Preparing for Seasonal Changes in an Aquaponics Greenhouse

As the days get shorter and the temperatures begin to drop, it is important to monitor the changing conditions and be proactive in your preparations and procedures to save energy and avoid problems in an aquaponic farming operation.  Within an aquaponic system, stability in temperature is critical to success in growing.  The ambient air temperature is another important factor.

Many newer greenhouse controllers have the capability and technology to adjust the environmental control equipment automatically based on current conditions and weather. If your controller has these capabilities, it is wise to understand the programing and automation as well as the manual controls.  It is important to change the greenhouse parameters based on the weather and crop needs in the aquaponics system.  

There are several things you can do to prepare for extreme cold conditions or winter storms. The first course of action should be to check each piece of vital equipment in the aquaponic system and greenhouse, especially those essential for providing heat. It is during these times that it is imperative to thoroughly clean all water heaters and water pumps, test all monitoring/alarm equipment and back-up equipment and test-run generators.

Utilizing an interior energy curtain to retain heat is an excellent means of saving energy and maintaining the temperature.  Installing Styrofoam around the perimeter of the greenhouse on the lower part of the sidewall will also help to retain heat. 

If severe weather is forecast, closing the greenhouse vents and preventing them from opening during a storm can save your greenhouse from damage. Another tip is to increase the heat inside the greenhouse in preparation for an incoming snow or ice storm. Warming the greenhouse will provide heat in the ceiling area to help melt snow and ice that settles on the greenhouse roof. Keeping snow weight and ice off of your structure is important for proper vent operations and ensuring there is not too much weight accumulating for greenhouse to hold.

Be prepared, be ready and be creative in thinking through how you can adjust and adapt your structure to the most extreme weather conditions you might encounter.  Aquaponic farming is a year ’round business and it is up to the owner to ensure that their greenhouse, aquaponics system and environmental control equipment can maintain proper temperature throughout the year.