Set up your own Grow Tent Hydroponics System

Emporium Hydroponics • September 3, 2025

Setting up and using a hydroponics grow tent is all about creating a controlled environment where your plants can thrive without soil

There are plenty of hydroponic box tents available in different shapes and sizes to fit into your environment

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose Your Grow Tent

  • Size: Pick a tent that matches your available space and plant count. Common sizes range from 120x120 cm for small grows to 800x400cm for larger setups.
  • Features: Look for tents with reflective interiors (Mylar), sturdy zippers, multiple vent ports, and strong support poles.

2. Gather Equipment

You’ll need:

  • Hydroponic system (DWC, NFT, Ebb & Flow, Drip, or Aeroponics—DWC is easiest for beginners).
  • Grow lights (LEDs are energy-efficient and run cool; HPS/CMH work too but run hotter).
  • Ventilation: Inline fan, ducting, carbon filter (for odor control), and oscillating fans for air circulation.
  • Water reservoir with air pump, air stones, tubing.
  • Nutrients (hydroponic-specific).
  • pH & EC/TDS meters.
  • Net pots & growing medium (clay pebbles, rockwool, coco coir).
  • Timer (for lights and possibly pumps).


For a hydroponic box tent setup you will need growing medium such as clay or pebbles, nutrients, lighting, irrigation and a fan

3. Set Up the Tent


  1. Assemble tent frame and attach the fabric cover.
  2. Install ventilation:
  • Hang the carbon filter and inline fan inside or outside the tent.
  • Connect ducting to vent hot air out of the room.
  • Place small clip-on fans inside for airflow.
  1. Install grow lights: Hang at adjustable height. Keep proper distance (LED: usually 12–24", HID: 18–36").
  2. Place hydro system: Reservoir goes inside or outside tent (depending on design). Ensure easy access.
  3. Run power safely: Use surge protectors and keep cords off the floor to avoid water hazards.

4. Prepare the Hydroponic System

  1. Fill reservoir with clean water.
  2. Add nutrients according to the nutrient manufacturer’s schedule.
  3. Adjust pH (typically 5.5–6.5 for most plants).
  4. Insert air stones connected to the air pump to oxygenate water.
  5. Place net pots with seedlings or clones into the system.
There is a wide range of nutrients to choose from for a hydroponic grow tent setup and a pH meter is also essential to check the acidity or alkalinity of the solution

5. Control the Environment


  • Lighting schedule:
  • Veg stage: 18 hours light / 6 hours dark.
  • Flowering stage: 12 hours light / 12 hours dark.
  • Temperature:
  • Day: 70–80°F (21–27°C).
  • Night: 65–70°F (18–21°C).
  • Humidity:
  • Veg: 50–70%.
  • Flowering: 40–50%.
  • Air exchange: Replace tent air every 1–3 minutes using fans.

6. Daily & Weekly Maintenance


  • Check water level in reservoir.
  • Monitor pH & EC/TDS daily; adjust if needed.
  • Prune plants to allow airflow and light penetration.
  • Top up nutrients weekly; replace reservoir solution every 1–2 weeks.
  • Inspect for pests/mould regularly.

7. Harvesting & Cleaning


  • Harvest when plants mature.
  • Clean and sterilize all equipment between grows to prevent disease.