2×4 setups: budget vs. premium (shopping list, real yields)

Not everyone starts with a 2×2 meter tent and a multi-thousand-euro light. For many growers, the first step is the classic 2×4 ft (120×60 cm) setup. Small, discreet, but still big enough to harvest a satisfying amount of buds.

The most common question is: is it worth spending €1500 if you can build a decent setup for around €700? Let’s compare budget vs. premium — step by step, with a shopping list, electricity costs, and expected yields.

Budget setup (~€700)

Shopping list:

• 120×60 cm tent – ~€100
• LED light (Mars Hydro TS1000 ×2) – ~€260 (2 × €130)
• 4” exhaust fan with carbon filter – ~€120
• Oscillating fans ×2 – ~€40
• Mineral nutrients (e.g. Advanced Nutrients 3-part) – ~€100
• Pots & soil + perlite – ~€60
• Basic pH + EC meter – ~€40

Total: ~€720

Light power: 300 W (true draw)
Electricity cost: ~€35–40/month at €0.20/kWh
Yield: 250–350 g dry from 4 plants (SCROG/LST)

Pros:

• Low entry cost, fast return on investment.
• Mars TS delivers surprisingly solid PAR in a small tent.
• Easy to find tutorials and community support.

Cons:

• Weaker light penetration = smaller lower buds.
• Climate less stable (4” exhaust is limited).
• Shorter lifespan for cheaper lights and filters.

Premium setup (~€1500)

Shopping list:

• 120×60 cm tent (Gorilla, Secret Jardin) – ~€220
• LED light (HLG 300L Rspec or Gavita 345 W LED) – €500–600
• 6” exhaust fan with premium carbon filter – ~€250
• AC Infinity oscillating fans ×2 – ~€100
• Climate controller (Inkbird Wi-Fi) – ~€80
• Organic nutrients (e.g. BioBizz full line) – ~€150
• Air-Pot style containers + coco/perlite – ~€100
• Bluelab Combo pH/EC meter – ~€250
• Extras: SCROG nets, Cal-Mag, PK booster – ~€150

Total: ~€1500

Light power: 350–400 W (true draw)
Electricity cost: ~€45/month
Yield: 400–500 g dry from 4–6 plants

Pros:

• Stable environment (stronger ventilation & climate control).
• Better spectrum & penetration = denser, heavier buds.
• Gear lasts for years, rarely fails.
• Organics give smoother taste and aroma.

Cons:

• Twice the initial investment.
• Steeper learning curve (coco + climate management).
• Easy to “overspend” before you’ve mastered the basics.

Yield comparison

What really changes the game?

• Light: the biggest factor. Premium LEDs give even PAR distribution and superior spectrum.
• Ventilation: a strong fan + quality filter = stable climate and zero smell leaks.
• Medium & nutrients: soil + cheap minerals = simple and forgiving; coco with Air-Pots = faster growth and bigger yields.
• Control: budget = simplicity, premium = precision (and responsibility).

So, is it worth spending an extra €800 on premium gear? It depends. If you’re just learning the ropes and want quick, reliable results — the budget kit is more than enough. But if your goal is maximum yield, stable climate, and connoisseur-quality buds, premium gear shows its value.

The truth is, you’ll grow solid weed in either setup. The difference is whether you want to learn on a bicycle… or hop straight on a Ducati.