mine really don't stick out at all, they are flat. I have a shelf built that sticks out about 4" at the most and a very slim fan pulling air through the filter. I also have a vent on the bottom with no fan that allows air to circulate. The shelf and fan are up above my plants though to help pull out warm air so it stays cooler as well. Woud you have the option to put the shelf up above your tent or is your tent to tall?