In the ever-evolving world of agriculture, hydroponic grow rooms have emerged as an integral tool for cultivating plants indoors. These indoor grow rooms effortlessly suit any growing styles; hand-feeding fabric pots filled with coco coir or maybe a deep-water culture system to nourish plants with nutrient-rich water.
With so many grow rooms on the market, coupled with the cost-of-living-crisis, it is easy for new growers to question the merits of buying a low-cost grow room over a more expensive brand.
Does the cost of a grow room really make a difference to a hydroponic setup?
‘Expensive’ doesn’t always mean ‘best’. It is important to assess performance and durability first, then incorporate the cost to determine the true value of the grow room.
But first, let’s look at the different parts of a hydroponic grow room.
The Frame:
An assortment of poles, that when connected make a 3-dimensional frame. These poles are usually made from steel and connected with 3-way and 4-way plastic corners.
The Cover:
This is the camping tent-like material that fits over the steel frame.
The outer-cover is often a thick canvas, made from a plastic-based material like nylon or polyester. The internal cover is lined with a reflective material like silver mylar, or more recently a white reflective plastic.
The Zips:
You’ll be unzipping and zipping the doors to your grow tent almost every day. Made from plastic.
The Ports:
You’ll be running ducting and electrical cords through these drawstring ports. Most grow tents have a minimum of 3 ports.
After 10+ years in business retailing hydroponic grow tents, and 25+ years of hydroponic gardening, we have purchased - and binned - dozens of low-cost grow tents.
Here is what we learned when purchasing low-cost grow tents:
- The external cover is thin and prone to light leaks.
- The inner reflective layer is not that reflective and starts to peel after repeated exposure to heat and humidity.
- The steel poles of the frame are small, and unable to support heavy equipment.
- Poles start to rust and bend.
- The plastic tent corners eventually break due to heat and humidity.
- The zips jam, separate or break and let light in.
- There are not enough ports to accommodate a sophisticated set up.
- Unable to withstand negative pressure.
- Does not handle the wear and tear of repeated setting ups and packing downs.
- Has a life-span of 1-2 grow cycles.
After many years, and even more dollars, we found that the best hydroponic grow room was the one that combined functionality, performance, aesthetics, and durability.
And that is why HOMEbox became A-Grade Hydro’s flagship hydroponic grow room line.
In our opinion nothing comes close to the value and quality of a HOMEbox grow tent. They really are the best portable grow rooms in Australia.
What makes a HOMEbox Ambient grow tent A-Grade Hydro's first choice?
Every working display in our Melbourne show room is a HOMEbox, and these are run 24 hours per day, 365 days of the year- yep even when we are closed for the holidays.
We have grown chillies, tomatoes, lettuces, some strange type of African cucumber, more chillies, herbs and more in these indoor grow rooms, and they still perform like we set them up yesterday.
- The HOMEbox Ambient line showcases an aesthetically appealing beige-coloured outer cover, making it ideal for incorporating into indoor living spaces.
- The canvas material is thick and durable, maintaining the perfect indoor growing environment for years and years.
- HOMEbox’s signature PAR+ inner white layer boasts superior reflectivity, making your indoor grow lights more efficient and effective.
- The powder-coated steel poles make a sturdy, rust-proof frame able to support heavy ventilation and light systems, and to withstand negative pressure environments.
- Total Blackout Zippers. That don’t thread, break or create light leaks. Take my money.
- Removable bottom liner fits perfectly into the assembled tent, adds double the protection against water leaks and is super-easy to clean.
- Each HOMEbox grow room has multiple-sized ventilation and cable ports, in multiple placements to accommodate your chosen hydroponic systems. Your tent will remain light-tight, even with ducting installed.
- HOMEbox’s patented OmniFlow air vents make controlling air flow a breeze. You can control the direction of air flow and the micro mesh keeps any annoying pests out. Oh, and you still don’t have to worry about light leaks.
The geniuses at HOMEbox have updated their website to include detailed information on the different components of their grow tents. Check them out at https://homebox.net/ and see for yourself why HOMEbox are the best hydroponic grow rooms in Australia.
