Hello All;
This posting might be a bit off subject since it doesn't
deal with orchids specifically, but it does ask about the mechanics of
growing orchids.
The normal material in greenhouses using cooling by way of
wet pads is some sort of chemically treated paper or cellulose like
material, sometimes with the leading or both faces of the material
painted with a black paint, supposedly used to stiffen the pads or to
help prevent degradation of the edges of the pads.
I use copper ion injectors to treat the softened well water
that is stored in recirculating tanks for the cooling reservoir. The
copper prevents any algae or bacterial buildup on the pads. After two
years, the pad material still looks brand new. I drain and clean out the
storage tanks several times yearly.
The problem is that the pads, which are supposed to last an
average of 10 years, are turning to mush after only 2 - 2.5 years. You
can literally take your finger and push all the way through the 6" thick
pad material with very little resistance. The greenhouse cooling is
computer controlled depending upon temperatures and humidity conditions.
As a normal daily cycle, the pads dry out even during the very humid
summer months, so it is not a matter of the pads staying wet for
extended periods of time.
I do not know if this is a batch of defective pad material
(made by American Coolair), but I do not think the copper ion injection
has anything to do with the degradation.
I was wondering if anyone out there has had any experience in using the
relatively new wet or cool pad material made out of black plastic?
Thank You --
Terry A. Glancy
Pine Ridge Orchids, Inc.
21100 SW 300 Street
Homestead, FL 33030
ph (305) 247-4839
(305) 247-3086
fx (305) 247-8853
Email = [EMAIL PROTECTED]
cc Email = [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Website = http://www.PineRidgeOrchids.com
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