June 29, 2023
Choosing the right grow tent can significantly impact an indoor grower’s return on investment. While this may seem like a huge upfront investment, a high-quality grow tent will always result in stronger plants for the grower.
A thorny question is how new customers should choose the best grow tent. Truth be told, there is no “perfect” tent model for every practitioner. Everyone has different space requirements and gardening goals, so choosing the best grow tent will depend on the specific situation of the gardener. However, there are some general guidelines every indoor grower can follow to figure out how to choose the best grow tent.
The most popular grow tent size is 4 by 4 feet. This is because you can grow two large plants and four medium plants in it. In most cases, this size is enough to grow a moderate amount of plants.
The height of the tent should be at least 5 feet, but 6 to 7 feet is better. It can accommodate large tomato bushes or climbing cucumbers.
Prefer steel frame tents over plastic ones. You’ll also need at least 500 watts of light for a tent of this size.
A 4×4 foot tent should have two doors. This will make it very easy to reach all the plants and keep them from getting damaged. Make sure the tent has a water and dirt pan of the same size.
ECO Farm 4'x4' Essential Grow Tent Kit with ECO Farm DBL5000 480W LED Grow Light
Features:
The ECO Farm grow tent kit is simple to set up, making it easier to start planting. The ECO Farm Essential planting tent kit is removable, so you can take it with you. The structure of the tent is stable, the outer layer is 600D Oxford cloth, the inner layer is 96% highly reflective waterproof diamond polyester film, and the external zipper design ensures safe use and easy installation. It also has multiple vents to accommodate fans and filters. The ventilation kit is a complete combination to eliminate odors. The grow tent kit adopts the user-friendly “full-spectrum” design of Grow Light. The full spectrum (3000K, 5000k, 660nmnm, 30nm) is very suitable for vegetable flowering to adapt to each stage of the plant cycle. You can easily For planting plants in any growth cycle, the uniquely designed 6-LED light bar provides more uniform canopy coverage, especially on the outer edge of the planting area.
Active Grow Walden White Grow Tent 4' x 4'
Features:
Designed with nature in mind, the Active Grow Tent provides professional home growers with a tent that meets their needs in form and function. All Walden Grow tents are constructed with industrial strength zippers and 100% EcoWhite PEVA material. This non-toxic material creates a clean look for the grow space and emits no harmful chemical fumes, allowing these tents to be safely placed in public settings without any health risk to friends or family. The three-layer design consists of a 600D canvas exterior, vinyl blackout center, and white vinyl interior that is 10% more reflective than even the most reflective Mylar tents. Double wide front doors give growers easy access to plants, and large roller shutter side doors allow growers to reach even the most difficult to reach areas.
VIVOSUN G448 Upgraded 4x4 Mylar Grow Tent with 19mm Poles
Features:
This VIVOSUN grow tent features high-density 600D oxford fabric to prevent light leaks and keep your grow area well insulated; interior walls, ceilings and floors are lined with 100% diamond reflective polyester film for multi-dimensional lighting. Grow tents are equipped with vents to install ducted fans and carbon filters for optimal airflow and ventilation; dual-cinched duct ports seal the tent effectively while allowing air to flow freely in and out of the grow room.
Mars Hydro 4' x 4' x 6'7" Grow Tent
Features:
MARS HYDRO Indoor Grow Tent interior is made of diamond mylar which is highly reflective. MARS HYDRO 1680D canvas, being double stitched, is tear-proof for perfect light blocking. Mars Hydro’s grow tent keeps 100% lighting beams inside and helps your plant absorb more lights. No light leaks or rips at all. Stable metal corner adapters and poles are the trustful supporters of the tent, standing sturdy, neither rusting nor paint-falling, quick easy tool-free installation. Mars Hydro’s heavy-duty metal zippers, with double-layer black lining, are the best on the market which create a light-proof seal.
Frame and Weight Capacity
The frames of grow tents can either be made from plastic or metal. Plastic frames tend to be lighter while still supporting the grow tent’s weight; however, metal tends to be able to hold more weight. The material doesn’t matter as much as the quality when choosing the best indoor grow tent. If a tent with metal frames is chosen, however, the framing material performs best when coated to ensure it doesn’t rust over time.
The material of the frame also affects the weight capacity when hanging plants and lights in the tent. While it will depend on the specific tent, the best indoor grow tent kits can usually hold anywhere between 100 to 175 pounds of weight.
Doors and Windows
Every grow tent has at least one door that allows access inside the grow tent. The doors can vary in size, but most run the entire height of the grow tent for easy access to all parts of it. Regardless of the door size, the best grow tents have zippers that properly seal the fabric shut to prevent light leaks and keep the heat inside to nourish plants.
However, not every grow tent will have windows. Whether or not a window is desired is a personal choice. Windows provide the ability to peek in on plants without opening the door and letting heat out. However, one downside to having windows is that the window will need to have a cover on it to prevent light leaks or escaping heat.
Ventilation, Exhaust, and Cord Ports
All grow tents need to have ventilation to ensure that plants have enough carbon dioxide and to support proper temperature and humidity. Some grow tent kits come with an exhaust fan to help remove stale air and infuse fresh air in. However, a separate ventilation or exhaust fan will be needed for most tents.
Some grow tents also come with dual exhaust ports and cord ports to ensure there is plenty of room for everything needed, including cords from lights and fans. Checking how many ventilation ports or cord ports are available on each model under consideration can help determine the best grow tent kit for a gardener’s needs.
Extra Features
Grow tent kits may come with extra features. These could include windows, removable floor trays, and even a bag to keep the tent in when not in use. Although extra features aren’t strictly necessary for the grow tent to grow plants, they can be helpful.
For example, having a removable floor tray allows for easy cleaning on the bottom of the tent. Windows allow gardeners to check the progress of plants without opening the door, which offers better control of temperature and humidity levels.
If extra features are important, consider them before making the decision on the best grow tent for the hydroponic garden.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced grower, there are grow tents online that can meet your needs. From affordable options to advanced models, there’s something for everyone.