Hi
It doesn`t sound like it needs to be too big, what size is the pond LxWxD?
I guess turtles dont mind low light as you previously housed them in the garage..unless it was a very bright garage :)
Limiting the glazed area will make it much easier to keep warm.

What about repeating the greenhouse tent and wrapping it over with a solar pool cover? The covers aren't all that pricey, especially smaller sizes, but really do insulate quite well.

The combination of pool cover for insulation and a tank heater ought to do the job for you and when you recover from the house construction, you could add to the pool cover and use it to help keep a greenhouse warm in winter.

Thanks for the responses. The turtle pond is 6'x4'x3'. I have thought about repeating the tent, but it would take some work to do. When it was in the garage, we hung the tent from the trusses, outside I would have to build a freestanding unit that could take snowfall. Also, turtles do need light for basking, specifically UVB. We used a special UV producing light in the garage, we want to go back to using that great metal halide in the sky.

I think we would like to do a a greenhouse like this one (link to plans below);

I do have some questions. What is the best way to attach the plastic? I would like to do a double layer with a squirrel cage fan inflating it. How would I do that? Can I do it so I can roll the plastic up during summer and on warm days?

I also wonder if this structure would be strong enough. We do get snow, sometimes over 2'. I was thinking about running a wooden beam (supported by posts) either down the middle or one down on each side. Would this be a good idea?

Would the 350+ gallon heated pong keep my greenhouse warm? Or would I need additional heat?

Do I need to do anything for the floor? It is mostly hard packed dirt (old roughed in driveway).

Can I do this on unlevel ground? It is a shallow slope, dropping a few inches over 10-12 feet.

Thanks again!

Here is a link that might be useful: greenhouse

I have a suggestion and would make it, but first, a question:

How deep is your frost line?

And another: Know how to operate a small rental backhoe?

not sure of the frost line. I know utilities (including water) require 18" of cover. Or freeze proof yard hydrants are buried to 2'.

I can operate small and large backhoes.

I note that the plans you are using recommend a sheet of plastic. You'll need UV protected plastic if it's to last more than a year.

Also, you might consider something more substantial than 3/4 inch PVC, especially if you have winds or snow load. You might also want to incorporate purlins, cross bracing or angled rope anchors at the ends to keep the structure from falling over from one end to the other.

See the link below for another PVC greenhouse design. This is built in Wyoming, so I know it withstands the winds.

Clair

Here is a link that might be useful: PVC Greenhouse

I asked about frost lines and a backhoe because if you are planning a permanent home for your turtle inside a greenhouse, it occured to me that sinking the tank into the ground to below the frost line would make good sense for both heat retention and the comfort of the turtle, as you would then be able to allow it free access to water or ground. It might be more pleasing to you too, as you could line the tank rim with decorative logs to serve as both ramps and basking spots, rocks, plants, etc.

If the tank happens to be a stock tank with a bottom drain, you could retain the ability to use it by making a permanent connection to it with a PVC pipe, then install a ballcock shutoff on that line with a long extension to an above ground handle. But to do it obviously requires drain lines and with a small backhoe, in short order- you would have the hole for the tank, the trenches for the drains and if it's your only option to discharge the water other than a sewer or septic, either a long gray water line or dry well.

BTW: What species of turtle do you have? A friend of mine here in very cold in winter No. Il keeps turtles in an in-ground pond inside of a heated GH. The herons got all of his fancy Goldfish, so he erected a GH over the 1000 gal. stock tank he had sunk into the ground and while planning new fish, succumbed instead to the charm of turtles.

Good post, I am very exited, I will do it in here in Chile, specifically in San Vicente de tagua Tagua. Thanks Cheers.

Thanks to Posted by mikeyvon (My Page) on Fri, Oct 3, 08 at 13:00