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New Grower Tent Choice
- Thread starter Zeez
- Start date
bigbadbiddy
Well-known member
Hey,
I started looking at tents but ended up making my own construction (which I think is always the best way to go).
When it comes to tents, Gorilla is basically the bee's knees for one reason only: Additional height.
Gorilla tents are higher than others, that is about it in terms of relevant differences.
For everything else, all the name brands (Mammoth/Secret Jardin, Gorilla, Homebox) will serve their purpose.
Secret Jardin/Mammoth seems to be the best value in many folks' opinions.
I for one was looking at Homebox because their panda film interior seemed better to me than the mylar everyone else uses.
So Gorilla only if you need the additional height (or can make use of it).
In terms of quality, light leaks etc. etc. the tents seem to be very similar without huge differences.
Stay away from no-name stuff though or make very sure you know what you are buying there.
If the zippers are shitty or the tents were otherwise shoddily produced, you might be fighting light leaks all the time and that will get so frustrating that you will end up just buying another tent...
I started looking at tents but ended up making my own construction (which I think is always the best way to go).
When it comes to tents, Gorilla is basically the bee's knees for one reason only: Additional height.
Gorilla tents are higher than others, that is about it in terms of relevant differences.
For everything else, all the name brands (Mammoth/Secret Jardin, Gorilla, Homebox) will serve their purpose.
Secret Jardin/Mammoth seems to be the best value in many folks' opinions.
I for one was looking at Homebox because their panda film interior seemed better to me than the mylar everyone else uses.
So Gorilla only if you need the additional height (or can make use of it).
In terms of quality, light leaks etc. etc. the tents seem to be very similar without huge differences.
Stay away from no-name stuff though or make very sure you know what you are buying there.
If the zippers are shitty or the tents were otherwise shoddily produced, you might be fighting light leaks all the time and that will get so frustrating that you will end up just buying another tent...
basically.. chose gorrilla if u plan on staying in tents forever as they will last.. if not.. buy cheap ebay tents.. and use em till they fall apart lol..
no names are wat i been using with no problems.. and at 180 a 4x8 tent.. u cant go wrong..
no names are wat i been using with no problems.. and at 180 a 4x8 tent.. u cant go wrong..
Thanks All. I went to grow superstore today and pulled the trigger on 2 Phantom lights and a 5x5 ($387) Gorilla. For that price.... They had really cheap prices. LEDs look even better than CMH on the electric bill, but they are so expensive it's hard to justify.
Next step is figuring out an auto watering system. The best setup I've seen so far is a submersible pump in a reservoir and a drip system.
Next step is figuring out an auto watering system. The best setup I've seen so far is a submersible pump in a reservoir and a drip system.
LastHurrah
Member
Hey Zeez. Those CMH are "optimal" at right around 39 watts per square foot. You'd actually need "3" Phantoms in that 5x5 for effective lighting. Good luck though.
LH
LH
If 630 watts CMH is comparable to 1000 sod, Isn't that like 40 watts per square foot for the 5x5? Or, is 39 a CMH number?
Aren't they like ~ $600 for 315 watts? I am told the reflector replacement cost is ~ $375
An Amare technologies SE 250 covers ~ 4 x 4 with very little heat, and does not require frequent hood replacement. 100% of the 50 watts aims directly at the canopy, easily outperforming the CMH in photons delivered Just sayin
See my Mini Me F & D thread. It's easy to make, cheap, and performs amazingly
You should understand that all watts are not the same in the values we are interested in: umoles
A ~300w Cree CXB CoB based LED panel will run circles around ~ 500w conventionally rated lights, while consuming < 40% of the electricity, PLUS, saving the annual bulb, and reflector replacement cost.
hth
LastHurrah
Member
Zeez. That Gorilla is 5x5 (25 square feet). 25 square feet x 39 watts per square foot = 975 watts. You'll do fine for veg "or" exchange the tent for a 4x4 (16 square feet). 16 x 39 = 624. 315 x 2 = 630... now that's perfect right there.
If you stick with the 5x5, the plants along the walls won't get enough light.
Good luck tho.
LH
If you stick with the 5x5, the plants along the walls won't get enough light.
Good luck tho.
LH
PF, I'm a new grower and this is my first post with questions about equipment choice and direction.
I see you have been growing for a few years. Maybe If we just accept the two Agro lights and the 5x5 tent as a given, you could help me with suggestions about setting up the tent in a cellar that has 2 dehumidifiers running. The air down there is kind of stale and grungy. What do you think about taking cooling air from out doors and then exhausting it back out doors? I have two basement windows with small sliders that would accommodate 6" hose fittings easily.
I see you have been growing for a few years. Maybe If we just accept the two Agro lights and the 5x5 tent as a given, you could help me with suggestions about setting up the tent in a cellar that has 2 dehumidifiers running. The air down there is kind of stale and grungy. What do you think about taking cooling air from out doors and then exhausting it back out doors? I have two basement windows with small sliders that would accommodate 6" hose fittings easily.
theLumberjack
Member
thats good, but I am still a fan of scrubbing the air going through my lights.
You will also want another fan for intake and exhaust beyond whats circulating the lights.
I use thermostat outlets i get off amazon to control most of the year. and use a 24 hr timer set to only intake during the night throughout the hottest months.
You will also want another fan for intake and exhaust beyond whats circulating the lights.
I use thermostat outlets i get off amazon to control most of the year. and use a 24 hr timer set to only intake during the night throughout the hottest months.
Good recommend. I'm in with amazon controller linked below. CMH Lights don't need cooling. Is it worthwhile to filter incoming outdoor air?
http://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-Tempe...tat outlets&qid=1462712137&ref_=sr_1_4&sr=8-4
http://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-Tempe...tat outlets&qid=1462712137&ref_=sr_1_4&sr=8-4
LastHurrah
Member
Can only speak on topics I'm familiar with. I know nothing about LED's. Never owned or worked with em. I was addressing the OP's original question... to which my answer is spot on.
I can't comment on how the CMH compares to LED. I defer to you since you apparently run LED.
Best
LH
LH, I got two 2x4 low flood trays for the center and hope to sustain mother plants on the side where there is less light. Sound good?
