So I am almost ready to start my 1st tent grow. My past grows were in my closet.
I made a 5 ftx5ftx7.5 ft grow tent lined with Mylar
1 6 inch inline intake and 1 6 inch exhaust fan. 175% of the air is recycled every minute
I will be using about 500 watts of CFLs. I used 258 watts in my closet with good results.

On all of my past grows I have used Scotts brand supersoil. I love the stuff, but have had problems with root gnats. Maybe had them when I bought the soil, or I may have been overwatering and inviting them to breed. This time, for my pots, I am going to use plastic storage containers like dairy crates lined with landscape fabric. I am thinking that having so much open air space (like an air pot), that the soil would dry more evenly, and it should promote root growth much in the same way. The containers are just under 5 gallons, and will be enough area to prevent root balling. I have always used 5 to 10 gallon pots.
I am thinking 8 plants will fit nice without blocking much light between plants. I run top and side lighting and run a cfl right down into the plant when I can.

My quandaries:

What kind of soil to use? Do I stay with what I know and chance a giant root gnat infestation, or do I go with Fox Farms which seems to be a tried and true "soil". But untested to myself.

Any opinions on the Dairy crate planter?

Any other thoughts are welcome also
tre93543 Reviewed by tre93543 on . 1st tent grow and need advice So I am almost ready to start my 1st tent grow. My past grows were in my closet. I made a 5 ftx5ftx7.5 ft grow tent lined with Mylar 1 6 inch inline intake and 1 6 inch exhaust fan. 175% of the air is recycled every minute I will be using about 500 watts of CFLs. I used 258 watts in my closet with good results. On all of my past grows I have used Scotts brand supersoil. I love the stuff, but have had problems with root gnats. Maybe had them when I bought the soil, or I may have been Rating: 5