Select Tent Size and Ventilation CFM
2 hoursMatch tent cubic feet to plant count, calculate exhaust CFM for heat removal, and plan intake passive or active for negative pressure.
Field context
This workflow is part of 3 niche fields
Complete guide for grow tent setup — step-by-step workflow, tools, checklist, and expert tips to get started.
Match tent cubic feet to plant count, calculate exhaust CFM for heat removal, and plan intake passive or active for negative pressure.
Calculate fixture PAR at canopy height, convert PPFD to DLI for crop photoperiod, and hang lights at calculated distance.
Assemble tent, mount exhaust and carbon filter, wire timer for 18/6 or 12/12 photoperiod, verify tent negative pressure.
Run lights full cycle, measure canopy temp and RH, confirm DLI matches calculator target, adjust fan speed on controller.
Sizes LED or HID fixture wattage and hang height for target canopy PPFD.
Calculates exhaust fan CFM for heat and humidity control in sealed tent.
Converts PPFD and photoperiod hours to daily light integral for crop targets.
Sets flood-drain or photoperiod timer intervals for automated tent operation.
Crop DLI Targets
| Crop | DLI (mol/m²/d) | Photoperiod |
|---|---|---|
| Lettuce | 12–17 | 16–18 hr |
| Basil | 15–20 | 16 hr |
| Tomato | 20–30 | 12–16 hr |
| Cannabis veg | 25–35 | 18 hr |
Adjust pH before adding nutrients — pH drift after mixing wastes expensive inputs.
Keep reservoir 65–70°F — warmer water holds less oxygen and invites root rot.
Drip loops on all cords entering reservoirs and GFCI on every outlet.