i’M A FAN!
ConteSt
Insulating pipes make a big difference.
the edges rather than float on the water, as it creates a better
air seal that way.
Leaf Zone: This zone creates the largest challenge for
insulating and air sealing. Most growers don’t even try.
However, when you set to work on it creatively, it’s not that
hard. The simplest method involves creating Eliot Colemanstyle low tunnels over the grow beds. Using a fabric-style low
tunnel provides insulation but no air sealing. It also blocks a
significant portion of the sunlight. A plastic low tunnel would
provide some of both insulation and air sealing, while letting
more light through. You can air seal by fastening it to the
grow beds or creating a removable low tunnel with its own
structure, but it’s essential to allow yourself a way to open it
up during the day and on warm nights so plants can transpire when temperatures rise above 40°F.
Everything Else: The only reasons to insulate or air seal
the rest of your greenhouse are as follows:
• A desire for comfort when you’re in there planting,
harvesting, hanging out or feeding your fish.
• To provide a space in which to add thermal
storage, which you’ll learn about next month.
This last point flies in the face of most existing aquaponic
design strategies, which focus nearly all their attention on
air sealing and insulating the Everything Else zone, which,
in my not-really-all-that-humble opinion, is a waste.
What’s Next?
Stay tuned for the February edition of Maximum Yield, in
which we learn another strategy to help your aquaponic
garden survive winter. I will talk about the magic of
thermodynamics and a mysterious new word that makes all
the difference in the cold.
CUr reN T WIN Ner !
Damon eversole
la Grange, CA
I’m a fan of Maximum Yield because it keeps
me up to date on new products and growing
techniques. I’m new to growing and maximizing
my growth potential is important, which is why
I find your magazine to be a great help when it
comes to finding the latest products.
My favorite store:
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AND orGANiCS
Sonora, CA
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Maximum Yield USA | January 2015
149