Last Updated on May 5, 2022 by Gary Stephen
As the trend of indoor gardening rises, you don’t need a big backyard or farm anymore to cultivate plants. Sometimes, all you have to have is a small space (3×3) for a simple grow tent.
In this highly-urbanized society, a grow tent is a great option for gardening. This holds true especially for people who do not have the luxury of space. A tent as small as 3 feet by 3 feet in size would then be perfect for horticulture.
In this buyer’s guide, we will help you figure out what you should look for in a 3×3 grow tent. Moreover, we also presented a brief review of some of the best products in the market today. So, let’s dive in!
Why choose a 3×3 grow tent?
The size of your grow tent depends on your needs and target yield. In general, grow tents are ideal for growing plants, vegetables, and medical cannabis. The yield produced in a 3×3 tent is enough to provide the demands for personal or domestic uses.
In the right circumstances, a 3×3 allows the planting of about 50 plants using the screen of green method. This quantity is a good number to start with. Not too overwhelming to handle yet still gives a considerable amount of yield. Thus, this tent is very suitable for newbies in indoor gardening.
Moreover, a 3×3 tent also allows for garden management to be a lot easier. Its compactness gives better control over the temperature, airflow, and humidity among many. Another good reason why it is convenient for those with less experience in gardening.
What makes a good 3×3 grow tent?
There are a lot of ready-made grow tents available in the market today. As always, not all are being made with the same level of quality. Regardless of the size, here are a few of the features you should look for in an indoor tent:
1. Frame and corner construction
The structural framework of a grow tent consists of interlocking poles. The common materials used for poles and corner pieces are either plastic or metal. Of course, the best choice here is metal, steel in particular. It is stronger among others hence it can provide your tent a sturdier structure for a longer period of time.
Moreover, it is also advisable to look for poles and corner pieces with a snapping mechanism. This will help to further secure the adjoining parts to remain lock in place. Thus, preventing untoward structural failure over time of use.
There are also tent kits sold with an extra few pairs of poles. This is an excellent option if you wish to adjust the height of the grow tent. It can be especially beneficial for plants that need plenty of vertical space.
2. Fabric density & strength
The fabric in itself acts as a barrier to keep odor, noise, and contaminants from coming in and out of the tent. It also helps to block unwanted light from penetrating. Thus, it aids in preventing disturbances in the light/dark cycle of the plants.
The density of the fabric is also a good determinant of durability. It is often measured in deniers. For grow tents, it is common to find fabric density between 120 to 600D. But it can also be as thick as up to 1,680D. Always remember, the thicker the better. So, if the budget permits, go straight for the thickest material possible.
Moreover, a strong fabric material is critical for safety and security as well. The tent will house heat-emitting grow lights and other electrical parts. Thus, it is important for the fabric to be able to withstand the intense heat and resist the tears.
Our top picks for grow tent fabrics:
Amerbelle American 500 Denier Water Repellant Canvas
Mybecca Indoor/Outdoor 600 Denier Waterproof Canvas Fabric
Black 1680 Denier Ballistic Nylon Fabric
3. Reflective material for a 3×3 grow tent
Reflective material is being used to line the interiors of the grow tents. This reflective walling allows you to maximize the effect of your grow lights. Moreover, it also helps to scatter the light better. As a result, it prevents the occurrence of shadows or dark spots within the space.
A 100% reflective mylar is what is being considered by most the ideal standard. The higher the reflectivity, the better it is for your grow tent. Mylars also come in different patterns too. But the diamond type is known to produce the best outcome.
Our top picks for reflective mylars:
Vivosun 6 Mil Diamond Mylar Film Roll
LightHouse Silver Diamond Mylar Reflective Sheeting
Hydroponics 5 Mil Diamond Foil Reflective Material on Black
4. Zipper durability
The zippers are often the first part that gets destroyed. It is quite expected though because of the amount of daily use it gets. The constant opening and closing of the tent can wear it down pretty fast.
So, it is imperative to choose a heavy-duty zipper for your grow tent. It should be something that is easy and smooth to zip. The likely you struggle with the zipping, the more prone it is to cause mistakes and damage.
5. Fabric gaps
It is critical to keep your grow tent as light-tight as possible. That is pretty much the main essence of your tent. To provide an environment with which you have full control including the amount of light.
In that sense, it is important to conceal all the possible entry of unwanted light. Areas such as along the zipper, ventilation ports, and edges have the potential to allow this. Thus, it is best to choose a tent with an overlapping velcro strap along with these said spaces. This simple feature seals-off the tent from the penetration of external light sources.
6. Provision of ports
In general, a good grow tent should be able to provide specific ports. This includes ports for the ventilation, exhaust, and the electrical cord.
Ventilation ports are simple flaps with velcro fastening. From time to time, this vent is being lifted to release hot and humid air out of the grow tent. Make sure to look for a tent with at least one.
The exhaust ports are also for ventilation purposes too. A 3×3 grow tent should have designated one port for the intake and another for the outtake. But for larger tents, there should be more.
Meanwhile, a cord port is a simple yet convenient feature. This allows you to plug-in devices with much ease. Thus, it minimizes the need to further use extension cords.
7. Extra features
- Flood Trays
This add on feature acts as a catch basin especially for spillages like water and solutions. Flood trays should be about the same size as the dimension of the grow tent. To secure placement, this is being fastened into the frames near the flooring area.
- Viewing Window
The viewing window is a great functional design for your grow tent. This allows you to check for the progress of the cultivars without the need to open the tent. Thus, minimizing the disturbances in the light cycles or the level of saturation. When using the windows though, make sure it comes with a tight velcro closure to avoid light leakage.
- Tool Pocket
This may not seem that necessary but it is still a great feature to have in your grow tent. A small tool pocket allows you to have easy access to immediate things you need like a pair of scissors or sprayer. You can also place your devices here such as temperature, pH, and humidity meters.
- Net Trellis
This flexible netting helps to provide the cultivars with extra support. This aids in either bearing some of the plant’s weight or to maintain a stable vertical height. Some grow tent kits include this bonus accessory. If none, don’t worry it is easy to find and inexpensive to buy.
Our top picks for net trellis:
Vivosun Elastic Trellis Netting w/ Hooks
Stretchy Nets Grower Flexible Trellis Net
Top 5 for a 3×3 grow tents in the market.
Gorilla 3×3 Grow Tent
Product Details | |
Dimensions | 3’ x 3’ x 6’ 11’’ |
Weight | 40 lbs |
Frame | Interlocking steel poles |
Fabric Density | 1,680D |
Reflective Material | Diamond reflective mylar |
Ports | Ducting ports (6), Electrical port (1) |
Extra Features |
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Why do we like this product?
Gorilla is one of the most reliable brands in the grow tent industry. They are well-known in producing thick and durable indoor tents with adjustable height. This original 3×3 tent is no exception.
It is full-packed with excellent functional features. From basic to advanced details, this Gorilla tent got it all. As sturdy and loaded as they are, these tents are not the cheapest in the market. Like always, quality comes with a price.
Vivosun Mylar Hydroponic Grow Tent
Product Details | |
Dimensions | 3’ x 3’ x 6’ |
Weight | 21.1 lbs |
Frame | Interlocking steel poles |
Fabric Density | 600D |
Reflective Material | Diamond reflective mylar |
Ports | Ventilation ports (2), Ducting ports (5), Electrical ports (2) |
Extra Features |
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Why do we like this product?
Vivosun is another reputable brand showcasing quality grow tents and other horticultural equipment. Price-wise, this indoor tent is less expensive than the Gorilla product.
This 3×3 grow tent is being made with thick canvas and steel poles giving it a sturdier structure. Moreover, it also offers great functional features. This includes a removable floor tray, a viewing window, and a tool pocket for your essentials.
Read Also: How to Maximize Yield in a 2×2 Grow Tent
CoolGrows Mylar Hydroponic Grow Tent
Product Details | |
Dimensions | 3’ x 3’ x 6’ |
Weight | 19.07 lbs |
Frame | Interlocking steel poles |
Fabric Density | 600D |
Reflective Material | Diamond reflective mylar |
Ports | Ventilation ports (3), Ducting ports (5), Electrical ports (2) |
Extra Features |
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Why do we like this product?
CoolGrows 3×3 grow tent have very similar features with the Vivosun 3×3 mylar grow tent. It is also constructed with 600D canvas and powder-coated steel frame. A removable and easy to clean floor tray is being provided too to catch incidental spillages.
Even though very similar, this CoolGrow tent is much cheaper. Thus, ideal for those with a tight budget yet still wants a good quality indoor grow tent.
TopoLite Hydroponic Indoor Grow Tent
Product Details | |
Dimensions | 3’ x 3’ x 6’ |
Weight | 19.71 lbs |
Frame | Interlocking steel poles |
Fabric Density | 600D |
Reflective Material | Diamond reflective mylar |
Ports | Ventilation ports (2), Ducting ports (3), Electrical ports (2) |
Extra Features |
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Why do we like this product?
Topolite is one of the popular brands not only for grow tents but for most hydroponic equipment too. Its tents are well-known for its affordability without compromising the quality. This 3×3 indoor tent is being made with strong and durable materials. This includes a thick canvas and steel metal frames and connectors.
Topolite grow tents also did not fall short in its features. It offers a green-tinted viewing window that filters out white light. Thus, minimizes the risk of disturbing the dark cycle process. Moreover, this kit includes a removable floor tray as well for spill protection.
Apollo Horticulture Mylar Hydroponic Grow Tent
Product Details | |
Dimensions | 3’ x 3’ x 6’ |
Weight | 23 lbs |
Frame | Interlocking metal poles |
Fabric Density | 400D |
Reflective Material | Reflective mylar |
Ports | Ventilation ports (3), Ducting ports (6), Electrical ports (2) |
Extra Features |
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Why do we like this product?
This Apollo Horticulture 3×3 tent is an excellent choice for a basic grow tent. It provides all the essential features but at a more affordable value. This kit also comes with an instructional pamphlet to guide you through the installation. Thus, making this tent perfect especially for beginners.
To conclude, 3×3 grow tents are perfect for domestic indoor gardening. It will not take up a lot of your floor space. Then again, it is still likely to give you a good yield especially if you maximize it with height extensions.
Its compact size allows the growers to have better control over the conditions. The ease in its management makes this an ideal choice for growers with less experience.
The key factors we discussed above will help you narrow down your options to find the best grow tent for you. From quality to functional features and price points, the choices are yours to make. But having good knowledge of these valuable details will lead you to wiser decisions in the end.