Best Grow Tent Reviews
Whatever you are growing, whether it’s medical marijuana or any other kind of plant, if you are looking for a highly controlled indoor growing environment, there’s very little to beat a hydroponic system.
If you want to set up in this way, you’ll need some grow lights and digital ballast, proper ventilation, a complete hydroponic system and adequate nutrients.
You will also need the best grow tent. Without this, there’s simply no way you can tweak your growing conditions to obtain optimum results.
One other thing that you will need plenty of…
Contents
Information.
This is where we come in.
Rather than being forced to scour multiple sites and sources to buy the grow tent, we are introducing a comprehensive series of articles with all you need to know about growing indoors.
We will have a look today at some of the things you need to consider when buying a grow tent. We will then explore some reviews so you can get the most appropriate piece of kit for your grow operation.
First thing’s first…
What, exactly, is a grow tent?
What Is A Grow Tent?
Via 420magazine.com
The grow tent is really a remarkably simple structure.
In the most stripped-down sense, it’s simply a bunch of fabric draped around a frame with metal poles.
The inside of this fabric comes coated with a reflective material. This enables your plants to extract as much light as possible.
Before grow tents, most people opted for grow boxes. These do not have the fragility of tents and are much heavier and more difficult to move around.
These days, most growers choose a grow tent instead. If you grow occasionally and want to dismantle your tent between crops or perhaps you want to move your grow op, a tent is by far the most flexible option.
Why Use One?
If you want to get the highest yields from your plants, you’ll need to exercise maximum control over the growing environment. By confining your garden within the walls of the grow tent, you’ve taken the most important step to achieving this control.
With the tent established, you can then focus on the other key elements such as the growing medium, the most suitable lights, excellent nutrients and sufficient ventilation.
The significant downside of a tent is that they are inherently weaker than boxes. With the heavy weight of equipment and scorching hot grow lights, it pays to do plenty research so you can avoid any expensive and catastrophic mistakes.
Assembling your grow tent is pretty straightforward. Just slip the poles together to erect the frame then pull the skin across the top. It’s as simple as that.
Now that you have the basics covered, it pays to double down and think about a few key areas that are worth looking out for in your hunt for a great grow tent.
What To Look For In The Grow Tent…
If you want to make sure of getting the grow tent for your money, there are a few key things to focus on…
Sizing
The grow tents range in size from 2x2 feet up to and beyond 10x10s.
In these reviews, we’ll look at a decent selection of assorted sizes. In forthcoming articles, we will examine the 3 best tents in each sizing category.
Even the most basic research will make it clear which size is right for your particular needs.
Fabric: Strength and Density
The density of fabric is normally measured in denier (D).
The denser the material is, the more rip-resistant it will be.
As well as limiting the chance of any tears in the fabric, a dense tent will keep any smell and noise within the confines of the tent while also stopping any pests or diseases from escaping into the air.
You will also lose less light if the fabric is more robust so buy the best quality that you can afford. This factor will affect your yields and the quality of your crop.
Zips: Check The Quality
With regular usage, the zips on a grow tent are the main weakness.
If they are poorly put together, constant opening and closing can cause them to break down completely. A broken zip will lead to a weakened structure and can also compromise light integrity.
Frame and Pole Strength
Your tent poles will need to bear the brunt of your lights and fan while still standing strong.
Opt for metal poles, steel in particular, for the most durability. Snapping mechanisms to lock them into place are an added bonus.
Some plants demand a great deal of vertical height. If you plan to grow such plants, look for a grow tent that offers height-adjustable poles. You can then pop an extra set onto the vertical supports and you can cater to any tall plants without a headache.
Resistance: Heat and Rips
In an ideal scenario your tent will never need to stand up to an extreme temperature.
Face facts, though. You’ll be growing with extremely hot lights that are hanging up in a tiny space. Accidents happen even with the best intentions and care.
Make sure that if anything goes wrong, your chosen grow tent can cope.
Reflective Material
One of the key selling points of grow tents is the way in which their interiors have highly reflective walls. This will help to really get the most out of your grow lights.
Look out for Mylar with as close to 100% reflective properties as possible.
This comes in many patterns and the diamond style is generally preferred.
As with the fabric density, pay very close attention to the quality of the reflective material when looking for the grow tent.
No Gaps
You want a light-tight growing environment so a completely sealed unit is essential.
Check for Velcro flaps that can help you to seal off the corners. Ventilation and cord ports should have zip draws.
Ventilation: Exhaust Ports
Grow tents come with 3 ports:
- Ventilation: These are usually flaps secured with Velcro. You can easily lift them if you need to vent out any hot air. Make sure the tent you buy has at least one of these
- Exhaust: For heavier duty ventilation requirements, an exhaust port comes into its own. This is particularly useful for ventilating your lights
- Cord: Look for well-placed cord ports to avoid needing to rely on unsightly extension cables
The functionality of tents varies quite dramatically. Many offer flood trays, viewing windows, handy pockets for your tools or a net trellis. Think about which of these are necessary for you and which are just a handy luxury.
So…
Now you have a solid understanding of what to look for when buying the grow tent, we’ll move on to 5 grow tent reviews to allow you to choose something that precisely matches your needs.
Best Grow Tent Reviews
Product Name | Image | Size (feet) | Denier of Fabric | Extension Poles Included or Available | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 2x2 | 210 | Available | $ | ||
 | 2x4 | 1680 | Included | $$ | ||
 | 2x4 | 200 | Not available | $ | ||
 | 4x4 | 1680 | Not available | $$$ | ||
 | 5x5 | 400 | Not available | $$ |
You can take a look here: https://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Grow-Tent-LTGGT22-2-5/dp/B00L4NFAWA
First up is a 2x2 tent from Gorilla, a real monster in the growing industry.
The LITE LINE offers growers on a budget the chance to invest in a brand like Gorilla without breaking the bank.
Here are the key differences between the original tents and the LITE LINE alternative. Check them out and see if this influences your decision:
- The canvas density is 210D. The original is a colossal 1680D
- Height extension kit is not included (but is available separately)
- No IR Blocking Roof like original GGT
- Supports 170 pounds whereas GGT bears 300 pound load
If you have a small garden up to around 400 watts, this tent is tailor-made.
The sturdy steel frame offers a great skeleton for a durable canvas tent. Solid zippers complete the package. You will enjoy a secure growing environment so you can focus on your crop knowing your equipment won’t let you down.
The reflective Mylar inside does its job admirably.
A handy mesh bag on the tent’s wall is perfect for any tools you need close to hand.
If you want a cheap, entry-level tent for a small crop, the LTGGT22 is one of the best grow tents on the market.
Pros
- Market-leading brand so buy with complete confidence
- Steel frame is totally secure
- Tool pouch on tent wall very convenient
- Reflective Mylar inside
- Flood mat included
Cons
- Height extension poles (1 foot) available but not included
You can take a look here: https://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Grow-Tent-6-Feet-11-Inch/dp/B009TCIZ6Q
Stepping up a gear next, this 2x4 is from the main Gorilla line rather than the LITE featured above.
The rugged GGT24 boasts an impressive 1680D fabric
For smaller gardens up to about 600 watts, this grow tent is reliable and durable in every respect. From zippers through to fabric, everything works well.
You can use the provided extension poles to get another foot in height from your tent if conditions dictate.
The tent is protected against pests so you can grow without worrying about your plants.
For any gardener who wants a top-notch tent for a small grow-up, this 2x4 is well worth looking into.
Pros
- Extremely dense 1680D tent
- Diamond reflective Mylar
- Height extension of 1 foot
- Flood pool
- Great zippers
- Pest control through Pre-Filters
Cons
- Pretty expensive
You can take a look here: https://www.amazon.com/Apollo-Horticulture-Hydroponic-Indoor-Growing/dp/B00H9OJHYA
Another 2x4 grow tent next this time from the reputable Apollo Horticulture.
This brand sells tents in a wide range of sizes to suit all configurations in the growing room. Simply look for the type that best suits you.
The Mylar floor tray and lining are highly reflective. The build quality overall is sound, from the zippers keeping all light contained through to the steel frame.
Everything here falls into place to give you a hassle-free growing experience. If you are a beginner or you have a small grow-op, check out Apollo Horticulture’s offerings when thinking about the grow tent for your specific needs.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Mylar floor tray is removable
- Large door with zip for ease of movement
- Solid steel frame
- Zippers built to last
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Small area
You can take a look here: https://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Grow-Tent-4-Feet/dp/B00KCSSBWY
Gorilla are back with the next grow tent on our list.
With a larger 4x4 version, this tent caters to most growing needs from small home operation to professional.
The high-density fabric keeps noise and smell inside the tent while stopping anything untoward coming back out and into your living environment.
The diamond patterned Mylar performs brilliantly when it comes to reflective duties.
If you want to grow anything up to around 60 plants using the Sea of Green method, you simply can’t go wrong with this Gorilla.
Pros
- Brand you can trust
- Diamond Mylar is extremely reflective
- High density 1680D
- Tool pocket and flood tray for convenience and safety
- Great for growing up to 60 plants using SOG
Cons
- Very expensive
You can take a look here: https://www.amazon.com/Apollo-Horticulture-Hydroponic-Indoor-Growing/dp/B00H9NGP8C
We will round out these reviews with a great 5x5 model from Apollo Horticulture.
This 400D tent will allow you to grow in excess of 75 plants without worrying about your equipment letting you down.
The frame is built to last, the zippers are strong enough to weather heavy action and the Mylar reflects perfectly.
You can remove the floor tray easily and the Mylar is highly resistant to any rips or tears.
For a substantial tent at an extremely keen price, this 5x5 from Apollo Horticulture deserves its place on any general list of the grow tents.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Sturdy and durable frame
- Decent 400D fabric
- Zippers extremely durable
- Flood tray
Cons
- No extras like with Gorilla grow tents
Wrap-Up
We hope that this look at the grow tents has given you a reasonable overview.
Come back soon and check out our continuing series on grow tents to help you make the right decision with no fuss on your part.
If you have any questions at all, please get in touch. We are always happy to help and to hear any feedback you might have.
