4x8 or 5x9 Gorilla Tent and Yield?

Skip the Amazon tent, if you are going to be ordering one. I picked up an El cheapo 4x2 off eBay a couple months back. I want to say it was like $60 some bucks shipped to my door. Took five minutes to assemble and it seems built to last; metal corners, multiple support brackets. It might be worth a look on eBay to find your tent. I ordered my reflector off of there too, the cheapest cool tube available, and I was not impressed. Ended up breaking the cool tube and ripped the reflective aluminum out to make my own wing.

If you do end up going through Amazon, watch out for this scum fucker named "Low_Baller". That hack job couldn't pack a bowl, let alone a package for shipment. He packed my last ballast and reflector combo with the cord for the lamp right over a the top bracket of the reflector, so when whatever it was that landed on top of my box landed on it, it sliced my cord nearly in half. Luckily, I had another one I could replace it with. Also, that hairy turd will package up used lights, and send them to you instead of new ones when it says "new bulbs" in the listing.

Guy is probably the feds, hoping to disrupt growers:bigjoint:

Edit: just noticed that the thread it titled "Gorilla Tent". If you have your heart set on the name brand, go for it, but I think one of these cheaper ones can still get the job done. The only "qualm" I have with my tent is that it is not 100% light tight, but since it's a veg tent it doesnt matter. It could be made light tight in a matter of minutes though. Up to you, man, but I'm always looking to save some money.
My mind is set on a Gorilla, I have annual inspections from landlord and need something that will be durable enough to be torn down and put back together from time to time. I found a Gorilla 5x5 tent on hydro builder/free shipping and a free 12" extension kit with IR Block roof upgrade for 437.39. They are a Google trusted store as well with good reviews; cheapest I could find for what I was looking for. Thanks for the heads up on amazon I've been comparing prices there quite a bit.
 
Unrealistic goals for a, self proclaimed, inexperienced grower. Start with a 5x5, get your shit down, then get another 5x5 and duplicate the first one. It's WAYYYYYY easier to get consistent 1.5-2# per tent, than try to max out yield every time. As you get more experience, your yields will go up.

Plus, running 2 tents on overlapping cycles, say 4 wks apart, makes harvesting a little less intensive. Trim 1-2lbs every 4 weeks, or 3-4lbs every 8 wks?
In regards to your 5x5 tent recommendation(which I am considering), what would be the total number of plants recommended for the setup you are referring to?
 

WeedFreak78

Well-Known Member
In regards to your 5x5 tent recommendation(which I am considering), what would be the total number of plants recommended for the setup you are referring to?
Tough to say. 1 big one in a screen to 50 clones thrown right into flower. Idk what the lights your looking at are capable of. Either way, it's not so much how many plants, but how much canopy do you have. I'd look into vertical to increase your sq footage of you want the numbers you're taking about.
 
Tough to say. 1 big one in a screen to 50 clones thrown right into flower. Idk what the lights your looking at are capable of. Either way, it's not so much how many plants, but how much canopy do you have. I'd look into vertical to increase your sq footage of you want the numbers you're taking about.
I watched a video in a controlled environment with a 1K-hps on a light rail, vs a couple stationary 315w LEC's and the yields were close to 1 gram or so more per plant, THC was little over 1% higher over the HPS fixture for almost half the power draw. I've read on these lights enough to go cross-eyed in terms of performance, efficiency, heat, and cost. From everything I have gathered, The sun system 630W LEC fixture wins hands down compared to 600/1000W HPS setups. With using the LEC, I would be able to regulate my temperatures better being I am a newbie; concentrating more on leveling humidity rather than battling both heat/humidity. The 8" vented hood is my choice, based on operating temperature of the bulbs(2200BTU/630W) I could get away with a 6" fan cooling the hood, and using an 8" Hyper fan for air exchange....and, IF I go with the 5x9, still use the 8" Hyper fan and link together the hoods using the 6" without any hassles(in theory).

Here is the video:

To each their own though...
 
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I am limited to 6-8 plants unfortunately, which is the reason I still contemplate a 5x9 in the back of my mind. The plan was to start small, 3-5 plants, and create a large canopy, with plenty of room for the light to reflect off the walls and hit the lower branches. Temperatures are easier to control in a 5x9 from what I have heard, and there is plenty enough room to crawl in and get things done if I have to. The cost and time increase is the only problem I am facing with 5x9 vs 5x5. The 4x8 has been completely ruled out thanks to feedback from the peeps on this thread.
 

cookie master

Well-Known Member
I saw a video of a guy winning the ufc, its easier said than done. I am being pessimistic but you are confused.
People always lie about yields, its like asking a fisherman how big his biggest catch is. And then you decide to be a pro fisherman, you buy the same rods, line, lures and boat as the pro uses. But you arent a pro, and you dont catch any 10 lbers even though you follow all the advice.
That lec light wont make you a better grower than someone with an hps. Hps is plenty strong already. Heat is less of an issue than humidity because with 5 lbs in a tent you are gonna just mold away without more than enough exhaust to get the heat out. You arent walking or crawling into a 5x9 tent, because it will be overflowingly stuffed with buds at 2 lbs unless you get the right structure and techniques down. Have you thought about odor? Thats your number one concern unless you have a few plants in a legal state.
 
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It is not easy, but it is not as difficult as you make it sound; it's a weed. As long as required conditions are met, it will grow just fine. I am not getting the LEC because I think it will make me a better grower, I am getting it because of its heat signature and efficiency. I am above average in skill and intelligence; not the average idiot when it comes to jumping into something. I merely showed an example video of the results experienced growers are getting out of the LEC's, because so many people that have never used them, like to put their 2 cents in. I have thought of every aspect of the setup for this grow, including humidity, ambient temperature, canopy temperature, nutrients, ph levels, soil ph fluctuations, light distance, lumens, wattage, air exchange, veg times, flower times, pests, strains, legalities, photo period, cropping/fimming/pruning, growing techniques(light overview-undecided), odor control/harvest odor, and other shit I am forgetting to mention because I am bored with this response already.
The inline fan for the 5x5 holds a 710CFM rating, more than enough power to control humidity since recommended air flow is around 440CFM, and no I don't plan on plugging it in and letting it run full power. The 5x9 would be fitted with a 10" fan that is rated 1065CFM, again more power than needed; with a carbon filter holding a rating close to 50% more CFM than what the fan is rated at since it would be a large tent. I have decided to go with the 5x5 for my own reasons, only because my budget will not allow me to get a 5x9 setup build in the time frame I've got. The 5x5 setup listed above is focused mainly on efficiency, the Hyper fan only draws 74watts(roughly), and dialed in, will draw less than that. The video was a statement to how well an LEC performs compared to an HPS light. Showing that they are within comparison of the 1K HPS. Which is an obvious statement if you watched the video, which you probably didn't. You call me confused, but don't know what you are talking about in reference to who I am and what I have grown prior to deciding to grow "monkey shit". I'll dial the tent in(as mentioned more than once previously) before adding plants to gain a better understanding of how to react when the tent humidity changes or temperatures fluctuate. Crawling into a 5x9 tent isn't possible with full growth either, it is a figure of speech, that obviously I only understood. People these days are so stuck in their own world with their own knowledge and experience, that if somebody was to try something that they haven't, they get all "pessimistic", or judge without asking first. Sounds like you skim through these posts rather than reading through the whole thing before commenting.
"Better Grower", lol.....that's funny shit. So far I have learned nothing from you, in terms of "advice".
 
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WeedFreak78

Well-Known Member
You arent walking or crawling into a 5x9 tent, because it will be overflowingly stuffed with buds at 2 lbs unless you get the right structure and techniques down. Have you thought about odor? Thats your number one concern unless you have a few plants in a legal state.
IMO, 2lbs, in even a moderately well setup 5x9 would be kinda pathetic. Especially packed the way you're talking. 3 times now, I've done 2 plants each in a 27 gal tote, scrogged in about a 36"x20" screen, in a 4x4 area and got between 1.5-2#'s every time. I'm working on 2-2.5# per tent... because I like more work..:dunce:.
 

WeedFreak78

Well-Known Member
It is not easy, but it is not as difficult as you make it sound; it's a weed. As long as required conditions are met, it will grow just fine. I am not getting the LEC because I think it will make me a better grower, I am getting it because of its heat signature and efficiency. I am above average in skill and intelligence; not the average idiot when it comes to jumping into something. I merely showed an example video of the results experienced growers are getting out of the LEC's, because so many people that have never used them, like to put their 2 cents in. I have thought of every aspect of the setup for this grow, including humidity, ambient temperature, canopy temperature, nutrients, ph levels, soil ph fluctuations, light distance, lumens, wattage, air exchange, veg times, flower times, pests, strains, legalities, photo period, cropping/fimming/pruning, growing techniques(light overview-undecided), odor control/harvest odor, and other shit I am forgetting to mention because I am bored with this response already.
The inline fan for the 5x5 holds a 710CFM rating, more than enough power to control humidity since recommended air flow is around 440CFM, and no I don't plan on plugging it in and letting it run full power. The 5x9 would be fitted with a 10" fan that is rated 1065CFM, again more power than needed; with a carbon filter holding a rating close to 50% more CFM than what the fan is rated at since it would be a large tent. I have decided to go with the 5x5 for my own reasons, only because my budget will not allow me to get a 5x9 setup build in the time frame I've got. The 5x5 setup listed above is focused mainly on efficiency, the Hyper fan only draws 74watts(roughly), and dialed in, will draw less than that. The video was a statement to how well an LEC performs compared to an HPS light. Showing that they are within comparison of the 1K HPS. Which is an obvious statement if you watched the video, which you probably didn't. You call me confused, but don't know what you are talking about in reference to who I am and what I have grown prior to deciding to grow "monkey shit". I'll dial the tent in(as mentioned more than once previously) before adding plants to gain a better understanding of how to react when the tent humidity changes or temperatures fluctuate. Crawling into a 5x9 tent isn't possible with full growth either, it is a figure of speech, that obviously I only understood. People these days are so stuck in their own world with their own knowledge and experience, that if somebody was to try something that they haven't, they get all "pessimistic", or judge without asking first. Sounds like you skim through these posts rather than reading through the whole thing before commenting.
"Better Grower", lol.....that's funny shit. So far I have learned nothing from you, in terms of "advice".
I did all the research you did too. Once you populate your area with plants, it won't matter that you did dry runs to get it dialed in. Trust me on that. And as they grow the environment will change dramatically, especially with larger plants. It's good to try and get an idea of what's going to happen, but expect to make running changes for the first 6 months to a year.

Is the LEC similar to a CMH? I know nothing about them.
 
Yes they are the same. LEC is used more often than CMH(terminology) but they are the same technology of lighting.
LEC = Light Emitting Ceramic
CMH = Ceramic Metal Halide
CDM = Ceramic Discharge Metal Halide

The ceramic tube allows the bulb("Plasma") to burn at a higher temperature than standard HPS/MH bulbs. This allows the light produced to better mimic the sun in spectrum, CRI, and are more efficient than their current counterparts. LEC's run at cooler temperatures as well. They also have a slower startup than the HPS/MH which trickles electricity to the bulb rather than a burst of energy to get the plasma going. Which in turn extends the overall life expectancy of the bulb in the long run(2yrs operation). IDK if the lumens and spectrum stay consistent for that long, but I did hear mention of not having to replace the bulb for 18months or so.

Explanation:

Most people/growers, measure the output of a bulb in light intensity, or lumens. Although these bulbs are not in comparison to the lumens produced by HPS/MH bulbs, there are other advantages to the technology.
LEC 315W bulb-------------------------33,000 initial lumens
1K HPS ----------------------------------110,000 - 140,000 lumens
750 HPS ---------------------------------110,000 lumens
600 HPS----------------------------------90,000 - 96,000 lumens
Bare in mind these are approximate numbers, every manufacturer is different, and not all bulbs are made the same.

Rather than light intensity or light output, these bulbs excel in "Color Rendering Index" or CRI.
The sun emits a CRI of 100.
LEC----------------------------------------- 80-96 CRI
HPS-----------------------------------------22 CRI (Avg)
MH-------------------------------------------65-70 CRI

The light spectrum produced by LEC's surpasses that of both Metal Halide and High Pressure Sodium bulbs. The spectrum range is so good, that a 3100K bulb can be used from seed to flower finish. The heat generated by two 315W bulbs(630W) is roughly 2,200 BTU's compared to 1K HPS bulb, which generates up to 3,500 BTU's of heat.
They also produce a higher level of UV(maybe UVB) rays as well, and require skin/eye protection while working in the tent or around the footprint of the light.

They are comparing one 315W LEC bulb to the power of a 1000W HPS bulb, and 2 315W bulbs to 1200W+ of the HPS or MH setups. I have watched many videos on LEC's vs HPS and the results are there. The video above is a prime example of many.

So the reasons I have chosen to go with this light is because I wanted efficiency and performance all in one package. The cons would be the startup price, and the bulbs(made by Phillips) run close to $100/ea.

My initial grow was focused on efficiency, operating cost, and heat......and that, is some enlightenment of the LEC/CMH Technology.
 
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I did all the research you did too. Once you populate your area with plants, it won't matter that you did dry runs to get it dialed in. Trust me on that. And as they grow the environment will change dramatically, especially with larger plants. It's good to try and get an idea of what's going to happen, but expect to make running changes for the first 6 months to a year.

Is the LEC similar to a CMH? I know nothing about them.
Well, shit.... So would it be best to have an environmental control unit for the tent? Or would it be better to save $$$ and closely monitor the tent adding changes as needed?
 
IMO, 2lbs, in even a moderately well setup 5x9 would be kinda pathetic. Especially packed the way you're talking. 3 times now, I've done 2 plants each in a 27 gal tote, scrogged in about a 36"x20" screen, in a 4x4 area and got between 1.5-2#'s every time. I'm working on 2-2.5# per tent... because I like more work..:dunce:.
For the record; my statements to Cookie Master still stand. I only apologized to prove that I am the better man, and better looking too. In a short time of starting the grow, I will eventually become a better grower than him. I know an idiot when I deal with one. I am not here to pick a fight, I am here to learn from more humble growers who are willing to give knowledge and wisdom; those who do not contradict my ideas so quickly. Growers who understand the passion of growing, and those who are not foolishly consumed by their own mind to the point of being more dumb than smart.

ProAmateur Out..........
 
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Rider509

Well-Known Member
Hahaha, I thought you'd tucked tail and left. No? Well then, allow me to offer some sage advice.
"Don't get your panties in a wad when you encounter someone who doesn't heap accolades on your goals."
Seriously. It's counterproductive to achieving your goals and just alienates others who might be inclined to comment but don't because they don't want to risk being on the receiving end of one of your tirades. So what if someone thinks your goals are unrealistic? Just do your thing. And if you want to flaunt your intellectual prowess head over to PhysicsForum and try to keep up. LMAO.
Best of luck with your grow plans.
 

Rider509

Well-Known Member
Cool. I think your decision to go with the 5x9 is right. You'll never regret having the extra space to work with. Some thoughts considering your declared budget. Since tents don't grow plants my suggestion is that rather than drop a ton of money on an expensive Gorilla tent you might consider something inexpensive and instead drop the bulk of your budget on lights. Two Gavita Pro 1000e DE lights would kill in that space. So would three 630W LECs like you're already considering.
Personally, the Gavitas would be my choice due to cost. Besides, the Gavitas are the defacto standard by which other grow lights are compared.
http://www.gavita-holland.com/index.php/products/proline/item/gavita-pro-1000e-de-us.html
 
Gavita light look nice, thanks for the info. I have already prepped for a 5x5 and I'll see where it goes from there. If the turnout is better than expected then I'll grab a 5x9 and turn it into a perpetual grow.

Definitely checking into the Gavita fixtures, the 6x6 footprint will be a nice setup for the price.
 

Jon E. Doe

Well-Known Member
OP, Please do a grow journal.

I too am a rookie. My bushes will be flipped to flower soon, but I am always down to see how others do on their initial grows (so much real world experience to be learned from, opposed to reading threads). You have obviously done alot of research. I am always comparing my version of "how it can be done" to other folks who are just starting out. I look forward to following along with you as you embark on this endeavor. You've obviously spent much more time researching than I did. Perhaps it will pay big dividends for you!

Looking forward to watching you grow some beasts and learning!
 
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