Indoor growers don’t always need to occupy a whole room into growing. Sometimes, tents as small as 2×2 would be just fine to meet your production goals.
But where should this goal be at? We mean, what 2×2 grow tent yield would bring a smile on your face?
The one-word answer is- 10oz or 0.625lbs is the best 2×2 yield theoretically. Nope, we’re not aiming for a Guinness record here. Making 0.6lbs is quite possible to grow on a 2×2 grow tent if you have complete knowledge and command over the yield deciding factors.
What on earth are the “Yield Deciding Factors”?- you might ask.
Well, buddy, this is what we will explain throughout the whole post today. Call it a beginner’s handbook for a 2×2 grow tent, or a 2×2 yield master guide, it will take you through the ultimate process of earning the best small grow tent yield.
Got a minute to check out the whole piece? Let’s step up-
Factors Worth Considering In A 2×2 Grow Tent
Since the grow space gets correlated to the yield of the plant, it is important to plan the setup of your grow tent. Given a particularly small space, here are a few of the major points to take into account when building a 2×2 tent.
Light Type
This aspect pertains to the type of bulb used and its corresponding wattage. Various classifications of light bulbs have different levels of influence on the plants. As a general rule, a recommended light power of 30 watts per 1 square foot of growing area. In other words, you would most likely be needing between 120 to 140 watts for a tent size of 2×2.
But, you also have to factor in the fact that plants will only absorb 60% of the light source from the bulbs. To say the least, let us do a simple calculation to help you understand how we come up with the figures:
The wattage required for yield
Actual light power required = 120 to 140 watts; Or, an average of 130 watts
130 x 100 / 60 = 216.67 watts; Or, rounded off as 220 watts
Therefore, 220 watts of light is most suitable to use for a 2×2 tent in actuality. Using that as a basis, you can either choose to use a single 220-watt bulb or tantamount to two bulbs in about 120 watts each.
Besides, bear in mind as well that the more light there is, the hotter space will be. In effect, it increases the tendencies of overheating the growing area. For that reason, you have to plan your light settings to prevent such issues from occurring. The calculation presented above is for the wattage.
Types of bulbs for yield
There are actually a lot of kinds of light bulbs available in the market. Although, most growers always opt to use these three:
Fluorescent Lamps
Fluorescent lights are popular among indoor growers as they are available almost anywhere and cheap. There are two main types: the Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) and the T5.
CFLs are ideal to use for smaller grow tents. They are also favoured by most novices since they are pretty much easy to install. They can do it with no fancy wiring whatsoever. In spite of this, CFLs may need the use of a reflector. Because the light it produces tends to be more dispersed rather than focused. Hence, they use a reflector device to avoid wasting energy. At the same time, gain more control over the direction of light.
CFL’s Yield Count:
CFLs are well known to produce 1,500 lumens out of 30 watts of light power. In effect, it is likely to come up with a yield count of 0.25 grams of buds per watt. Or as we put it in figures:
0.25-gram x 220 watts = 55 grams; Or, is equal to 0.12 pounds of buds
But, a T5 type of fluorescent lamp would be more suitable to use for larger grow spaces. Thus, we won’t be dwelling much on this kind of bulb on this topic.
High-Intensity Discharge Lamps (HID)
HIDs are among the top choices of light bulbs for most growers out there. That’s because they’re proven to penetrate plants better. On that account, it is more efficient to use than the typical CFL lamps.
It also comes in various classifications. The Metal Halide (MH), the High-Pressure Sodium (HPS), and the Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH). Growers tend to switch between the types depending on the plant’s stage of growth. Most often, they will use the MHs during the vegetative phase. They will then shift to an HPS by the time the plant reaches the flowering stage.
HID’s Yield Count:
On average, HID lamps are capable of producing around 1,250 lumens per 30 watts. As for the yield count, it’s expected to grow 1 gram of bud per watt. In calculation:
1 gram x 220 watts = 220 grams; Or, 0.49 pounds of buds
Light Emitting Diode Lamps (LED)
LED grow lights are one of the favourites, especially among budget-conscious growers. It’s because they emit powerful amounts of light. But, they are also cost-efficient too compared to using HID lamps. Furthermore, they’re known to be much cooler. Thus, heat issues are significantly minimized when using LED lamps.
In spite of this, many also suggest using LEDs in combination with an HPS lamp. As per the experience of some growers, it’s said to produce higher concentrations of resin. They make the buds become stickier. This is more in demand in the market because it often indicates that cannabis is of good quality.
LED’s Yield Count
As mentioned earlier, LEDs are more efficient. That is why for only 13 to 20 watts, its light emission already reaches somewhere between 1,250 up to 2,000 lumens. When it comes to the yield count, however, LEDs produce half less than the HPS lights. It has a rating of only 0.5 grams of bud per watt. So, in a calculation that is:
0.5 gram x 220 watts = 110 grams; Or, 0.24 pounds of buds
As an overview:
Type of Light Expected Yield Rating (Per Watt) Required Light Power for 2×2 Total Yield Count
CFL 0.25 gram 220 watts 55 grams
HID 1 gram 220 watts 220 grams
LED 0.5 gram 220 watts 110 grams
Control the Temperatures, and Air Circulation in Your 2×2 Grow Tent
Air-condition is effective in cooling a grow tent. There is nothing that will cool your grow tent and combat heat during hot weather as much as a well-functioning air conditioner.
An air conditioner will help in dealing with the heat that builds up from electronics, pumps, lights, and also heats from nature. First, consider the size of your grow tent and buy an air conditioner that will work effectively with it.
Once you understand your grow room size, temperatures, and seasonal outdoor temperatures, then you can go ahead and buy an AC unit that will condition your air.
Best Air Conditioner to Buy For Your Grow Tent
AC’s are the best air conditioners you can ever find in the market. Basically, they come in 3 categories — portable, slit and window AC. They all vary in size, use, features, and price.
So, if you have a small grow tent, a portable AC will do a perfect job. But if the grow tent has a large space, you will need a split AC.
For effective air circulation in your 2×2 tent, you need to work out the ventilation. Ventilation is the most important factor that will directly impact your room temperatures. A proper airflow ensures that warm air is driven out and cool temperatures are supplied in the grow tent.
Without adequate airflow, the grow tent will be very hot. The heat generated inside the grow tent will accumulate in your grow tent.
How to ventilate your Grow tent
Ensure there is a regulated and proper airflow inside your grow room. To achieve this, you can use grow room fans. Alternatively, you can use oscillating fans and extractors fans.
However, in this case, we will recommend growing fans. They are inline fans. With them, you won’t have to worry about airflow anymore.
Conclusion
It’s been a long journey. We’ve explored almost all the areas that you should consider for a tremendous yield. From the primary factors to the extra tips, all of these will help you throughout the journey.
Pat yourself for all the hard work once you pull out a massive yield from your 2×2 tent. Believe us, we know the passion.
Good luck and Grow Passionately.