Grow Tent Types: Discover the Best Type for Your Growing Goals
This guide is the ultimate resource on grow tent types. Read on to explore the different types of grow tents available, and discover their nuances, features, comparative advantages and disadvantages, and how each can be optimized to meet the unique demands of growing cannabis at home.
Chapter 1
Understanding the Different Types of Grow Tents
There are several different types of grow tents available, each designed to meet specific needs. Some tents are simple and straightforward, others allow for multiple stages of growth at the same time, other's come with high-quality materials and feature. If you're not familiar with grow tents yet, check out my guide on Grow Tent Basics.
Now, here's a rundown of the most common types:
Single-Chamber Grow Tents
Single-chamber grow tents are the most common type of grow tent. They consist of one open space, without any internal divisions, making them a straightforward choice if you want to grow a small number of plants.
Single-chamber grow tents are generally affordable, and are a great starting point for beginners as their simplicity makes them easier to manage.
Multi-Chamber Grow Tents
Multi-chamber grow tents are designed with separate sections, allowing you to manage different stages of plant growth at the same time.
This makes it possible to have seedlings or clones in the small section, while growing a different set of plants through their vegetative stage in the medium section, and have yet another set of plants flowering in the larger section.
Each chamber can have their own grow lights, ventilation, and, to a point, different temperature and humidity.
This separation also allows for a continuous growing cycle: As soon as one batch of plants moves to the flowering chamber, you can move your seedlings into the vegetative chamber, and start a new batch, keeping your operation flowing smoothly.
Mini Grow Tents
These mini grow tents are designed specifically to help you provide an ideal environment for seedlings and clones. They are an excellent choice if you want to keep your younglings separate from the main grow area.
Young plants are particularly sensitive to environmental conditions, and they tend to need higher humidity levels and warmer temperatures to encourage healthy root development, conditions that are easier to manage in a dedicated, small space.
Also, since young plants are more vulnerable, keeping them isolated helps mitigate the risk of disease and pest infestation, until they are strong enough to withstand potential threats.
Needless to say, using a mini grow tent allows for more efficient use of lighting, ventilation, and heating.
Commercial-Grade Grow Tents
The term "commercial-grade" refers to the capacity and scale of these tents rather than their quality or durability.
These grow tents offer a substantial amount of space, allowing you to grow a larger number of plants at one time. They are designed for commercial operations that aim for higher yields to meet business demands.
While one might assume that "commercial-grade" implies higher durability and advanced features, this is not always the case. These can vary widely between manufacturers. Some may offer robust construction and enhanced features, but it's not like all of them do.
Grow Cabinets and Grow Boxes
Grow cabinets and grow boxes are designed with efficiency and stealthiness in mind.
They usually come with grow lights, ventilation, and odor control, built into them, and are made from solid and durable materials. They can easily fit into tighter spaces, such as closets or corners of a room, yet they're tall enough to handle a cannabis plant from seedling to flowering.
Some grow cabinets come with automated systems to manage temperature, humidity, and light cycles, which simplifies the growing process a lot.
However, grow cabinets are much more expensive than grow tents.
If you want to know more about grow cabinets, check out my guide on Grow Cabinets and Stealth Grow Boxes.
Premium Grow Tents
Premium grow tents can be any of the above types, however, these stand out due to their superior construction, materials, and features.
They are made from thicker, more durable fabric, that not only lasts longer but also better prevents light leaks and provide better insulation from the outside. The frames are made from stronger, more durable materials, such as heavy-duty steel, and allow you to hang more and heavier equipment. The interior is almost always lined with high quality mylar, often called diamond mylar, which offers up to 95% reflectivity.
Also, premium grow tents often include additional features, such as detachable floor trays, multiple access points, improved ventilation options, like multiple adjustable ducting ports and intake windows.
Finally, the attention to detail in the design of premium tents ensures that zippers are heavy-duty for extra durability, and seams are reinforced to prevent light leaks and contain the smell.
DIY Grow Rooms
With a DIY approach you can convert closets, boxes, furniture, or even rooms, into dedicated growing areas.
DIY grow rooms offer the flexibility to tailor the growing environment to your exact needs. But they can also be an excellent entry point for those new to growing cannabis, as you have the freedom to start with the essentials and expand as your confidence and experience grow.
However, it's important to note that embarking on a DIY grow room project requires a willingness to research, learn, and adapt. If you want to know how to learn how to build a cheap and efficient grow room, check out my step-by-step guide on Building a Grow Room.
Chapter 2
Considerations for Choosing the Ideal Type of Grow Tent
Choosing the right type of grow tent for you may not be as easy as it seems. Each type of grow tent offers unique benefits that can be matched to your specific needs. You have to consider not only your immediate needs, but also the potential for adjustments and upgrades as your skills and requirements evolve.
Here are some factors to consider when selecting one:
Budget Considerations
Your budget is the starting line. Grow tents span a wide price range, from economically priced models to high-end premium ones that can cost up to four times more.
A lower-priced grow tent might seem appealing if you're just dipping your toes into home cultivation. However, it's important you consider not just the upfront cost but also the value over time. Cheaper tents will lack durability and efficiency, and lead to additional expenses down the road for replacements or upgrades.
While investing a bit more initially (in an affordable but good quality grow tent) can pay off in the long run. Higher-quality materials and construction extend the life of your tent, and features like better light reflection and insulation will enhance your equipment performance, and lead to better plant growth and yield, saving you money in the long run.
Keep in mind, what seems like a straightforward investment at first, can quickly escalate once you account for all the equipment you can add to your setup. Take your time to assess your entire setup, not just the grow tent, to fully understand out how much you can spend and the best quality that your budget allows.
Long-term Goals
Your vision for the future of your growing endeavor will also play an important role in the type of tent you choose.
- Frequency of Harvests: Are you looking to have a couple harvests a year, or are you planning for a constant year round supply?
- Growth Plans: Are you planning to start small and stay small, or are you planning to expand over time?
- Bud Quality and Potency: Do you aspire to grow the best possible buds ever, or are you happy with modest results?
- Complexity of Setup: Are you looking to have complex environment controls, lighting, and ventilation, or are you looking to keep things as simple as possible?
A medium-sized single-chamber tent could be a great start if you're looking to grow a few plants and possibly double that number later. However, if you're aiming for continuous harvests year-round, a multi-chamber tent could be ideal, although it might limit amount you can harvest in each cycle. Grow cabinets might seem perfect for beginners, but you might outgrow them quickly if you have plans of scaling up.
While a multi-chamber grow tent offers several advantages, maybe the need for different equipment and setups is too much of a hassle, and a simpler setup combining a single-chamber tent with a mini tent be might be all you need.
An affordable grow tent might seem like an attractive option at first glance, but they may lack insulation, be prone to light leaks, and not offer the best light reflection, while a less affordable or premium grow tent solves all these issues and significantly enhances the quality of your harvest.
Take some time to consider these aspects and align your grow tent choice with your future aspirations to ensure not just a good start, but also a good journey with cananbis overall.
Size and Space Efficiency
Obviously, the size of your grow tent will depend on the space you have available. But you also have to consider: how size is going to affect the number of plants you plan on growing, and the training techniques you're planning to use (if any); the complexity of lighting and environment control systems; and the ventilation requirements. If you're looking for a deeper dive on size and space, check out my guide on Grow Tent Size.
Space Efficiency and Plant Count
The size of your grow tent directly influences how many plants you can comfortably grow. This decision should factor in not only the current space, but also the types of training techniques you plan to employ (more on this in following chapters).
Size in Regards to Lighting and Environmental Control
The size of the tent determines the complexity and type of lighting and climate control systems you'll need. Larger tents demand more powerful lighting to ensure even coverage and require more sophisticated environmental controls to maintain optimal growth conditions.
Size and Ventilation Needs
The size of your grow tent influences the type of ventilation system you’ll need, with larger spaces requiring more robust solutions to ensure adequate airflow.
Choosing for Limited Spaces
For those dealing with tight spaces, mini grow tents and small single-chamber tents are practical choices. These compact options are designed to maximize limited areas effectively. However, remember that mini grow tents are only worth for seedling growth.
Maximizing Space Utilization
Multi-chamber tents are specially designed for growers looking to efficiently use all their available space to their advantage.
Starting Small with Room to Grow
If you're just beginning your cultivation journey with a small number of plants, single-chamber grow tents offer simplicity and the potential to expand. As your experience and confidence grow, these tents allow for the addition of more plants.
Customizability and Space Planning
For cultivators with specific spatial configurations or requirements, building a DIY grow room allows for complete customization. This option lets you design a space that fits your exact needs, from the layout and size to the integration of environmental controls and lighting systems, ensuring you make the most out of the available area.
Plant Training Techniques
There are a few training techniques you can apply while growing cannabis indoors to help maximize space as well as yield:
- LST (Low Stress Training): LST is used to increase light exposure to lower branches by gently bending and tying the plant's branches. It needs horizontal space to spread branches, along with ties or soft wires for securing them.
- ScrOG (Screen of Green): ScrOG uses a type of netted screen to keep the height of the plants contained, and create an even canopy for maximum light exposure and yield. This requires the grow tent be a bit sturdy to support the netting, horizontal space to spread the branches across the netting, and ease of access to the plants to weave branches through the screen.
- SOG (Sea of Green): SOG is used to maximize yield in a limited vertical space by growing many small plants close together so they mature faster and focus energy on the development of the main cola.
- Topping and FIM: Topping involves cutting off the top of the main stem to promote the growth of two main stems, while FIM, also known as “Fuck I Missed” is same as topping but cutting off a little higher, leaving a larger section of the stem behind.
- Supercropping: This technique stresses the plants by pinching and bending stems to create a knuckle, which in turn enhances nutrient flow and increases yields. It is a more high-stress technique compared to others.
Most plant training techniques will do well in most types of grow tents, however, let's see a comparative table so you can be a little more informed about them.
| LST | ScrOG | SOG | Topping and FIM | Supercropping | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-chamber | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Multi-chamber | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ➖ | ✅ |
| Premium options | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Grow cabinets | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ➖ | ✅ |
| Mini tents | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Commercial-grade | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| DIY grow rooms | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
The constrains in growing techniques are either because of horizontal space, or vertical space.
SOG for example, is used to maximize shorter spaces, where the usual height of the cannabis plants, even trained to stay short, would be too much for the grow tent to handle. Which makes it useless in a commercial-grade grow tent which is usually tall enough for a person to step inside. Or a multi-chamber tent, where the vegetative chamber is shorter, but then you move them to the flowering chamber which is double the height, and you're wasting all that space.
On a final note, mini tents are not suited for vegetative stage, so none of these apply.
Growing Techniques Across Grow Tent Types
There are a few growing techniques you can apply while growing cannabis indoors to help maximize space as well as yield. Most growing techniques will do well in most types of grow tents, however, let me give you a detailed comparison so you can be a little more informed about them.
LST (Low Stress Training): LST is used to increase light exposure to lower branches by gently bending and tying the plant's branches. It needs horizontal space to spread branches, along with ties or soft wires for securing them.
✅ Single-chamber | Multi-chamber | Premium options | Grow cabinets | Commercial-grade
❌ Mini TentsScrOG (Screen of Green): ScrOG uses a type of netted screen to keep the height of the plants contained, and create an even canopy for maximum light exposure and yield. This requires the grow tent be a bit sturdy to support the netting, horizontal space to spread the branches across the netting, and ease of access to the plants to weave branches through the screen.
✅ Single-chamber | Multi-chamber | Premium options | Commercial-grade | DIY grow rooms
❌ Mini tentsSOG (Sea of Green): SOG is used to maximize yield in a limited vertical space by growing many small plants close together so they mature faster and focus energy on the development of the main cola.
✅ Single-chamber | Premium options | DIY grow rooms
➖ Mutli-chamber | Commercial-grade | Grow cabinets
❌ Mini tentsTopping and FIM: Topping involves cutting off the top of the main stem to promote the growth of two main stems, while FIM, also known as “Fuck I Missed” is same as topping but cutting off a little higher, leaving a larger section of the stem behind.
✅ Single-chamber | Premium options | Commercial-grade
➖ Multi-chamber
❌ Mini tentsSupercropping: This technique stresses the plants by pinching and bending stems to create a knuckle, which in turn enhances nutrient flow and increases yields. It is a more high-stress technique compared to others.
✅ Single-chamber | Multi-chamber | Premium options | Grow cabinets | Commercial-grade | DIY grow rooms
❌ Mini tents
Ventilation, Environment, and Lighting Considerations
Ventilation and environmental control, as well as lighting, also present different challenges and considerations in each type of grow tent. As these are extensive to explain, I've given each a unique chapter, while also offering solutions and strategies you can apply. You'll learn all of this in the chapters below.
Comparative Advantages of Different Grow Tent Types
Let's understand the unique advantages and disadvantages of each type of grow tent so you can choose the right one for you.
Advantages: Single-Chamber Grow Tents
These tents are versatile and straightforward at the same time. They're great for beginners and pros alike, as long as you're looking to manage a small to moderate number of plants within a single environment. The simplicity and affordability of single-chamber grow tents makes them a clear favorite due to ease of setup and maintenance. They provide ample space for implementing growing techniques such as LST, ScrOG, and SOG without the need for unnecessary complexity.
Advantages: Multi-Chamber Grow Tents
If you're interested in optimizing your growing space, multi-chamber tents excel in providing separate environments for different growth stages. This separation allows you to optimize each chamber for specific needs—seedlings, vegetative growth, and flowering—enhancing overall efficiency and allowing for continuos growth cycle. However, the initial cost of the tent and setup will be high, but can offset for multiple single-chambers grow tents. They also require triple the complexity of equipment and maintenance.
Advantages: Mini Grow Tents
Mini grow tents are great if you who want to ensure a strong start for every cycle, potentially leading to better overall health and yield of the plants as they mature. These tents are generally affordable as well. But can't be used for much else other than seedlings and clones. However, you could use them to curate buds after harvest, given the proper environmental conditions.
Advantages: Commercial-Grade Grow Tents
These tents are best if you're, or want to be, a professional grower who wants to produce large quantities of cannabis on a commercial scale. They support all types of growing techniques but are particularly effective for large-scale implementations. Their size accommodates taller plants, higher densities, and larger setups, that smaller tents can't handle.
Advantages: Grow Cabinets and Grow Boxes
These are particularly interesting if you require a bit of stealth, as they're easy to integrate into living spaces. Though not well-suited for huge harvests due to their compact size, they are great for beginners (as long as you can handle the price) or if you're focusing on maintaining a small, manageable operation that can consistently produce a limited yield. Moreover, often come with integrated systems that simplify lighting, climate, and odor control, so you don't have to buy them separately.
Advantages: Premium Grow Tents
If you're ready to invest in quality, Premium grow tents are a wise choice. Built with superior materials and designed for durability, premium tents offer enhanced environmental control, crucial if you're expecting top notch harvests. Features like 95% reflective mylar, heavy-duty zippers, extra thick canvas, and reinforced construction, ensure that light, temperature, and humidity are easier to maintain at optimal levels, supporting high-quality plant growth and yield. They are especially useful if you're an experienced grower who demands the best of the best for your plants.
Advantages: DIY Grow Rooms
The ultimate in customization, DIY grow rooms allow you to tailor every aspect of your growing environment to your exact specifications. This flexibility is perfect if you have non-standard requirements or you are comfortable with hands-on setup and adjustments to achieve the perfect grow space. They're also a good idea if you're a beginner or have limited budget, since you can setup up a very amateurish grow room and practice your way into a pricier setup later on.
Chapter 3
Ventilation & Airflow Across Grow Tent Types
Let's cover the basics first, then move on to considerations across types of grow tents. If you want to know more about ventilation check out my guide on Grow Tent Ventilation, to learn everything about airflow, air circulation, CFM, CO2 levels, proper ventilation setups, and more.
Basics of Grow Tent Ventilation
Proper ventilation allows for the exchange of air, getting fresh air in and stale air out, while air circulation refers to circulating the air inside the grow tent. Both of these are most important for:
- Replenishing CO2
- Controlling Humidity and Heat
- Preventing Hotspots
- Keeping Pests at Bay
- Strengthening Plant Stems
Passive Intake
In passive intake systems you have an exhaust fan placed at one end of your tent, which pulls the air out. On the opposite side, you have one or more openings (mesh vents) that let fresh air in.
Intake vents must be larger than the exhaust hole — often three to four times bigger. Alternatively, you can have multiple smaller vents adding up to that size.
Active Intake
In active intake systems, in addition to the exhaust fan, you have another fan specifically for drawing air into the tent.
It allows for more precise management of the tent’s climate, letting you adjust the power of the fans to have greater control over temperature, humidity, and airflow.
Air circulation
It's almost always a good idea to use oscillating fans to keep the air moving and promote even temperature distribution. In smaller spaces, one fan should do the trick, but when you more air volume, you will definitely require multiple fans to achieve consistent air movement throughout the space.
Ventilation Considerations Across Types of Grow Tents
Each type of grow tent comes with its own set of ventilation needs, influenced by size, design, and budget. Let's consider the following factors for different types of grow tents when selecting and setting up your ventilation system:
Ventilation: Single-Chamber Grow Tents
In single-chamber grow tents, a simple setup involving an inline fan for exhaust and passive intake vents often suffices. This configuration ensures continuous circulation of fresh air, replacing stale air and maintaining temperature balance. It's a reliable and uncomplicated solution for newcomers and small-scale growers.
Ventilation: Multi-Chamber Grow Tents
Multi-chamber grow tents, with their separate sections for different growth stages, require a tailored approach to ventilation. It's important to use individual fans in each section to cater to the distinct needs of seedlings, vegetative, and flowering plants. Coordinating these fans helps maintain the appropriate climate in each chamber without interference, crucial for a seamless growth cycle.
Ventilation: Mini Grow Tents
Ventilation is not much of a problem in mini grow tents because of the availability of inline fans designed specifically for small spaces.
However, air circulation can be challenge because the limited space will make it difficult to install oscillating fans. But, as seedlings and clones need higher humidity levels, simply manually opening the grow tent a few times a day can be enough. If you have room, a very small and delicate fan to provide gentle air movement would be ideal.
Ventilation: Commercial-Grade Grow Tents
The vast interior space of commercial-grade grow tents requires a more complex systems to handle the volume of air necessary.
Implementing an effective ventilation system in such large spaces demands careful planning, and might involve multiple high-capacity intake and exhaust fans installed at strategic points, along with a network of ducts to direct fresh air to lower parts of the tent, and ensure consistent airflow throughout the tent.
Ventilation: Grow Cabinets and Grow Boxes
Ventilation in grow cabinets and boxes must be efficient due to their compact design. They usually come with integrated ventilation systems, some of them automated, but need regular checks to ensure they are not overwhelmed. Sometimes, adding secondary fans within the cabinet might be a good idea.
Ventilation: Premium Grow Tents
While the enhanced sealing and heavy-duty construction of premium tents are excellent at preventing external interference, but they also restrict natural air exchange. You need to pay careful attention to ensure that fresh air is adequately circulated.
Moreover, the advanced features of premium grow tents, such as multiple adjustable ducting ports, allow for a more controlled ventilation setup. Utilizing both active intake fans and strong exhaust fans helps in achieving an ideal balance of temperature and humidity. However, the complexity of these systems requires a clear understanding of how air moves through your space and how to best utilize these ports to maintain a balanced environment.
Ventilation: DIY Grow Rooms
DIY grow rooms offer the flexibility to customize ventilation according to specific needs. Whether converting a small space or outfitting a larger area, it's important to plan for adequate air exchange based on the total volume of the space and the number of plants. Combining several types of fans and strategic vent placement can effectively mimic more complex setups. Make sure to calculate the air volume of the room to determine the exact fan power required for effective air exchange.
Chapter 4
Environment Control for Different Types of Grow Tents
Temperature and humidity inside your grow tent can greatly impact plant growth, yield, and overall health.
When setting up any type of grow tent, the first thing to consider is the space where the tent will be located. If you make sure the area is well-ventilated and has a stable temperature and humidity level, the space inside your grow tent will be easier to manage.
For example, a comfy living room should be much more stable than a basement or a garage which are usually less insulated from the outside.
Let's quickly go over them before getting into special considerations of each grow tent type:
Temperature
For cannabis plants, t's important to maintain a consistent temperature range between 70-85°F during the day and 58-70°F during the night. These temperatures will help promote optimal growth and yield of your cannabis plants.
It's important to avoid extreme temperatures, either too hot or too cold, as well as big fluctuations. If the temperature goes too high, plants can become stressed, leading to poor growth or even damage. Too low, and the plant's metabolism slows down, affecting its growth and flowering.
Humidity
Humidity is also a crucial factor to consider. During the vegetative stage, cannabis plants prefer a humidity range of 40-70%. During the flowering stage, humidity should be lower, around 40-50%, to help prevent mold and mildew growth.
It's important to monitor humidity levels regularly and adjust as needed to maintain consistent levels throughout the grow tent. You can use dehumidifiers or humidifiers to help you regulate humidity levels.
Environment Considerations for Different Grow Tent Types
Each type of grow tent presents specific considerations that can significantly impact your success.
Environment: Single-Chamber Grow Tents
In single-chamber grow tents, you're dealing with one uniform space, which simplifies environment control. If the environment inside isn't ideal, a small space heater, or a small AC unit, can be used for heating and cooling. As well as a compact humidifier or dehumidifier to keep humidity at the right levels.
Environment: Multi-Chambers
Multi-chamber grow tents require additional considerations when it comes to climate control, since you have to coordinate temperature and humidity levels to ensure they are appropriate for the plants in each chamber, as they will each have different needs.
It's important to monitor each chamber separately, and understand how chambers influence each other to ensure conditions in one chamber don't adversely affect another.
Environment: Mini Grow Tents
The smaller volume of air inside a mini grow tent means that the external environment heavily influences the tent's internal climate. This can be particularly challenging in extreme weather conditions or in poorly insulated rooms. To make things easier, try placing the mini grow tent within a larger room where air quality is actively controlled, allowing for a more stable overall environment outside, this helping the environment inside of the grow tent.
Moreover, these grow tents may require more frequent adjustments to maintain optimal levels. However, care should be taken to not over-adjust, as the smaller space can lead to quicker fluctuations which will be harmful to your plants. Slight adjustments in temperature and the use of a humidifier/dehumidifier in the room where the tent is located will be very helpful to maintain the correct conditions inside the grow tent.
If temperatures are too low, heating pads or mats are specially designed to be used in mini grow tents, and provide gentle heat to your seedlings or clones.
Environment: Commercial-Grade Tents
The challenge with commercial-grade grow tents lies not only in the scale but also in ensuring that every plant enjoys the same environmental conditions as the rest. The larger the space, the more difficult it is to control temperature and humidity levels uniformly.
You will need multiple environmental control units, heaters, air conditioners, and humidifiers or dehumidifiers, each of which must be calibrated to work in harmony with one another. You will also need robust monitoring systems, since regular manual checks might not be feasible. Automated systems that can monitor and adjust environmental conditions in real time become almost a necessity.
Environment: Grow Cabinets and Grow Boxes
Grow cabinets and boxes, due to their compact size and limited air volume, can experience rapid changes in temperature and humidity. So it's important to regularly monitor the environment and prevent heat or moisture build up. Automated monitoring systems would be ideal, or smart systems that can send notifications to your phone.
Also, be careful with the integrated systems of grow cabinets, as they might restrict customization and impact your ability to adjust conditions as you please.
Environment: Premium Grow Tents
Premium tents offer superior features which significantly benefit climate control. However, you need to understand the nuances of these features and how they can play against you.
For example, the density of the fabric helps provide superior insulation and more effective control of internal conditions, unfortunately it also means that humidity can become trapped inside more easily. Moreover, the highly reflective mylar, designed to maximize light distribution, can inadvertently intensify the heat from grow lights.
If you're going to make such an investment, take extra measures to make sure the environment inside your premium grow tent is optimal.
Environment: DIY Grow Rooms
DIY grow rooms can vary greatly in size and complexity, thus successful heating and cooling will vary depending on your situation. The main challenge with DIY grow rooms will be insulating and sealing your space adequately to prevent external temperature and humidity fluctuations from impacting the internal climate. It's also important to ensure that any humidity or climate systems are properly installed and do not pose a fire hazard.
Chapter 5
Grow Lights Compatibility with Each Type of Grow Tent
Choosing the right type of lighting for your type of grow tent is not as easy as it may seem.
Grow lights must emit the correct spectrum of light to support the various stages of plant growth, from seedling to flowering, and navigating the vast array of available lighting technologies can be daunting. Wether it's LED, HPS, T5, or CFL, each type has its advantages and drawbacks, as well as specific requirements for installation and spacing to ensure even light distribution and avoid hotspots that could harm your plants. If you're looking for a deep dive into lighting and grow lights, check out my guide on Types of Grow Lights for Growing Cannabis.
Let's now discuss the most common types of grow lights used for cannabis cultivation, and then see how they relate to different types of grow tents.
LED Grow Lights
LED grow lights are the most popular options for cannabis growers due to their efficiency and low heat output. They are also available in a variety of spectra, allowing you to select the right lighting for your specific plants' needs.
LED grow lights are a great option for all types of grow tents. However, it's important to choose the right wattage and coverage area for your tent size.
T5 Grow Lights
T5 grow lights are a popular choice due to their efficiency, low heat output, and ability to produce a broad spectrum of light for vegetative stages. However, they lack the intensity to effectively help cannabis plants during flowering stages.
They are a great option for small single-chambers, grow cabinets, smaller chambers in multi-chambers, and seedlings & clones grow tents. T5 lights can also be used in larger grow tents as supplementary lighting.
HPS Grow Lights
High-pressure sodium (HPS) grow lights are a tried and true option for cannabis cultivation. They are a popular choice for some, due to their power and ability to emit a lot of heat, which can help to regulate the temperature in a larger tent if you need it.
HPS grow lights are best suited larger single-chamber, large chamber of multi-chamber, and commercial-grade grow tents. However, you should be aware of the heat output and take necessary precautions to prevent heat damage to your plants.
CFL Lights
Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are a low-cost option. They are energy-efficient and produce low levels of heat, making them an excellent option for smaller setups. However, they lack the intensity to produce the great yields.
CFL grow lights are best suited for seedlings & clones grow tents tents, and small DIY grow rooms, specially if your budget can't handle other types of grow lights.
Choosing the Right Lighting for Your Type of Grow Tent
Different types of grow tents may require specific types of grow lights. For example, the compact design of seedlings & clones grow tents limits the size and type of grow lights that can be used without risking excessive heat buildup. Large commercial-grade tents offer more flexibility but require more powerful lighting solutions to ensure even light distribution across a larger space.
Let's consider the specific needs of different types of grow tents, to select the right type of grow light for them. But remember: not all types of lighting are suitable for all stages of plant growth.
| LED | T5 | HPS | CFL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-chamber | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ➖ |
| Multi-chamber | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Premium options | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Grow cabinets | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Mini tents | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Commercial-grade | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| DIY grow rooms | ✅ | ✅ | ➖ | ✅ |
Lighting: Single-Chamber Grow Tents
As usual, single-chamber grow tents are the simplest approach. The main considerations will be to make sure the grow light is good enough to cover the entire space, and the that you have ability to adjust the hanging height so you can keep them at an ideal distance from the plants. You can also have multiple grow lights inside a tent, if you're using them to compliment each other.
Lighting in Multi-Chamber Grow Tents
Multi-chamber tents, as you know by now, allow for the separation of plants by growth stage. However, this separation introduces some complexity in your lighting setup, as each chamber in a multi-chamber tent needs an independent light source suited to the specific stage of growth of the plants within it.
The first challenge will be managing light spill or leakage between chambers. Flowering plants often need 12 hours of light, whereas vegetative plants and seedlings might need 18 to 24 hours. You will need to make sure no interference between these cycles, potentially taking light-blocking measures if the tent isn't manufactured perfectly.
Moreover, given the varying heights and growth rates of plants in different chambers, adjustable lighting systems are essential. These systems allow you to change the height and angle of lights, ensuring that all plants receive the appropriate intensity of light without risk of light burn or underexposure.
Another consideration is that using multiple types of lighting across different chambers will increase energy consumption and heat production.
Lighting: Commercial-Grade Grow Tents
The expansive area of commercial-grade tents demands multiple lights strategically placed to cover the entire space effectively, else plants near the center under the direct will receive ample lighting, while those at the edges won't. The initial setup will be complex and costly, with ongoing adjustments needed to maintain optimal light coverage as plants grow and the setup evolves.
While LED lights are popular, ensuring they cover the entire grow space in a commercial-grade tent can costly. On the other hand, traditional HID lights, though powerful and effective in covering larger areas, generate a lot of heat, which can help out in cold climates, or escalate the need for advanced ventilation solutions in warmer areas.
Lighting: Mini Grow Tents
Mini grow tents require lighting that provides the necessary spectrum for young plants to develop strong roots and sturdy growth, without taking up too much space or generating excessive heat.
Choose lights that fit well within the confined space without crowding the plants, while making sure there's enough room for light coverage to reach all plants evenly. Moreover, even with low-heat options like LEDs and CFLs, you have to monitor the temperature closely, as small environments can heat up quickly.
Lighting: Grow Cabinets and Boxes
The compact, enclosed nature of grow cabinets and boxes limits the options for lighting. The smaller space can lead to issues with heat buildup from lights, and the fixed structure makes it difficult to adjust lighting height as plants grow.
Some grow cabinets come with the grow lights already built-in, which won't allow (or make a lot more complicated) to customize lighting further. More over, the cheaper models include not-the-best LED lights, which might not meet the needs for the optimal requirements for cannabis.
The reflective material of grow cabinets and boxes is usually standard, but the effectiveness of this reflection can vary significantly depending on the material quality and design. Poorly designed interiors can lead to hot spots or areas with insufficient light.
Grow cabinets and grow boxes offer an efficient and stealthy option, but their compact size and built-in features present distinct challenges for lighting.
Needs to be noted that some expensive grow cabinet models come with great features and high-quality LED grow lights.
Lighting: Premium Grow Tents
The interior lining of premium grow tents often features high-quality mylar, sometimes referred to as diamond mylar, renowned for its up to 95% reflectivity. This exceptional level of reflectivity ensures that light reaches your plants from all angles, minimizing shadows and promoting even growth. However, while this optimizes light distribution, it also introduces the need to consider the intensity and type of lighting you use. The powerful reflection capabilities can amplify light intensity, which, if not properly managed, could lead to issues like light burn.
The thicker, more robust fabric and heavy-duty construction of premium tents do more than just endure the rigors of frequent use; they play a pivotal role in controlling light leakage. A well-sealed premium grow tent ensures that light stays within the tent and does not seep out, maintaining an ideal photoperiod for cannabis growth. This containment is critical for the flowering stage, where even minimal light leakage can disrupt the plant's light cycle.
DIY Grow Rooms
DIY grow rooms allow you to tailor your lighting systems precisely. However, the challenge here lies in your hands, and requires a little planning and execution. You must consider the placement of lights for optimal plant coverage, but also how to safely wire these systems to support the load without posing any harzards. Do it wrong can lead to risk of fire and electrical faults.
Finally, grow lights, especially HID, can generate a significant amount of heat. Without the proper ventilation and cooling systems in place, a DIY grow room can quickly become too hot.
Ending Note
I hope you found this guide on types of grow tents helpful!
Selecting the appropriate tent depends on various factors, such as the specific stages of plant growth, the complexity of your growing setup, and the constraints of your space and budget.
If you did find it helpful, please share it with your friends and other people in your community! If you participate in any forums, your endorsement there would also be super helpful!
Happy growing 🌱
