cooling info, please - Orchid Board

VickiC · #1 07-16-2009, 03:49 PM

Hi everyone
We bought a 10'x17'x7' (approx.) Sunglo greenhouse in the Spring and now I'm ready to move my orchids out there but I must first figure out a way to cool it! Our Alabama summer temps are outrageously hot!!! The heat inside the greenhouse is almost unbearable to people, much less orchids!!! During my trial tests, I have had the exaust fan running constantly, another large fan running on high, and also have my 60% aluminet shadecloth overhead. I have read back through some older posts, but I'm just not sure if anything that has been discussed will work for me (PLEASE correct me if I've overlooked any comments). I have understood that we have too much humidity down here for a swamp cooler to work efficiently, and an airconditioner does not seem to be a good option, either. I was browsing foggers and misters earlier this morn. and I ran across a system that I'd like to know more about. Do any of you have the 6004 misting system from Charley's Greenhouse Supply ( Charley's Greenhouse & Garden Charley& 39s Humidity System with Humidistat )? If so, I would appreciate knowing your cooling experience with it. I would also appreciate knowing experiences any of you have had with cooling of any kind. ALL advice is more than welcome.
Vicki

Dollgoldii · #2 07-19-2009, 05:10 PM

I have an Orbit system and it is not working for my self made 4'X8'x8' greenhouse. Instead of maintaining humidity, it overwaters my orchids. I image these systems need to work from height in order for the mist to 'disperse'.

dounoharm · #3 07-19-2009, 06:06 PM

my experience with a mist system like that was same as stephens...it overwatered my orchids...kept em cool tho....wet constantly....i use a jaybird aquafog 700 under the bench to add humidity....and help keep things cooler....it still gets hot in my 12x24 ghouse....upwards of 90 degrees....if i can keep it at 90 i am happy and so are the plants....i also cant keep it cooler inside than it is outside....and it is hot as blazes up here in nc this year....

harrywitmore · #4 07-19-2009, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dounoharm

my experience with a mist system like that was same as stephens...it overwatered my orchids...kept em cool tho....wet constantly....i use a jaybird aquafog 700 under the bench to add humidity....and help keep things cooler....it still gets hot in my 12x24 ghouse....upwards of 90 degrees....if i can keep it at 90 i am happy and so are the plants....i also cant keep it cooler inside than it is outside....and it is hot as blazes up here in nc this year....

What part of NC are you in? We have so far had a very cool summer and maybe the coolest July on record. Last night was a low of 60F. But, it has been very dry and the humidity has been very low for the south. I live in the woods and the highest temperature on my 16'x12' greenhouse has been 83F. I have a under bench mist system that has tried to keep the humidity above 80% but has not worked on a few days. But, I'm trying to grow Pleuros.

VickiC · #5 07-19-2009, 11:38 PM

Thank you for your help, everyone...
Dollgoldii, dounoharm and harrywitmore!

I've still not decided exactly what to do, but you have given me some good food for thought. I've started thinking more on the lines of a fogger rather than a "misting" system. Under the bench is a good idea, dounoharm. I've been reading up on the Aquafog 700, as well as the Aquafog 330xe. ??
Thanks again!
Vicki