it could pay off VERY nicely, once you get to the point that the one-time cost of punching the hole is worth it for you!!

Yes, quite right Rebecca! And believe it or not there are other places around here that are doing this, but its not like you can go right up to them and say....Hey how do you do that? I want to be your competitor .......I Still have some homework left to do before I jump into the SW wells though

[o2manyfish]

Looks like a great start...

Things I would want in my greenhouse.... Water proof phones at each end, nice music source, and recently I added 3 way switches to be able to turn off the flow pumps in the individual tanks for taking photos and showing the corals off.

Also depending on the height of the tanks. I set up some steps around the tanks so people can look down on the corals.

And overplumb everything.

Dave B

[miamiluis]

;;

Keep on kicking butt dude!!!!

SW...
...HOLY CRAP!!!!! and good luck, man!!!!!!

Everything looks amazing!! Can't wait to go over and visit for a day!
What would you say? T-minus two months, and counting !!! Ready for a zoo run? I'm propagating as we speak!! IT's great to see everything as it develops!! Thanks for sharing your adventures with us Rocky!!!!!!!

Miamiluis

[scubadude]

Things I would want in my greenhouse.... Water proof phones at each end, nice music source, and recently I added 3 way switches to be able to turn off the flow pumps in the individual tanks for taking photos and showing the corals off.

Also depending on the height of the tanks. I set up some steps around the tanks so people can look down on the corals.

And overplumb everything.

Hey Dave

Thanx for joining in Hows your gig coming along? How are you battling the cold? As far as the phones,music, and switches (love the switch idea) thats all lipstick and rouge right now and I will eventually take care of stuff like that but I consider all that stuff to be in an Add-on category later down the line when I can afford it ( I want one of those DeWalt construction radios from HD, right now I have a piece of junk out there ) Do you have a source for waterproof phones? Will they survive If I drop them in the tanks? I Know a Nikon 995 wont All of the tanks will be setup as lookdown without the need for steps...actually you will have to crouch to see the sides of them.

What would you say? T-minus two months, and counting !!!

LUIS!!! Wasssssupppp!
Yeah that sounds bout right...give or take a month ;;

Ready for a zoo run? I'm propagating as we speak!!

What the hell kind of stupid question is that?? LOL All i need is 3 mins to get my dive gear ready! I can actually do that in less than a minute if you get me excited enough I know you got some sweet candy (frags) over there your growin, I got a new one for you....something I have NEVER seen b4 I think you will like it...if it grows out enough by the next time you come over then there will be a frag w/your name on it....Dont even ask what it is ...Its a surprise!

Oh yeah I forgot...I got the top on yesterday but it was too dark by the time I was done to take pics....Ill try and post some today.

Heres to swimmin with bowlegged women!

Rocky

[Amphibious]

Hey Rocky Dude

You make me jealus as HE**! Your already workin on your second GH and I can't even get a house built in that crazy state so I can get goin on my GH. Jeeeeez this is frustratin!

Your plans sound great. you've got the experience of the first GH to fall back on so just think things through and you'll do fine. I told you from the day I met you two years ago in Ft. Pierce that you were going to be my GH guinea pig and now I'll benefit from your experience times two. Way to go Bro, I appreciate it.

Talked to the builder today and the house pad failed the compaction test. I fired the excavator and we're hiring a new guy to use a vibrating compactor to compact the pad the correct way. The builder is anxious to get started and you know we are.

Question, what the **** is this, "Heres to swimmin with bowlegged women!" all about??? You and miamiluis got somthin goin that I ought to get in on?????

Nice talking to you the other day, Rocky. We should be down sometime in Feb, I'll be in touch.