Don't buy a cheap grow tent!

I had my tent collapse on monday night! Lucky there was only 3 ladies left in there and they were ready pretty much anyways. The light smashed them but I salvaged it all. Been trimming like crazy. I already got a new tent ready to set up. Plastic connectors broke on the cheap old one. The new one is all metal!

i always say you get what you pay for... in most cases. that's some rough luck. sounds like the losses were minimal so you have that going for ya.

Secret Jardin grow tents appear to be well built.. about to assemble/run second one.

jardins are awesome. they got a super strong one that comes in a crate thats epic. could do gymnastics on it.

i just picked up the 259 dollar special at HTG. 8' x 4'.

ALL metal. seems really well built.

don't listen to the instructions tho and build the frame first then slide the skin over. that shits whack. just build it from the inside just like every other tent.

worth 2x $259 imo. very nice tent.

I have a sunhut xl that's almost ready to go. I got almost 2 years of growing out of the first tent. Cost me $120 so I'd say I got my money out of it. I'll never use one with plastic connections again.

i just helped a buddy set one up that has plastic connections. i think I'm gonna reinforce with gorilla tape.

Tape the crap out of it and then some! I should have when I noticed the connectors cracking.

don't use gorilla tape on the inside of the tent. use HVAC foil tape. the glue and outer tape skin on the gorilla tape will lift and separate. I had 2 5" fans fall on my flower plants and tear off a nice big branch with a fat cola on it. and x2 on the secret jardin tents. I run 2 of the dr120's.

Medical420MI said:

Tape the crap out of it and then some! I should have when I noticed the connectors cracking.

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There was your downfall

I fear that the average tent is not built for holding any real weight when it comes to hoods , the Secret Jardins seem to be some of the stronger ones amongst the higher dollar lineups . The lower quality ones are often lacking strength and support within the engineering . Some people notice this early on and reinforce while modifying the design and layout . I bought a lower priced one on ebay and have had nothing but good things to say for it besides the initial setup . Grn Elements 4x4x8 and it only serves as a veg station , flowering with it could be a challenge as it has three walls that detach due to it being capable of being added too later on for doubling and more .. All in all it was well worth the 100 dollars spent and it holds weight well , in fact I use the top half as a close closet while the lower half holds 12 t-5 lamps and some fans as well .

Hey Prof, could you tell me what the name was of that cheap tent that you bought on EBAY? Ive been looking for a long time now and am about to just pull the trigger on this cheap one I always see on EBAY. Its says its got all metal connectors and 600d cloth? I know this thread is old but wth

My cheap $80 tent has been holding up quite well. I did notice one of the plastic connection pieces is bent/cracked. Hanging a phresh filter and cool tube from it. So far it's got about 2 years of use. I see these things as disposable and not long lasting. like most things, they do need to be replaced. To be honest parts could probably sourced at the hardware store for better reinforcement. No off gasing and pretty good build quality for only $80.

My tent is made by GrowLab and was pretty pricey because of the size, it uses steel poles and plastic connectors. Even though its a good brand, i still don't trust it holding up a bunch of weight so i reinforced it with a inner frame i build out of 2X4's. I have two big 1000w hoods, about 300w worth of hanging florescent lights, two Air King oscillating fans and a big carbon filter all hung from the tent frame and i'm still a little paranoid...

Alot of thoses cheap tents matchup with pvc t"s and elbow",replace the plastic ones with pvc, it"ll cost you maybe 5 bucks and will reinforce your tent.

I really like HTG store in my small town and the people who work there, they will basically tell you what is junk and what is good on there own items.
I am thinking of buying a tent, thanks for the heads up on what to buy! :thumbup:

HGK420 said:

i just helped a buddy set one up that has plastic connections. i think I'm gonna reinforce with gorilla tape.

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Do this if you have doubts about the strength.

Call me crazy, but I would write a letter to the manufacturer...
Tell them your very dissatisfied with their product. You could have a little to gain and nothing (else) to lose.

I got at a 4x4x8 tent from HTG. I use it for my breeding room, I love it. It has all metal poles and connectors and seems to be holding up great. Always do your research on your grow equipment or really anything before buying it. There are reviews on everything nowadays so why waste time and money on something inferior if you don't have too.

Had a similar problem but was a lil more damaging. had 2 LED's fall on my next batch all clones.

5' x 5' delivered to my door $152 on ebay
4 strips of duct tape
Going on 5 years of continuos use...