Everything You Need to Know About Grow Tents

There is a reason why indoor grow tents have become a staple for the at-home cannabis grower. Grow tents transform a shoddy, do-it-yourself home grow into a sleek, professional, and successful one.

A grow tent keeps the entire cultivation room tidy, zipped-up and discreet. It controls the environment, helps regulate temperature and humidity, and comes well set up for the nuances of cannabis cultivation.

But what size do you need for your weed-growing goals? There is a big difference between a 2x4 Gorilla Grow Tent and 5x9 Gorilla Tent. Not only does size impact the number of plants you can grow, it also changes the equipment you'll need, the amperage, and the layout.

For anyone looking for information on cannabis grow tents, from AC Infinity to Gorilla Grow Tents to multi-chamber to budget options — this guide is for you. 

You'll find everything you need to figure out what size tent is best for your needs. Everything from price point to LED grow light suggestions to the specific number of plants is covered below.

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You may not need any convincing about the powers of a grow tent for cannabis cultivation, but if you do, here is the highlight reel:

• All-In-One Grow Room - Building a grow room from scratch can (and does) require a bit of technical know-how. Grow tents set up in a snap, quite literally. They also come pre-set with all the necessary electrical ports, ducts, and doors—no need to break your brain and spend hours researching. Everything you need is there, in the appropriate size and quantity.
• Light Proof - Light leakage can cause severe issues once you've entered bloom, and it's not ideal in veg either. Avoid disaster by investing in a light-proof grow tent, with super-thick canvas protecting your plants from unwanted outside light.
• Environmental Control - Grow tents give you control not just over light but to a certain extent on humidity, temperature, and VPD. 
• Reflective Walls - With walls that have a reflective pattern on the interior, grow tents reflect otherwise wasted light back at your plants. Gorilla Grow Tents are only one example of this technology. They have a special diamond-shaped reflector pattern to redistribute photons directly to where they are needed most.
• Height Adjustable - Not only can you get a super-short Gorilla Grow Tent coming in under 4'11" tall, but you can also extend the height of the normal 6'11" tents by upwards of 2 feet. Great for small spaces or big-tall plants.

No matter the brand, all grow tents have the same basic format: a strong structure covered in a specialized fabric. Indoor tents come disassembled with the following components:

• Interlocking frame
• Corner connectors
• Outside canvas cover (the tent)
• Inside spill tray
• Tool pouch

The structure needs to be robust enough to support the grow lights' weight and the fabric strong enough to stand up against constant use.

Look for tents designed specifically for cannabis. Why? Because you can expect extra-strength, nearly-airtight zippers to keep potential disease and pests at bay. If it's a Gorilla Grow Tent, it will also have unique duct designs, with a double-cinching closure. They have designed every feature to make it difficult for pathogens to get in.

Usually, the interior of grow tent fabric is reflective to improve light dispersion. It should also be water-resistant and insulating. Not only does this help control the indoor environment, but it helps reduce the heat dispersion from hot grow lights. 

Grow tents have one or more access doors (usually via a zipper) that provide access to the interior. There may be other doors and ports suitable for ventilation, cords, and more. Most should also have a catchment tray built into the floor to ensure any spills stay in the tent.

Gorilla Grow Tents have become the number one brand of grow tent worldwide, promising "The Tallest, Thickest, and Strongest grow tents ever created." These tents have set the standard in the industry. 

Here are just a few of the reasons why they are the name to beat when it comes to quality and durability.

• Weight Capacity - The larger the tent, the more equipment it has to support, from grow lights to ducting to ventilation. Gorilla Grow tents can hold up to 300 lbs without any issues.
• Ultra-Thick Fabric - Thick fabric means better environmental control and no risk of light leak. Gorilla Grow Tent canvas is super-thick woven material with a 1680D thread density.
• Plastic-Free - Every Gorilla Grow Tent has a solid metal frame, ultra-thick fabric, and absolutely no plastic components. Even the frame connects via steel interlocking pins, making every part long-lasting and durable.
• Vents, Windows and Doors - Every tent comes with easy-view windows, micro-mesh air vents, and at least one sizeable and accessible doorway.
• Bug-Resistant - Micro-mesh air vents and the dual cinching ducts mean nothing gets in or out (that you don't want it to).
• Reflective & Infrared Blocking - The inner material in a Gorilla Grow tent has a unique diamond reflector. Plus, the ceiling has an infrared heat blocking component to help reduce excessive heat from escaping via the roof.

You may think the first and only consideration when choosing a grow tent size and model is the number of plants you want to grow. It turns out, space and budget restrictions are likely the most influential. Layered on top of this are any additional features you may want, but your biggest decisions are likely already made for you. Once you know the space you are working within and the budget, you can narrow down the grow tent options.

• Space: Your number one consideration is how much space you have to work with. A large 9' x 9' Gorilla Grow Tent with a height extension will not work in your small apartment closet. Whatever tent you plan to purchase has to fit within your available space ultimately. Don't forget to think about height as well.
• Budget: Another big decision is budget. Gorilla Grow Tents may be the best on the market, but their price tag reflects the premium features. The size, brand, and features of your grow tent may not be an option based on your budget.
• Features: Specialized features like bug-resistant materials, micro mesh-filters, material thickness, and height extensions may also dictate your decision. Not all brands and grow tent lines offer the same features (Gorilla Grow Tents provide several height extension options, Secret Jardin offers multi-chamber options).

Should you invest in a multi-chamber grow tent or purchase multiple grow tents? If you plan on having different plants in different stages simultaneously, you'll need a solution. 

The upside to a multi-chamber tent? Multi-chamber tents can keep veg and bloom separate, often in a smaller space than what you could accomplish with two different tents. You can neatly contain your entire grow room within a single grow tent. 

Multi-chamber grow tents, like those offered by Secret Jardin, are an excellent space saver. The downside to a multi-chamber grow tent is the space restriction within the tent. Most of these tents have a much smaller veg space than flower. This makes sense in theory, but growers often discover it's a bit frustrating in reality. It really dictates how long you can veg for and how big the plants are before moving into the flower 'room.'

You may also find your training techniques don't apply if you have to physically move the plants from one small side to the larger when it's time to bloom. Multi-chamber tents may even have two shelves, rather than a big floor space.

If you want to have a continuous harvest, with different plants always cycling through veg and bloom, two separate grow tents work better. Provided you have space, two separate tents mean less work moving plants around, more training options, and more room for the plants in veg.

Let's break it down by the numbers. 

Each tent has a different footprint, which means a different number of plants, number of LED grow lights, and layout is possible. The following details the specifics of the most popular Gorilla Grow Tents from the smallest closet size option to the largest commercial-sized one.

The smallest Gorilla Grow Tent is the 2 x 2.5' option. It's perfect for the smallest spaces or anyone keeping a mother plant. Sealed tightly away inside the tent, behind a specialized fabric with a huge thread density of 1680D, this mother is safe from outside influences. 

If needed, it is also compatible with the many Gorilla Extension kinds, either the 2' or 1' options. 

Despite its small size, this tent still offers the very same weight capacity, double cinching 10″ ducting ports, and light-proof fabric of the larger versions—part of the reason why it makes sense to roll out for growing and protecting Mother plants. Growers with super small spaces may also want to check out the Shorty version of this tent. If you are on a budget, the Lite Line offers a more affordable alternative.

Dimensions: 2’ x 2.5’ x 5’11”

How Many Plants in a 2'x 2' Grow Tent:1 mother (or 2 small plants)

Suggested LED Grow Light: Bloom Canopy Coverage of 2' x 2' (Mars Hydro TS 150 W) 

Suggested Grow Tent Ventilation Size: 4" vent

Weight Limit: 300lbs

Options: Shorty, Extension Kit, and Lite Line

Next up in the Gorilla Grow Tent line is the 2' x 4' option. This is perfect for small spaces and new growers just getting started. It's small enough to fit inside your closet, making this an ultra-discreet possibility. It's also great for anyone just getting started with growing weed inside and who doesn't want to invest in larger commercial-sized options too soon.

This size grow tent has a single access door, two ports for electrical cords, and six double cinching duct options (11"). Alternatives to the 2' x 4' Gorilla Tent include the always more affordable Gorilla Line Lite in 2' x 4' and the Shorty —under 5' tall!  

Dimensions: 2' x 4' x 6'11"

How Many Plants in a 2'x 4' Grow Tent: Up to 4 plants

Suggested LED Grow Light: Bloom coverage to 2' x 4' (Grower's Choice ROI-E200 LED Grow Light)

Suggested Grow Tent Ventilation Size: 4" vent

Weight Limit: 300lbs

Options: Shorty, Extension Kits, and Lite Line

If you are still working in a small space, but it's not exactly closet size, you'll want to upgrade to the 3' x 3' Gorilla Grow Tent. Just like the smaller 2' x 4' option, this tent grows up to four plants, has one access door, six duct options, and two cord access points. 

The difference? Instead of a short rectangular shape, this is square. It gives you a bit more to play with in terms of how you choose to organize the space and work with the plants. It also comes in several alternatives, including the Shorty for low spaces (under five feet) or the one or two-foot extension kits. 

Dimensions: 3' x 3' x 6'11"

How Many Plants in a 3'x 3' Grow Tent: Up to 4

Suggested LED Grow Light: Bloom Coverage 3' x 3' (Grower's Choice ROI-E420 LED Grow Light)

Suggested Grow Tent Ventilation Size: 4" vent

Weight Limit: 300lbs

Options: Shorty and Extension Kits

Most home growers start with a 4' x 4' grow tent. It won't fit in a closet, but it will nicely fit in the corner of a room, basement, or garage. This size is also ideal for the standard size LED or 1000w HID grow light. So if you already have a grow light lying around, this could be its perfect match.

Inside a 4' x 4' tent, you can fit up to six plants, although many people grow four larger ones. It still has a single door, six 11" ducts, and two cord entry points. These are suited for a single grow light and exhaust fan. Of course, as one of the most popular sizes, this has all the additions, extensions and options you could ever dream up. It comes in the compact Shorty, the less robust Lite Line for tight budgets, and height extension options.

Dimensions: 4' x 4' x 6'11

How Many Plants in a 4'x 4' Grow Tent: Up to 6

Suggested LED Grow Light: Bloom Coverage 4'x 4' (Grower's Choice ROI-E680 LED Grow Light)

Suggested Grow Tent Ventilation Size: 4" vent

Weight Limit: 300lbs

Options: Shorty, Extension Kits, and Lite Line

Whether growing for your own use or for friends, the 5' x 5' Gorilla Tent can fit it all. 

Trust us. This tent will produce more bud than you'll be able to manage personally. It fits between six to ten plants, making it a good option for growing more than one strain at a time. This size grow tent has three separate doors, eight double cinching duct holes, and four electrical ports. Considering you'll now likely want an additional light, these electrical ports come in handy.

Even though it has a larger footprint, this Gorilla Grow option still comes with two choices for height extension, bringing it up to 7'11" or 8'11". You can also find it in the Shorty option that comes in at 4'11" 

Dimensions: Dimensions: 5’ x 5’ x 6’11”

How Many Plants in a 5'x 5' Grow Tent: Up to 10

Suggested LED Grow Light: Bloom Coverage of 5' x 5' (Grower's Choice 720W LED Grow Light ROI-E720)

Suggested Grow Tent Ventilation Size: 6" vent

Weight Limit: 300lbs

Options: Shorty, Extension Kits

If you look around the grower forums, the number of ways you can configure a 4' x 8' Gorilla Grow Tent is unlimited. Some folks grow four monster plants, while others use SCROG techniques to make the most out of six. Still, other growers cram in up to 12 smaller plants for intensive growing and fast turnaround.However you plan to configure this size tent, you have options. There are three access doors, eight double cinching vents, and of course, four holes for electrical connections.

Although this has a big footprint, still comes with options. That means this 4' x 8' Gorilla Tent comes in the shorter option, a Lite Line option, and the height extension kits.

Dimensions: Dimensions: 4’ x 8’ x 6’11”

How Many Plants in a 4'x 8' Grow Tent: Up to 12

Suggested LED Grow Light: 2 x Bloom Coverage 4'x 4' (Grower's Choice ROI-E680 LED Grow Light)

Suggested Grow Tent Ventilation Size: 8" vent

Weight Limit: 300lbs

Options: Shorty, Extension Kits, Lite Line

For cultivators with experience and a full room to dedicate to growing weed indoors, the 8'x 8' and 9' x 9' tents are great options. You'll have enough space to reap a heavy harvest, no matter how you intend to grow. If you grow larger plants, expect to fit around up to 16, but some people report cramming in as many as 36. The features of this grow tent have a few more additions to help with the expanded blueprint. You get three access doors, 14 duct vents (11' double cinching), and eight electrical ports which should fit all the additional equipment you'll need.

The 8'x 8' grow tent comes in a Lite Line budget-friendly option, with a possible height extension kit up to two feet. You cannot get a Shorty 8'x 8,' or a 9' x 9' Gorilla Grow grow tent.

Dimensions: 8 'x 8' x 6'11"

How Many Plants in an 8'x 8' Grow Tent: Up to 30 

Suggested LED Grow Light: 4 x Bloom Coverage 4'x 4' (Grower's Choice ROI-E680 LED Grow Light)

Suggested Grow Tent Ventilation Size: 8" vent

Weight Limit: 300lbs

Options: Shorty, Extension Kits, Lite Line

With a 10' x 10' grow tent, there is an incredible potential to produce substantial bud with every harvest. This size tent would work for a small commercial operation, especially with a multi-tent format. Depending on how you plan to grow, you can produce upwards of 40 plants in the space. Just don't forget to leave room to walk through the middle.

 It has three doors, 14 ducts (11") and eight electrical ports. It does not come in a shorty or Lite Line alternative, but you can make it up to 8'11" tall with the height extension kits.

Dimensions: 10' x 10' x 6'11"

How Many Plants in a 10'x 10' Grow Tent: Up to 40

Suggested LED Grow Light: 8 x Bloom Coverage 4'x 4' (Grower's Choice ROI-E680 LED Grow Light)

Suggested Grow Tent Ventilation Size: 10" vent

Weight Limit: 300lbs

Options: Extension Kits

This size tent increases the production capacity once again. It's typically too big for anything but a garage or basement, but the potential capacity is incredible. 

This is a tent that will make you money as an indoor cultivator with the potential to fit in as many as 60 plants, depending on size and cultivator approach. Plan ahead for high energy consumption. You'll need to have the necessary amperage installed for the lights this massive tent requires.

With this production potential, there are six access doors and eight electrical ports. There are also more ducts: six (11") and eight (13"). 

It does not come in a Lite Line version nor a Shorty, but it still can be extended up to 8'11".

Dimensions: 8' x 16' x 6'11"

How Many Plants in an 8' x 16' Grow Tent: Up to 60

Suggested LED Grow Light: 16 x Bloom coverage 4' x 4' (Grower's Choice ROI-E680 LED Grow Light)

Suggested Grow Tent Ventilation Size: 12" vent

Weight Limit: 300lbs

Options: Extension Kits

Go big or go home. The 10' x 20' Gorilla Grow Tent is the largest on the market. You'll need a big physical space to run this setup, but it's an excellent option for commercial growers. 

In this scenario, you can likely work with a smaller 10' x 10' grow tent for veg and then transition plants into this larger grow tent for bloom.

This option has a total of six access doors and eight electrical entry points. It also has six 11" ducts and ten 13" ducts. The original 10' x 20' is 6'11" high, but you can always increase the height to 7'11" or 8'11" with the extension kits.

Dimensions: 10’ x 20’ x 6’11”

How Many Plants in a 10'x 20' Grow Tent: Up to 80

Suggested LED Grow Light: (Grower's Choice ROI-E680 LED Grow Light)

Suggested Grow Tent Ventilation Size: 14" vent (or two 8" vents)

Weight Limit: 300lbs

Options: Extension Kits

While Gorilla Grow Tents are the number one selling brand on the market, of course, they aren't the only option. What if you need cheap cannabis grow tent options?

In the grow tent world, you have to be careful when you throw around the word cheap. Many companies are selling "cheap" grow tents that might get you through a few grows but expect rips, tears, and light leakage. 

Are you looking for an affordable choice that doesn't compromise on design? One of the longest-standing brands in indoor cultivation is One Deal. They have reinforced corners, double-cinch intake and outtake ports, full-size water-proof bottom tray, and velcro mesh viewing/passive airports. While they may not be suitable for commercial operations, they come in an array of great sizes for small scale home grower:

• One Deal 2' x 4' 
• One Deal 3' x 3' 
• One Deal 4' x 4' 

Another solid option for those wanting to cut costs are AC Infinity Cloudlab Tents. These are incredibly affordable, even if you are just getting started. They are of 2000D thickness for higher durability and light-proofing, have reinforced structure, but a fraction of the cost. 

• AC Infinity Cloudlab 2’ x 2'
• AC Infinity Cloudlab 2’ x 3'
• AC Infinity Cloudlab 2’ x 4'
• AC Infinity Cloudlab 3’ x 3'
• AC Infinity Cloudlab 4’ x 4'
• AC Infinity Cloudlab 4’ x 8'
• AC Infinity Cloudlab 5’ x 5'
• AC Infinity Cloudlab 5’ x 10'
• AC Infinity Cloudlab 8’ x 8'
• AC Infinity Cloudlab 10’ x 10'

• AC Infinity Cloudlab 643D
• AC Infinity Cloudlab 743D

Whether you are growing for personal use or commercial-scale cultivation, a grow tent offers environmental control, discretion, and professionalism. It also makes setup and configuration far more straightforward than trying to sort it out yourself. A grow tent is a ready-made formula for success, and the options are endless. From premium grade to budget-friendly options, there is something that will fit your space and your budget.