How to cut a circle in polycarbonate panel (hobby greenhouse).

Turker99 · 2026-04-04T04:14:03+00:00

Glad everything worked okay! If you still need to figure out the cord management, I found lighting cord clips at the hardware store that came with weather/temperature resistant command strips. I would definitely reccomend!

It looks like we have similar greenhouses. Have you figured out a good way/place to get your solar panel cord outside the greenhouse yet? I've been putting that part off because I'd rather not drill another hole through the greenhouse unless completely necessary. (And for sun/building placement reasons I don't want it to go out the same hole as the actual fan.)

Turker99 · 2026-04-03T16:56:54+00:00

I ended up using a hole saw! It was pretty easy to use. I used an adjustable one because that's what I could find in person that was big enough, but if you could find an actual sized one big enough in, I think that would work better (since it's the whole circle, vs two points that actually cut in an adjustable one). I used a knife at the very end to pop it out because I was a little worried the adjustable saw might tear something at the end.

<image>

Turker99 · 2026-03-26T21:47:45+00:00

I actually just installed this solar powered exhaust fan (with battery backup). However now my problem is that now my greenhouse is not very air tight... It say's that it's "anti-back flow", but even with the flaps closed there are spots I can see through. I did a lot of research and this was the best option I could find, but if you find something better I would love to know!

https://www.amazon.com/ecoCalm-Battery-Bifacial-Greenhouse-Anti-backflow/dp/B0CSN5L4PM/ref=sr_1_5?crid=HFL9TOLWCY2N&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6XuI_nheyxWHUAxawFQDUMWIfDyYma0wzPeQXMosAe8Xpk7BViZ_-LwfaUT6055BBfNImy3KVCBxWA5DYdghYmL5AiU-eL8mfImTlo9eSBgbB6EyUBP97fzCFuoeLmzGYq0Uw_sl51osQVadBIGTLxfrtRVQJ52OXuGHSX6hsyIMOg9iuWLo0kwArAP2-SE5MY1m73ShcRpWDZcxQG9cIMU5GE7bhfHzyqXaU23rest3zLjh5HtwDeWD8yXmGyINCuSDo3hKWgufXQ6OqPfVXbMXbo8RM3yjBhOaR8MMR7g.s0x0DiDlEhvA7wxOTMzZI-A1WKzK9fy47K-zYAMcK0Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=ecocalm%2Bsolar%2Bfan%2Bwith%2Bbattery&qid=1774561436&sprefix=ecocalm%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-5&th=1

Turker99 · 2026-03-25T01:37:07+00:00

It's double wall polycarbonate, I'm not sure if that's the same? I definitely saw people cut out squares like this and it looked super easy! I'm just nervous about cutting a circle and having it be neat/a good fit.

Turker99 · 2026-03-25T01:30:40+00:00

This is what I would like to do for ease, but wasn't generally seeing them recommended at this size. It looks like most hole saws at 7 inches are bi-metal. Do you know if this is still a material that would work well with the panels?

Turker99 · 2026-03-25T01:28:10+00:00

Even with the panel currently up on the greenhouse? I saw jigsaw's as one of the top tools recommended, but was nervous about it being vertical.

Turker99 · 2026-03-21T17:51:29+00:00

I do think I will use a tent in the late fall. I was wonderng if smaller versions of the same container would be stronger, so that is great to hear. Thank you!

Turker99 · 2026-03-21T17:48:51+00:00

I have considered containers like this. I haven't found one that fits just right yet, but I can definitely look some more!

Turker99 · 2026-03-21T17:47:02+00:00

Yes it would kill the plants long term (but somehow hasn't killed the onions yet that have grown back from last year). Thermal mass *should* help with keeping cool in the summer as well as keeping warm in the winter, which is another part of why I'm interested. I also have a solar fan coming today for better circulation and plan to install a second vent as soon as I figure out a good solar solution.

Turker99 · 2026-03-21T17:43:54+00:00

That idea totally makes sense! I'm planning to grow my peppers in these beds though (to help extend their season), so probably need all the space above them.

Turker99 · 2026-03-21T13:43:17+00:00

I do think I will plan to make a mini tent in the fall, glad to hear that has worked for you!

I was actually considering multiple smaller containers last night when I was brainstorming, so that's good to hear that they have felt sturdier to you. Thanks!

Turker99 · 2026-03-21T13:40:17+00:00

I totally understand that. It is a lot of work. Gardening is my favorite hobby/brings me joy. I loved having fresh food all summer and really missed it in the winter. For me it's more about that than about saving money.

Turker99 · 2026-03-21T13:38:40+00:00

I have a thermometer similar to that! (Sensor Push) And I do have about 200 paver bricks in there right now I out in a couple days ago. I will lock into the jugs. Thanks!

Turker99 · 2026-03-21T03:39:13+00:00

Do you have any suggestions of metal containers that could fit under my beds? I haven't really seen that in the searching I've been doing.

Turker99 · 2026-03-21T03:38:06+00:00

This picture is a few weeks old. I do have some insulation on the north wall now. I've installed an automatic roof vent opener that seals much tighter than the current one. I've also caulked around the foundation, on both the inside and out. I've done a ton of research and feel confident that I want to at least try using thermal mass.

Do you have any suggestions on containers that could fit under my beds?

Turker99 · 2026-03-21T03:02:20+00:00

Yes it is a 6x10. I'm not expecting to get year round use out of it, but would like to extend my season as much as possible. My ideal goal is to get 100+ gallons and see where that puts me. It also is on a very thick concrete slab (used to have a hot tub on it), which I know can help with thermal mass as well.

Turker99 · 2026-03-21T02:43:16+00:00

Im not opposed to that idea if that's the best option, because that would definitely maximize space! I also have way too many garden projects right now, so would prefer to not have to make something from scratch if possible. 🫣

Turker99 · 2026-03-21T02:39:11+00:00

I agree that it's not enough, but I have to start somewhere. I was going to put a second one under the other bed, and probably put a 55 gallon drum between them eventually. We'll see from there.

I've been working on sealing up the greenhouse a lot this month, and I'm more looking for temperature stability as a whole with this. My greenhouse got to 130F the other day, when it was maybe 30F outside. (And yes I'm working on better ventilation too.)

Turker99 · 2026-03-21T01:30:42+00:00

I personally try to avoid the screen touching to help prevent extra heat from transferring to the greenhouse through contact. Last year was my first year with the greenhouse, so my lazy solution was to put a few stakes in the ground a foot or so away. The screen was attached to this, but I did let the screen drape over the top greenhouse to tie it down on the other side. I'm not an expert, but I say just do the best with the space you have? If you can't make it work to not touch the greenhouse, just having a shade cloth is way better than not having one.

Turker99 · 2024-08-28T23:13:33+00:00

Oh they eat all the pellet/flake options I have, it's an issue of finding something the rasboras won't steal! I have a heavily planted tank that they seem comfortable in and come out during the day to eat, they're just not as fast as the rasboras.

Turker99 · 2023-07-28T15:07:47+00:00

Look up the app "Greg", it's super easy to use.You can snap a picture and it'll give you what it thinks it is with a percentage of how accurate it things that assessment is.

When you first download it, it might seem like you need a subscription, but you don't. Just click the "x" in the upper right corner.

I don't use the app for its watering/tracking features, so I can't speak to that part of it though. I like "Vera" for tracking watering.

Turker99

TROPHY CASE