Growing crops indoors presents a number of challenges, the most significant of which is likely the upkeep of an appropriate growing environment within the grow space. It is also the aspect that is the most essential. It should come as no surprise that a significant number of growers reach out to me for assistance in reducing the temperature in their grow tents.
There are a number of actionable activities that you can do in order to bring the temperature inside your grow tent down. Examples include moving the tent to a cooler region of your house, switching from an HPS grow light to an LED grow light, or making sure that the fan in your grow tent is blowing air out the window rather than into the room where your tent is placed.
To set the record straight, the best temperature range for cultivating cannabis is between 21 and 27 degrees Celsius, which translates to around 70 and 80 ° Fahrenheit. Growers that make use of CO2 are able to maintain somewhat warmer temperatures within their tent. It is crucial to maintain a consistent temperature in your grow tent in order to prevent plant stress. Temperatures that fluctuate often result in decreased crop yields.
Move Your Grow Tent to a New Location
Think about shifting your grow tent to the part of the house with the lowest temperature. A good example would be your basement, or if you have centralized air conditioning, perhaps somewhere close to some of the air vents. You should also think about positioning it in close proximity to open windows.
Your grow tent's potential to take advantage of chilly seasonal conditions is directly proportional to its proximity to open windows. Additionally, it will make it simple for you to direct your ducting from the interior of the tent out out the window.
Route Grow Tent Ducting Out Window
You don't want to ruin the objective of the inline fan by merely blowing the airflow from your grow tent into the area where your grow tent is placed. Because the air in the room where your tent is placed is the air that is being pulled back into your grow tent to equalize the negative air pressure that is being created by your inline fan, the room where your tent is situated will need to be adequately ventilated.
You need to take the ducting that you already have, or if additional ducting is required, you should go out and get some, and then aim it out a nearby window. It will be much simpler for you to keep your grow tent's temperatures stable if the air that is being sucked back into your tent does not interact with the warm air that is already present in the tent.
Use An Air Conditioner
Use your air conditioner to provide a cool environment for your grow tent. The simplest methods of accomplishing this are to either open a window during the warm season or to install a portable air conditioner. Not helping? Try bringing the portable AC unit inside the grow tent.
When the inline fan pushes out hot air, creating negative air pressure in the grow tent, it draws air from this space. The bottom screen windows of your grow tent allow cooler air to be drawn in.
Keep in mind that if the inside temperature of your tent is 85 degrees Fahrenheit and the outside air being drawn into the tent is only 80 ° Fahrenheit, the tent will not cool down. Bringing a tent with an ambient temperature of 85 degrees down to a more comfortable mid- to upper-70s requires replacement air in the low 70s.
Check the Strength of Your Inline Fan
As a general guideline, you should be replenishing the air in your grow tent with fresh air from your inline fan once every minute. Reduced fan power from ductwork bends and a carbon filter must also be considered.
Your inline fan may need to be run at a higher speed or replaced with a stronger model if it isn't producing adequate airflow.
Make the transition to LED Lights from HPS or HID Grow Lights
Grow lights such as HPS and CMH generate a lot of heat. Think about converting to LED grow lights, which have a lower operating temperature and make it easier to keep the grow tent at a consistent temperature.
Move Your Hydroponic Equipment Out Of Your Grow Tent
If you are growing your plants hydroponically, you might be utilizing electrical equipment such as pumps, filtration, or other devices that can be moved from one location to another by utilizing an extension cord or extended pipes. To assist in lowering the temperature within the grow tent, consider relocating a significant portion of it possible outside.
As can be seen, there is no one method that is guaranteed to effectively reduce the temperature within the grow tent. It's possible that one strategy will serve you better in terms of ease of use or efficiency than the others. It is just as much an act of art as it is an act of science to bring the temperature inside of your grow tent down.