Hey GC, I am already on my second carbon filter within just 3 month...the first one gave up after about 2 month, which is also what the reviews said online, so I was not surprised. I got a second one and which has been running for about a month now, maybe even less. I can already start to smell it again pretty bad, which is nuts to me. I have them running 24/7 with a 6" fan on lowest level. Is this normal? I would expect much more lifetime. The description of my current one said to switch up the exhaust end and the bottom piece, to use as many carbon particles as possible, but I cant believe it is already time for that and I think it would still fail on me again in just a few days, maybe a week. What is normal life time and can you guys guide me to the best carbon filter ? This is the one I have right now: The ducting is not broken, I checked that too.
Slow down the air flow. Carbon only takes odor out of the air if there is enough time/contact for it to happen. There's a whole science to it but basically the air is going past it too fast.
Time to step up your game. I get a couple years out of fresh brand filters. Environment can also negatively impact a filters perfornance. Dust, dirt or high humidity can cause issues. What is the cfm rating of the fan and also the filter? What brand of fan?
The fan is from "Intertek" 460CFM but I have a dimmer on there and run it on lowest setting. I switched the intake and bottom piece of the filter and it is definitely a big improvement, can't really smell it. I think that will take me through the end of my grow at least. I also looked at all kinds of filters today and read reviews, most of them seem to fail way too early like 2 month. This one here a lot of people have commented that it would last 8 month or even a year for growing, so I might try this one next. I also found the "Phresh" filters, but they are twice as much, not sure if that is worth it, unless they last a long ass time.
Intertek is a certification body for consumer products. Like ULC, CSA, WH, ITL That's a pretty big fan. How big is your space?
Yea I wasnt sure if that was the brand or what you said its a 2x4x5 , but my next grow will be in a 4x4x7.
I'm no expert at carbon filters....so I have a question. If the fan is 400cfm and the filter is designed for 400cfm......why does the air have to move slower through it for it to be efficient? Maybe increases the life? Thanks.
If you check reviews from growers they are usually consitent on how long they last as I have found today. I just look for growers reviews where they complain about life time and then go with the longest I guess...mine lastet exactly as long as people said. Vivosun about 2 month and this one about 1 or 2 month apparently if you switch it around...should have researched more in hindsight, just like with the lights...oh well, live and learn
When the cfm speeds are matched they work great under ideal/optimal conditions. Add in enviro factors and the efficiency can be reduced but made up for by slowing down the air flow. If the air has a high rh, high particulate matter (dust, pollen, smoke, etc) the carbon works to remove those items as well as it doesn’t distinguish between what’s in the air. That’s when slowing down the air speed helps to remove smell. I give my filter a shake after every grow to expose new surface area of the carbon chunks. Sent from my iPad using Grasscity Forum
The fan you have now is huge for that space. You can do both a 4x4 and 2x4 at the same time with that thing. Try a brand name next time. I grabbed a Can Filter and am on year 2 with no complaints using a 170cfm fan, 4”, for a 5x5x7 room. Cheers Sent from my iPad using Grasscity Forum
Definetly worth it. My neighbor is a cop. Twice as much but works 100x better for way longer....thats a win
Thanks guys, that helps a lot. I also hate the loud noise of the fan, so I was thinking about getting a 4inch which is also quiet/stealth. Im sure they have those. Was thinking 6inch is too big anyways. So ill get a new fan and filter for the next 4x4 grow !
Just remember, you really do get what you pay for. There are no bargains! Sent from my iPad using Grasscity Forum
I only use the CAN filters. They on average last me 11months of constant use. I remove the dust cover and blow it out with an air compressor outdoors once a month. I also found pellet active carbon in 50lb bags locally that cost $80.
so you can replace the coal in those? i was looking for that, dont want to buy new ones all the time, thats just a lot of waste and stupid...
Yup. It’s a big mess so best to do it out doors and with clothes you don’t mind getting coal dust all over. Also a dust mask or you will be coughing for a day or two
Great thanks man!! Ill look into those. Guess Ill do it at night on the balcony real stealthy if I have to exchange it
Rhino pro fan and filter gets my vote. Mines is 760cm3/h and it can keep negative pressue on a 1.4m x 3m x 1.8m(tall) tent with the door open. Literally didnt have to shut the door on 2lbs of weed. Left it open the full bloom as it was keeping rh. Done 6 months of bloom so far and still goin strong. I dont use it during veg.
Dont go smaller go larger and use a speed controller. A larger fan ran at half power is generally quiter then a smaller fan ran at full blast. I always buy larger fan/filter combos and use a speed comtroller to keep the noise down. Plus a larger system gives you an option if you run into heat issues..
Thanks for the info guys. I have a speed controller and run it on lowest setting, which still seems too fast and it is quiet loud. I think the fan is just crap TBH, got a filter, ducting, inline fan, humidity/temp thermostat etc all in a combo and that was a mistake, because I overpaid Im quiet sure. Beginners mistakes