Polyethylene vs Glass vs Polycarbonate

Considering both the cost and benefits, a polyethylene cover greatly outweighs the alternatives. Glass may sound like a more durable material, but it’s far more susceptible to damage from hail storms, falling branches and other debris. It’s also much more expensive than either polyethylene or polycarbonate panels and overheats more easily. Polycarbonate panels durability is comparable to polyethylene covers, but they’re still more expensive and don’t offer any benefits aside from slightly higher security against unwanted entry. Your best option is BTL’s specially formulated polyethylene ArmorClear cover. It contains high-density polyethylene weaving for superior durability, allows up to 87% natural light transmission, and has high UV protection for the optimal growing environment.

Structural Styles

Most styles of greenhouses will work fine for aquaponics use, but some structural types do offer a few extra benefits. Passive solar greenhouses are likely the best choice for cold and temperate climate systems because they maximize heat gains without requiring as much supplemental heating.

Arch and Hoop

Hoop and arch greenhouse structures are the most common types because of their strong resistance to damage from both falling debris and wind tearing. The curves of this Gothic arch style also help shed snow in cold climates to prevent collapses. If you don’t get significant snow loading, the hoop style is less expensive in most cases to build and still offers plenty of damage resistance.

A-Frame

A-frame greenhouses are some of the most affordable designs because the lack of curves allows for using standard wood framing rather than bent pipe structures. However, A-frame greenhouses aren’t as good as curved designs at maintaining an even air temperature, and they lack some of the head space of those designs as well. An A-frame greenhouse is still better than no enclosure at all if it’s the only kind of cover you can afford. You can always upgrade to a better greenhouse later after determining if your business can turn a profit.

Lean-To

Lean-to greenhouses require some kind of building to form one wall of the structure, but that use of an existing insulated wall helps reduce heat loss in cold climates. It also reduces the construction costs and can sometimes simplify repairs. However, these structures cover much less space than freestanding units and can be tricky to build large enough to accommodate a commercial aquaponics system. If you’re already using a building to contain a hydroponics or aquaponics farm, expanding the space with a lean-to greenhouse is likely the most affordable way to grow.

Passive Solar

Passive solar greenhouses can be expensive to build due to the need for the north-facing wall to be highly insulated and traditionally framed. Using a polyethylene greenhouse cover only on the southern-facing side maximizes heat gain while reducing losses. In cold climates, passive solar greenhouses may be able to keep aquaponics systems going throughout the winter with only minimal water and air heating. These structures also tend to be relatively easy to maintain when it comes time to replace the cover or panels covering it, as the solid north wall can support scaffolding or ladders.