BIG FIVES: Complete kits for successful indoor growing
BIG FIVES kits bring together all the essential equipment to set up a high-performance indoor growing installation. These all-in-one packs typically include a grow tent, an adapted lighting system, complete ventilation with an extractor and carbon filter, plus all the indispensable accessories. The idea? To simplify your life by avoiding the hassle of searching for each component separately and, most importantly, ensuring everything works well together.
Why choose a BIG FIVES kit for your setup
Honestly, when you're starting out in indoor growing, it's easy to get lost in the jungle of equipment. BIG FIVES kits eliminate this headache by offering proven configurations where each element has been selected to work in harmony with the others. No more calculating whether your 150 m³/h extractor will be sufficient for your 80x80 cm tent or if your 240W LED lighting will adequately cover the surface.
The other big advantage is the economic aspect. Buying a complete kit is often cheaper than purchasing each component individually. And in terms of compatibility, everything is thought out: the tent dimensions match the ventilation specs, the lighting is sized for the surface, and the accessories integrate perfectly. This avoids unpleasant surprises like "darn, my carbon filter doesn't fit in my tent."
How to choose your BIG FIVES kit
The first criterion is obviously the space you have available. BIG FIVES kits generally come in several sizes: 60x60 cm for small setups, 80x80 cm for a good compromise, 100x100 cm or 120x120 cm for those who think bigger. Each size corresponds to an optimal number of plants and suitable lighting power.
For lighting, you'll have the choice between LED and HPS depending on the kits. LEDs consume less (generally 240-400W depending on the surface) and produce little heat, perfect for confined spaces. HPS (400-600W) remains effective but requires more ventilation. Regarding ventilation, make sure the proposed extractor renews the air at least 60 times per hour in your tent.
One last important point: check what's included in terms of substrates and nutrition. Some kits offer pre-fertilized soil, others hydroponic systems with clay pebbles. This completely determines your growing method afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an HPS lamp and an LED for my indoor grow in the BIG FIVES category?
HPS (High Pressure Sodium) lamps produce a very effective red-orange spectrum for flowering, with proven yields for decades. However, they generate a lot of heat (a 600W can raise the temperature by 8-10°C) and consume more electricity. Modern LEDs offer an adjustable full spectrum, produce very little heat, and consume 40-50% less for equivalent yield. For a 100x100 cm tent, expect 400-600W for HPS versus 240-320W for LED. The choice depends on your initial budget, electricity bills, and your ability to manage heat.
How many plants can I put per m² with a BIG FIVES kit and what pots should I choose?
That depends on your growing technique and the desired final size. In SOG (Sea of Green), you can place up to 16 small plants per m² in 3-6L pots. In SCROG or with larger plants, 4-9 plants per m² in 11-18L pots yield better results. For an 80x80 cm tent (0.64 m²), I recommend 4 plants in 11L pots or 6-9 plants in 6L pots depending on your experience. Geotextile pots improve root oxygenation compared to classic plastic pots.
How to properly install a BIG FIVES grow tent with ventilation and carbon filter?
Start by assembling the tent structure in a stable, well-ventilated area. Then install the carbon filter at the top of the tent, connected to the extractor via ducting. The extractor should be placed outside the tent to reduce noise and heat. Provide passive air intake at the bottom (opening with a sock) or active intake with an intake fan if necessary. The extraction flow rate must be greater than the intake to maintain a slight negative pressure in the tent. Test the system 24 hours before introducing your plants to check temperature and humidity.
What soil and fertilizer to use with the BIG FIVES kit substrates to avoid mistakes?
If your kit includes pre-fertilized soil (All-Mix type), avoid any fertilizer for the first 2-3 weeks to prevent burning young plants. With light soil (Light-Mix), you can start fertilizing from the 2nd week with an EC of 0.8-1.2. For hydroponics with clay pebbles, rinse them thoroughly before use and use a complete nutrient solution from the start (EC 0.6-0.8 for young plants). Always monitor the pH: 6.0-6.5 in soil, 5.5-6.0 in hydro. A digital pH meter is essential; test strips are too imprecise.
How to maintain a BIG FIVES hydroponic system, including cleaning and pH control?
Completely change the nutrient solution every 1-2 weeks depending on the reservoir size and growth stage. Between changes, top up with pH-adjusted water as the level drops. Clean the reservoir with diluted bleach (1%) at each change, then rinse thoroughly. Check the pH daily: it tends to rise naturally, use pH- (phosphoric acid) to correct it. The EC should gradually increase: 0.8 in growth, 1.4-1.8 in flowering. Clean pumps and tubing monthly to prevent biofilms that clog the system.
