Thermal Mass & The Above-Ground Pond
Water serves as an excellent thermal mass in buildings, including greenhouses. Each Growing Dome® Greenhouse Kit features an Above-Ground Pond that maintains warmth in winter and remains cool in summer. The pond is sized for each Growing Dome, ensuring a year-round optimal environment. Positioned on the north wall under the Reflectix® insulation, the pond functions as a thermal battery bank. It is oval in 15’–26′ domes and round in 33’–42′ domes.
Unique among greenhouse designs, the pond is not just a source of thermal mass. It fosters a beautiful environment for both aquatic plants and fish. The pond also works well as the main fish tank in Aquaponic systems. Plants growing in the raised beds benefit from the humidity provided by the pond. Fish waste is converted into nitrogen with the help of two types of naturally occurring bacteria. Go ahead and give your plants a drink of pond water the next time they are thirsty. The pond needs to be painted a dark color to absorb heat effectively, so it is a great place to get creative.
Why did we choose water? It’s safe, affordable, easy to find, helps create a pond ecosystem, increases humidity, and is great at retaining heat. Water has excellent thermal properties, making it better than brick, stone, or concrete for storing heat. Each above-ground pond is the right size for its Growing Dome. Typically, a passive solar greenhouse should have 2–4 gallons of water per square foot for the best solar gain. For instance, a 22-foot Growing Dome, which is 350 square feet, will have a pond holding about 900 gallons of water, or roughly 2.6 gallons per square foot.
For more information about pond care and maintenance, fish, pond plants, and recommended products, see our article on How to Create a Beautiful Pond Garden.
Recommendations for Floating Plants in the Above-Ground Pond
Duckweed, Azolla, Water Lettuce, Water Hyacinth, Parrot Feather, Water Lily, and Frogbit are the most common floating water plants suitable for the above-ground pond in the Growing Dome greenhouse. Notably, the floating plants mentioned here do not necessitate the use of floating islands.
Floating islands are particularly beneficial for plants that require a substrate or media for growth, such as gravel.
Growing Spaces suggests covering 65–80% of the pond surface with floating water plants, floating plant islands, or shading the surface to prevent algae blooms.
The gentle sound of running water has a remarkable ability to calm frayed nerves and create a tranquil atmosphere. This ambiance is incredibly valuable, offering a sense of peace and relaxation. Each Growing Dome greenhouse kit is thoughtfully designed to include either an electric or solar-powered Water Feature.
This feature plays a crucial role in aerating the pond, which is essential for adding oxygen to the water, thereby supporting the health of both the fish and plants. Additionally, the circulation of water fosters a beneficial environment for snails and helps to prevent the formation of algae, ensuring a balanced and thriving ecosystem within the greenhouse.
Explore the Additional Benefits of a Growing Dome’s Unique Features
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