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Grow tent/lighting question

johnnyblazin'

johnnyblazin'

Member
I've got four years of outdoor experience but I'm tired of busting my ass in the woods, getting bitten by ticks and mosquitos, and lugging equipment in and out (and don't even get me started on the helicopters) so I've decided to try my hand at indoor growing. I don't want to convert an entire room or closet into a grow area but instead want to use a grow tent with a 250 watt light. So I was wondering if anyone could offer any advice as to which tent I should purchase and whether or not 250 watts will be enough light for 8-10 autflower plants. I would prefer if any suggestions could be bought on Amazon if that's not too much to ask. Thank you in advance for the help.
 
aridbud

aridbud

automeister
ICMag Donor
Veteran
What type of 250w- HID or LED? Probably something 40" x 40" x 78-80" (~100cm x 100cm x 200cm) or 55" x55" x 80" would suffice w/ 250w.

Saw several 'tents' with those measurements. Google 'grow tents'...you'll find plenty.
 
intotheunknown

intotheunknown

Active member
Veteran
Secret Jardin is all I would recommend.
Depending on the size of tent you want, 250w may or may not be enough.
If you plan to run 10 plants or so, I would go bigger. At least a 4-600 watt.

I run a 1k in a 5x5 secret jardin with excellent results. But 1k is pushing it for that size. So it all depends on the size of tent you go with really and how you are going to be dealing with heat.
 
aridbud

aridbud

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johnnyblazin' said:
Let's just say that for now, due to the price and relatively good reviews, I have decided to go with this tent. Is 250w enough, too much, too little? How many plants could I realistically except to fit in there? I was thinking from the looks I might be able to shove 4-5 in it.

http://www.amazon.com/Reflective-My...UTF8&qid=1407633103&sr=8-1&keywords=grow+tent
Click to expand...

Probably 4 plants max in space. Fine in early stages for 4-6. If you plan to LST (highly recommended), then you need more floor room. The height you don't need as much (unless you run photos)...and that small of a space 2 photos.
If it were me, I'd choose the bottom 2 choices. Avidi or Sun VS
 
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johnnyblazin'

johnnyblazin'

Member
aridbud said:
Probably 4 plants max in space. Fine in early stages for 4-6. If you plan to LST (highly recommended), then you need more floor room. The height you don't need as much (unless you run photos)...and that small of a space 2 photos.
If it were me, I'd choose the bottom 2 choices. Avidi or Sun VS
Click to expand...

I think I'll be going with the Avidi since I'm running autos. and it seems like it would fit more. I'm going to be growing as medicine and most of my strains will be high CBD for that reason so I want as many as possible in a relatively small area. Thank's for the help.
 
agito

agito

Member
You want about 40-60w per sqft of HPS so for 9 plants youd want a 600-1000w
in a 120x120 .(1000w will be hard to cool id go 600)
in a 90 cm you will probs want a 400w in a 90cm x 90cm this will hold about 4 large plants
 
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johnnyblazin'

johnnyblazin'

Member
I think I'll go with the 400w light and see how everything goes. Thanks for the help again everyone. I'll update back here once everything is set up.I do have once more quesiton however. If I use the 400w will I get raped on my electric bill if it's running 12/12?
 
aridbud

aridbud

automeister
ICMag Donor
Veteran
johnnyblazin' said:
I think I'll go with the 400w light and see how everything goes. Thanks for the help again everyone. I'll update back here once everything is set up.I do have once more quesiton however. If I use the 400w will I get raped on my electric bill if it's running 12/12?
Click to expand...

400w HID? Be sure adequate ventilation. In enclosed area (tent), heat builds up fast!! Hoping you'll have intake and exhaust.....DIY, or built in.

And for autos 18/6 or 20/4. You don't do 12/12 with autos.

Some say 24/0....from VAST experience (8 yrs, growing/breeding afterthought)...autoflower plants need to "rest" in darkness a bit being that it's artificial/synthetic conditions to uptake nutrients, etc.

And please don't pinch, prune...it will severely stunt your plants. LST is a good way to increase yield.
 
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intotheunknown

intotheunknown

Active member
Veteran
Also. Be weary of cheap tents, and check reviews on the tent you go to buy. Lots of cheap tents off gas due to the cheap pvc used to make them. This is why I recommended secret jardin.
 
johnnyblazin'

johnnyblazin'

Member
aridbud said:
400w HID? Be sure adequate ventilation. In enclosed area (tent), heat builds up fast!! Hoping you'll have intake and exhaust.....DIY, or built in.

And for autos 18/6 or 20/4. You don't do 12/12 with autos.

Some say 24/0....from VAST experience (8 yrs, growing/breeding afterthought)...autoflower plants need to "rest" in darkness a bit being that it's artificial/synthetic conditions to uptake nutrients, etc.

And please don't pinch, prune...it will severely stunt your plants. LST is a good way to increase yield.
Click to expand...

Well, looks like it's back to using a 250w HID unless I can get the same results wtih an LED and less heat. I don't want a giant fan that sounds like I've got a wind tunnel in my house. So here's what I've got planned out so far:


  1. Buy the Aviditi grow tent which measures in at 48" Wide by 24" Deep by 60"
  2. Use a 250w HID
  3. 18/6 or 20/4 for the light schedule.
  4. Do not pinch or prune the plants.
I'm pretty sure I can set the rest up myself and I'll be back with updates if I need any help. I won't be able to set up everything up until October. Thanks again for the help everyone.
 
agito

agito

Member
You can buy quieter fans check the DB ratings i had a very quiet 6" fan. it had to settings low and high. on low it was still more powerful that a 5" at full blast but more quiet.

Your still going to need a CF and a fan regardless

Also note the further away you get away from a 600w hps the less efficient you get. normally 10% less per wattage jump in each direction.

LED is and option (3w or 5w per led setups) but be prepared to outlay 2-4x as much vs a good hps. T5 another option but your going to want shorter plants.
DP sell one but for the cash I'm using 600w digital HPS's and quality hoods.
 
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