How to Ventilate Your Grow Space
You must have adequate ventilation in order for your plants to flourish. By giving your plants with fresh air from outside your grow tent, you are supplying them with CO2, which is necessary for their photosynthesis. Meanwhile, removing the air inside will help to keep the temperature and moisture buildup under control, preventing mold and mildew from forming on your plants’ leaves and thereby hindering their ability to grow. The extra benefit of refreshing the air within is that it helps to eliminate unpleasant smells.
Essential Grow Tent Parts
Assuming you have previously chosen or purchased your grow tent, this tutorial is equally useful if you are working in a grow room. This is a list of the three most important components that you’ll need to put together while building a ventilation system:
Inline Duct Fan (Active Exhaust Fan)
An inline duct fan, also known as an extractor fan, is a device that is used to exhaust hot and humid air from within a growing chamber or tent. Even little variations in temperature and humidity may have a significant impact on your chances of generating a fruitful harvest. Furthermore, unregulated heat and humidity cause poor growth circumstances, resulting in your plants being unable to absorb water or simply failing to make it through the day. The use of an inline duct fan in your grow room is essential for controlling the climate in your growing environment.
Using an active exhaust fan to draw in cooler air can assist you in maintaining a comfortable inside temperature level.
In ventilation systems with passive intake, inline duct fans also serve as a vacuum, drawing in new CO2 from the outside air and bringing it into the system.
Duct Tubes
Inline duct fans are attached to your grow room using ducting that is clamped or glued in place. The ducting serves as a channel to divert stagnant air away from your grow space. They are typically constructed of aluminum, although they may also be multilayered to provide additional protection against rips. Its size and bends have an impact on the performance of your inline duct fan, but we’ll get into that later.
Carbon Filter
A carbon filter will be required in order to prevent scents from traveling to your garage or closet. This device, which is also known as a carbon scrubber, removes the smell of plants from the air, capturing the odor and neutralizing it. Carbon filters are a must-have for growers that have to cope with very strong odors. They are also used to trap pollen and spores, which helps to keep the air clean for farmers who suffer from allergies or respiratory problems such as asthma.
Typical Grow Tent Setups
There are several configurations for these components that may be used to create airflow into your grow environment. As a standard configuration, the fan and the filter are placed inside, which makes it easy to control while also dampening the noise from the fan. If air is being drawn out of your grow room, one or both of these components can be placed in any sequence within the ventilation chain. It is possible to customize your ventilation system in at least four different ways in order to meet your requirements.
The fan and/or filter can be placed outside of the grow tent in this situation.
Because heat rises to the top of the building, venting that hot air at that point will improve the efficiency of the ventilation process. Your carbon filter will also operate better if it is installed at the greatest possible elevation.
What Size Inline Fan do I Need?
There are many different sizes of grow areas, and each one requires a particular amount of airflow to be properly ventilated. It is critical for maximum plant growth that stale air within your grow room is exchanged with fresh air from the outside of your grow area. CFM (cubic feet per minute) is the unit of measurement for this number. To determine the quantity of airflow required for your grow room, first calculate the volume in cubic feet of the space. Most grow tent specifications are offered to you in inches; thus, you must convert the size of your space from inches to feet.
This will match the capacity of your grow room, and the needed airflow will be equal to this value in cubic feet per minute, or CFM, as well.
When the dimensions are added together, the result is 72 ft 3 in length.
Keep this amount handy since you’ll need to adjust it to account for the ducting, carbon filter, and any other accessories you decide to install.
Factoring in Accessories
In order to boost your base CFM, you must multiply it by the efficiency percentages of your accessories. Adding components to your grow room, including as ducting and carbon filters, may limit fan performance, which will have an impact on the fan size you require. When it comes to ducting, the quantity and sharpness of its bends play a role in determining the resistance to airflow. As a result, airflow decreases the longer it needs go, making a straighter ducting path more effective. The greater the sharpness of the curve, the greater the severity of the efficiency drop; a 30° bend reduces airflow by 20%, while a 90° bend reduces airflow by 60%!
- If you are utilizing LED grow lights, you must also take into consideration their heat production, which can raise your necessary CFM by as much as 50%.
- Because the efficiency of accessories on the market might vary substantially, you can utilize approximated efficiency percentages based on the type of component you are using.
- This amount is multiplied by the efficiency % of each component to arrive at the final result.
- Adding in the heat output of your grow lamp (about 50%) gives us a needed CFM of 249 cubic feet per minute.
- The following is a breakdown of this calculation: Multiplying your base CFM (72) by the percentages of ducting (20 percent), carbon filter (60 percent), silencer (20 percent), and grow light heat (50 percent) of your choosing will provide about the 249 CFM you require.
- This will let the fan to operate at lower speeds while remaining quieter, as well as providing additional area for future expand space system growth.
Look for inline duct fans that are powered by direct current (DC) fan motors, which are the quietest as compared to alternating current (AC) fan motors. PWM-controlled EC motors are also acceptable in terms of acoustic performance.
How to Manage Grow Space Noise
There is no question that you will hear some noise when employing a high-powered fan to air your grow environment. You wouldn’t want to spend an extended period of time in an area with excessive noise pollution or catch the attention of your neighbors. Fortunately, you can plan your component selection with noise reduction in mind, and you can take further steps to make your grow area as as quiet as possible. Making the decision to choose a fan with speed controls and a CFM rating that is 25 percent more than your minimal need will allow you to run the fan at lower speeds without compromising performance.
If you want to further muffle the sound of your active exhaust fan, you may attach a silencer to it, which will lessen the sound of the intake fan.
How to Install Inline Duct Fan in Grow Tent
One of the most effective methods to get started in gardening or a DIY agricultural project is to get an indoor grow tent. There are a number of important aspects to consider in order to guarantee that your grow room operates at peak efficiency. For example, the quality of the air that your plants breathe has a big impact on the overall growth levels of your plants. Consequently, knowing how to install an inline duct fan in a grow tent is one of the most important considerations to make in this process.
First and foremost, you will want sufficient ventilation to aid in the promotion of the development of your plants.
Even more importantly, it will assist in cleansing the air.
As a result, your plants will develop into healthy and robust individuals.
Installing an Inline Duct Fan in A Grow Tent
While installing an inline duct fan may appear to be a difficult task, it is actually rather straightforward and may be completed by the homeowner. You will only need to be aware of a few important parts of the procedure in order to succeed. One of the most important considerations is that the ducts should be straight and without any bends in order to provide adequate air flow. To assist you in appropriately installing the duct fan, here are some suggestions to remember:
Mount Your Inline Fan on the Tent Ceiling Bars
After you’ve set up the tent, the following step is to attach the inline fan to the ceiling. Generally speaking, mounting the fan to the ceiling bar of the grow tent is the most suggested method. As a result, try utilizing adjustable clips to assist you in hanging the fan and allowing it to dangle a few inches below the ceiling. It’s a procedure that will guarantee that you have enough room on the ground and will also aid in the removal of hot air from the upper area of the tent throughout the night.
- The most important component of this operation is to make certain that the carbon filter is installed appropriately.
- Furthermore, you have the option of hanging it or choose to set it in a secure spot on the floor.
- Once the fan is in place, make sure the tapered end of the fan is towards the exhaust hole.
- Check to be that the flange end of the filter is directly facing the filter when installing it.
Clips should be used to attach either end of the duct to the sandbox. The other part was then attached to the carbon filter. It is possible that you will need to use a different method for filters that will be placed on the flow.
Connect the Fan to the Ducting
In the event that you fail to properly connect your inline fan to the ducting system, hanging it may be ineffective. As a result, make certain that the ducting is correctly connected so that the free circulation of exhaust gases is promoted. Aside from that, the piping should be free of flaws and should not have any bends that could result in perforations. More so, the ducting should not be lengthy since the length maycompromise the effectiveness of the fan. Remember to exercise caution so that light does not pass through the ducting into the grow tent, which is supposed to be light proof in the first place.
- Keep in mind to make sure the ducting is routed through an exhaust port.
- If you leave it unattended, it can serve as an entry point for pests and other unwanted visitors.
- When connecting the fan to an electric source, take precautions to guarantee the highest level of safety.
- The use of a qualified electrician to assist with electrical connections is highly recommended when making these types of connections.
- For example, make certain that the fan is connected to the correct power outlet in order to avoid problems such as surges.
Inline Duct Fan Set Up in Grow Tent Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A. Yes, a fan is required in your tent in order to assist adjust the air quality in the shelter. The humidity and temperature levels required by the plants in the grow tent must also be precisely controlled for maximum growth. A fan in a grow tent will ensure that air is circulated properly, and you will find it simple to regulate the temperature to meet your specific demands.
Q. How long do I keep a fan in my grow room?
A. It is entirely dependent on the inside conditions of the grow chamber, as previously stated. When you believe the temperature and humidity levels have risen over the acceptable ranges, you may always switch them off completely. Later on, you will have the option of scheduling the fan to turn on and off at certain intervals. For example, you might set the fans to run in 10-minute intervals every hour for a total of 1 hour.
Q. Why do I need a fan in my grow room?
When it comes to managing air quality, a fan is really important. Plants are living entities, and they require clean air for a variety of reasons, including growth. In contrast to a typical farm, a grow room necessitates the use of artificial resources in order to regulate the air quality. Keep in mind that the quality of the air in the grow room is directly linked to the amount of yield you will receive from the space.
Q. How often can I run the exhaust fan in a grow tent?
In order to save energy and maintain ideal air quality, it is generally recommended that the fan be operated at particular times throughout the day. By renewing the air for at least a third of the time, you may reduce the amount of time it takes to exhaust.
Consider purchasing the finest grow tent exhaust fan for your needs in order to get the highest possible output. elit scing elit Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Q. How do I install a duct fan in the grow tent?
When it comes to this operation, components such as insulated and heavy-duty ducts are frequently utilized. The efficacy of a device is greatly influenced by factors such as its length and size. Make sure the duct is as short as feasible, which is a good tip. This one-of-a-kind length contributes to reducing the distance that air must travel before exiting the garden.
Q. What size extractor fan do I need for a grow tent?
A variety of factors influence the selection of the best fan for your grow tent. For example, the size of the grow room and the quantity of plants in the space are important considerations.
Q. What is the size intake fan for a grow room?
Inline fans must provide 1 CFM per square foot of available area in the room, which is the industry standard measurement. You can find out the size of your room by multiplying the length by the breadth of the room. This should assist you in gaining a notion of the size of the system you have and the intake fan that will be appropriate for it as well.
How Does an Inline Fan Work?
An inline exhaust fan may best be characterized as a fan that is installed inline with a pipe to remove waste from the system. Even more so, the fan is often built in a location that will give the greatest amount of air filtering advantages possible. The effectiveness of the fan is influenced by a number of different aspects. When it comes to the capacity of the fun, the distance between the ducting where the air goes through will be determined by several factors. In addition, the power rating of the motor and the size of your grow room are important considerations.
Benefits of Using an Inline Fan In Grow Tent
As a result of the fan being installed in a strategic place, the noise levels in the room that will be purified will be kept to a minimum. Reduced noise levels Additionally, if you have a well-insulated roof space, or if you prefer a silent model, the quiet fans will be beneficial to you. The length of the duct run – inline fans are intended to be used in conjunction with ducting. When compared to simple fans, this indicates that they can preserve a significant portion of the mentioned capabilities.
For example, if you wish to collect unpurified air from a grow tent, the length of the tube should be as short as it possibly can.
It’s simple to create many inlet or outlet locations with an inline fan by utilizing do-it-yourself approaches.
Components for Creating an Inline System
- Ventilation system requires an internal vent, which serves as the point of extraction for the system, to function properly. Generally speaking, these vents and grills are available in a variety of forms, sizes, and colors to accommodate various characteristics of a grow room environment. It is preferable to use a short vent in order to limit the distance that air must travel
- The use of ductwork to link the vent and the motor, as well as the connection of the motor to an external vent, may be required. There are many different types of ducting available, and the most suitable for grow rooms are the flexible varieties. Another kind is semi-rigid and insulated ducting, which are two of the most common options. Fan– A fan is the most important component of a grow tent system, and the fan you choose will be determined by a number of criteria. These considerations include the size of the space and the specific purposes for which the fan is intended. Calculator for exhaust fans– this tool may be used to determine the degree of extraction necessary for a system. It is preferable to have a fan with a diameter and length that are identical to the ducting that you will be using. It is important to remember that a fan can only be used with ducting that has a specified diameter. The amount of effort that the fan must do to cleanse the air will be reduced if the length of the fan is decreased. Lastly, an external vent can be installed on the exterior wall or on the roof, depending on the design of the building. Many alternatives are accessible in this area
- For example, As an optional feature, you may also install a backdraft shutter in conjunction with the ductwork to assist avoid problems such as air flow backward. This will also assist to keep the system closed while the fan is not in use, which will be beneficial. Duct tape should be sufficient for holding everything in place. As a result, consider including work claps into the process.
A grow room ventilation system is a device that maintains a constant flow of air between the outside world and the inside growing environment. The system also incorporates some sort of ventilation system to keep air flowing through the grow area.
How Does A Ventilation System Affect Plants?
The primary purpose of a grow room is to give plants with the optimal growth environment, as opposed to what is accessible to them outside of the facility. As a result, this also entails delivering a continuous supply of fresh air that is high in CO2. Using a ventilation system, you can keep the CO2 levels in your grow room at the appropriate range for plant growth. As the quantity of CO2 in the air decreases, it becomes necessary to maintain a steady supply of fresh air from the outside. Plants are accustomed to growing in the elements and wind of the outdoors, where they are exposed to the elements.
When adolescents do not have access to these resources, their development might be hindered in a variety of ways. The following facts will help you understand why these systems are so important for plant growth:
How to install an exhaust fan in a grow tent?
It is now necessary to set up the grow tent ventilation system at this phase. It’s the part that most people find difficult, yet it’s a straightforward operation. There are a variety of grow tent ventilation configurations to choose from. Having said that, it is advised that the fan and filter be hung within the tent for maximum effectiveness. If you only have tiny to medium-sized carbon filters, this is the most effective method. It contributes to the reduction of your expanding footprint by drawing air through the filter.
- At the same time, it is a method of removing heated air from the upper area of the tent, which is beneficial.
- This is not ideal since the filter may suck in extra warm air and direct it to the plants while the system is still in operation, which is not desirable.
- In certain instances, though, laying the filter on the floor is the most practical solution to the problem.
- While this strategy is advantageous in terms of saving space, it has significant disadvantages.
- Furthermore, if the ventilation system is located outside the tent, it has the potential to enhance the amount of noise produced by the fan.
- Before you begin, be certain that you have sufficient knowledge about the grow room’s climate and ventilation requirements.
- The inline fan should be connected to one of the new ceiling bars in your grow area. Consider utilizing adjustable rope clip handles to suspend fans from the ceiling, which work nicely for this purpose. Either move the inline fan over so that it fits directly into the exhaust hole, or connect the inline fan to your ducting for further convenience. A convenient exhaust hole allows you to run the inline fun through and out of the machine for maximum ease. Hang the carbon scrubber — in most cases, it should come with handy ropes to make installation easier
- Connect the carbon scrubber to the inline fan in such a way that the fan pulls air through the carbon scrubber. Consider utilizing ducting or just connecting them together if they are the same size as one another. Confirm that your components are the correct size and that they are arranged in the proper sequence. Through the bottom intake holes and up to the filter, the outside air will be passively drawn in from the surrounding environment. After then, the air is moved via the inline fan and out through the exhaust holes as a result of this innovative strategy.
The success of your grow is determined on the attention to detail. If you want to maximize your produce, you’ll need to educate yourself on the subject. How to install an inline duct fan in a grow tent is covered in this article. Read on to learn more. When you know how to properly do this operation, it will be simple to keep the air quality for your plants at an acceptable level. The use of an inline duct fan makes it simple to cleanse the air, and the addition of a carbon filter can improve the fan’s overall effectiveness.
Furthermore, you must take into account the remaining aspects and make certain that you “boil down to the minor particulars.” You may rest assured that your grow room will provide the highest possible output.
Grow Tent Fans – Sizes, Placement, Setup, FAQ (Updated 2022)
It is critical to have adequate circulation in your grow tent if you want to avoid mold and powdery mildew from forming on your cannabis. Throughout this article, I’ll cover all you need to know about choosing an inline fan for your grow tent and how to correctly install and configure it as well.
How to choose the right grow tent fan size and power rating, where to install the fan, how to set up your grow tent fan, and what additional accessories you’ll need are all things I’ll assist you with.
Selecting the proper grow tent fan size and power:
“What is the right grow tent fan size?” is definitely one of the first questions you’re thinking about. as well as “What is the recommended grow tent fan power?” Generally speaking, when it comes to replenishing air in a grow room, the rule of thumb is that you should be able to replace all of the air once each minute. That is the CFM rating, which you will learn more about further down. In order to keep your grow tent cool, the fan diameter will be decided by the CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating that you want.
So don’t be concerned about having the correct CFM rate.
Then there are a few other factors, such as a 25 percent drop in fan power if you include a carbon filter, and a 30 percent loss in fan power for each 90-degree curve in your ducting.
The proper size fan for a 4×4 grow tent:
Let me give you an example of how to calculate the area of a 4×4 grow tent, which is a fairly typical size among indoor growers: The majority of 4×4 tents have dimensions of 48 in x 48 in x 80 in. As a result, the total volume of air in a 4×4 grow tent is 4ft (length) x 4ft (width) x 6.667ft (height) = 106.67 cubic feet (4ft (length) x 6.667ft (height). However, this does not imply that you require a 106 cfm fan. When you consider that a carbon filter will lower your fan efficiency by 25 percent, and that one 90 degree duct bend would reduce your fan efficiency by another 30 percent, a fan that produces 215cfm will produce 112cfm (200cfm x 0.7 x 0.75).
What size fan is needed for other grow tent sizes?
(Click on image to expand) It is important to note that grow tent inline fans are not made to the precise CFM output you want, thus you may have to go over by 50-100cfm when selecting a fan for your grow tent. I recommend using a fan with variable speed settings, such as the AC Infinity S or T Series, so that you may modify the CFM to meet your precise requirements. Each of the AC Infinity fans listed below has ten speed options, so if you just want 100cfm, you may get the most basic model, which is a 205cfm fan, and run it on the middle speed level to achieve that volume of air.
Grow tent fan placement:
Depending on where you want your grow tent fan to be, you have two alternatives. It is possible to work either inside or outside the grow tent. What’s the difference between the two? If you pick outdoors, the fan will draw air from the interior of your tent to the outside through a duct located on the top corner of your tent, allowing you to be more comfortable. You’ll want the fan and filter (if you’re using one) hanging near the top portion of the tent, where the warmest air will naturally travel to keep it cool inside.
Hangers are not often included with fans, so double-check that you have them.
If you decide to place the fan outside, you’ll need to figure out how to get it to rest in a comfortable position.
The bottom of most grow tents is equipped with passive air intakes, which are netted openings that let fresh air to enter the tent. Because of the fan’s ability to produce a low pressure condition within the tent, when air is blasted out, new air is naturally drawn into the tent.
Grow tent fan setup:
Yes, the diameters of your inline fan and duct will need to be the same at the place where they connect.
Passive or Active Air Flow For Your Grow Tent?
The sorts of fan sets you may utilize in your grow tent or growing room are passive and active. Passive fans are the most common. The difference is whether you want air to passively re-enter your grow tent or if you want it to aggressively re-enter your grow tent. Passive grow tent air circulation relies on a single inline fan to evacuate hot air from your grow room, reducing the need for additional fans. When air is forced out of your enclosed grow area, the pressure in the room drops to a negative pressure, which means that air from outside the tent or room should naturally be drawn in via any openings to replace the air that has been forced out of the space.
- If you want to guarantee that the air returning to the tent is being filtered, or if the air returning to the tent is not returning rapidly enough, active grow tent air replacement is the best option for you.
- Simply ensure that you have the right size ducting (which should be the same diameter as your fan), duct clamps, hangers for hanging, and zip ties before beginning (make sure zip ties are long enough to go around the diameter of your carbon filter).
- To install the filter, just attach ducting to the side of your fan that is responsible for sucking in air.
- Clamps should be used on both sides (usually provided).
- If you’re using an active air flow configuration, I’d recommend operating both fans at the same speed to ensure that the quantity of air escaping the grow tent equals the amount of air returning to the grow tent.
How to install a grow tent fancarbon filter inside your tent:
Attach the hangers to the support bars that run along the roof of your grow tent. You’ll need enough for the fan and the ducting, so plan accordingly. Make sure they’re the right length for the fan you’ll be hanging. Keep in mind that heated air rises to the top of the tent, so avoid hanging the tent too low. 2.Attach zip ties or metal brackets to the attachment area of your grow tent fan: Place zip ties or metal brackets to the attachment region of your grow tent fan. Zip ties should be used to connect hangers.
In order to use your grow tent fan, you must first connect your carbon filter to the intake side of the fan (the side that sucks air in).
You may either connect it directly to the fan or use ducting to attach it to the fan.
5.Connect ducting to tent exhaust opening: Connect the ducting to the tent exhaust entrance located at the top of your grow tent. Attach the grow tent duct sleeve to the fan ducting by wrapping it securely around it.
Other Inline Fan Installation Notes:
The setup is straightforward; it took me no more than 30 minutes to complete my AC Infinity T4 installation. The most efficient design would be to route the duct out a window so that the hot air from your tent does not just blow into the room where your tent is placed, where it would be sucked back in and render the entire operation ineffective. Not everyone has the benefit of having a window in close proximity to their camping site. In that case, if you’re compelled to blow tent air into the same room where the tent is placed, I highly recommend investing in a portable air conditioner to re-cool the air before sucking it back into the tent through the bottom tent windows.
Does It Matter What Carbon Filter I Choose For My Grow Tent Fan?
When selecting a carbon filter for your grow tent fan, the one thing you want to be certain of is that the diameter of the connection point on the fan and the filter are the same. Make certain that your inline fan is equipped with a four inch carbon filter if your fan is four inches in diameter. Apart from that, there isn’t much of a difference between carbon filters; they’re simply large metal canisters that filter your air through charcoal to remove impurities and odors from it.
Do I Need an Oscillating Fan in Addition to my Inline Fan?
Even though the inline fan removes and replaces the air in your grow tent, it performs a poor job of circulating the air. As a result, you should think about including an oscillating fan in your grow tent to keep the air circulating and prevent mold and mildew spores from taking root. It will also aid in the distribution of fresh air for the benefit of the plants. There are little affordable oscillating fans that you can attach into the grow tent poles if you have a look at the fans I’ve listed below.
Which Grow Tent Fans I Recommend:
As long as you’re willing to purchase the ducts and hangers separately from the fans, AC Infinity offers fantastic grow tent fans. Purchasing the ducts and hangers is simple – simply match the duct diameter to the fan diameter. What is it about the AC Infinity fans that makes them so much superior than the competition? This fan is equipped with a programmable controller, which allows the fan to switch on in response to a range of different scenarios. For example, you may program the fan to turn on when the humidity reaches a given threshold.
- You may also set a timer and receive alarm notifications.
- When my AC Infinity T4 was running at maximum power, I was pleasantly pleased at how quiet it was.
- This results in the fan motors being loud.
- Quiet Inline Duct Fans With Temperature and Humidity Control – CLOUDLINE SERIES Them fans are priced similarly to other fans without the technological characteristics, therefore it makes financial sense to purchase one of these instead of another fan.
The fans are available in three sizes: 205cfm, 351cfm, and 750cfm (4-inch, 6-inch, and 8-inch). Click here to see whether they are available on Amazon.
VivoHome Inline Fan Kit
If you don’t want to go through the trouble of sourcing all of the components separately, this kit includes a fan, 8 feet of ducting, clamps, hangers, and a carbon filter. It is available in two different sizes to accommodate different grow tent sizes. With this kit, the main drawback is that the fan cannot be programmed to come on when particular conditions are fulfilled, such as a certain temperature or humidity. The fan has a simple on/off switch. Despite the fact that some customers have stated that they are content with the fan running all of the time.
Secret Jardin Clip On Monkey Fan for Grow Tents:
Secret Jardin created this 6-inch clip-on oscillating fan with a grow tent owner in mind when they created this product. The clip is designed to attach securely on the support poles of grow tents. The fan will ensure that your grow tent has adequate air circulation, which is necessary to avoid the growth of mold and powdery mildew. I’d recommend using one of these oscillating clip fans in conjunction with an inline fan in order to maintain the ideal growth environment in your grow tent.
Keeping Your Grow Tent Cool
When it comes to keeping your grow tent temps under control, you may want more than simply an inline fan. My best recommendation, without requiring you to read the entire post, is to consider purchasing a portable air conditioner for the room in which your tent is placed, or to consider adding CO2 to your growing environment, which allows you to grow a few degrees hotter than usual. See my whole post on decreasing grow tent temps for more information.
Ideal Grow Tent Temperature and Humidity for Growing Cannabis:
The optimal temperature for cannabis plants is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius). Consequently, consider yourself fortunate if you have a modest grow light in a small tent, or other circumstances that allow you to maintain those temps without using an inline fan. During the seedling and vegetative stages of the cannabis plant’s life cycle, 60 percent to 70 percent humidity is ideal. When cannabis plants are in the blooming stage, they grow best when the humidity is between 40 and 60 percent.
As your plants mature, they will begin to use a significant percentage of the CO2 that is available in your growing environment.
Other Resources for Growing Cannabis Indoors:
I developed numerous useful lists and tips to assist you in completing your home improvement project the right way, in addition to determining the proper fan size for your needs. Finally, don’t forget to check myhome pagefor a comprehensive list of useful resources.Picking the Right Size Grow Tent, This Year’s Best LED Grow Light List, and Understanding Grow Light PAR PPFD and Wattage are among of the articles I strongly recommend.
Grow Tent FanCarbon Filter FAQ:
You’ll just need 30-45 minutes to complete this task.
What should I do if there isn’t a CFM output for my exact grow tent size?
The AC Infinity fans feature a number of different speed settings to choose from.
As a result, if you just want 100cfm, you may get the 205cfm (smallest model) and utilize the middle of the ten available speed settings.
If I’m buying parts separately, how do I know if they’ll all fit together?
The diameter of all of these components is the same. If you purchase a 6′′ fan, be sure you also purchase 6′′ ducting and a 6′′ filter to complete the installation. That’s all there is to it, really.
Do I need to hang the carbon filter?
The carbon filter should be placed at the top of your tent in order to capture the warmest air because it is where air will reach your fan from the outside. It would be inefficient to hang the filter low or to place it on the floor, for example.
Which end of the grow tent fan do I connect the carbon filter?
Connect the carbon filter to the “front” of the fan, which means that the fan is sucking air through the filter rather than expelling air through it, and that the fan is running continuously.
What size fan will fit in my grow tent?
Most grow tents accommodate 8-inch ducting, while some may only accommodate 6-inch ducting.
What if the size of my duct is too big for the duct hole on my grow tent?
If your grow tent outlet is 6 inches in diameter and your ducting is 8 inches in diameter, you’ll need to purchase a ducting reducer.
There’s too much negative pressure in my grow tent
Alternately, reduce the speed of your fan and, if possible, open up the passive air intake windows on the bottom of your tent even more, or consider installing an active air intake fan, which works in the same way as your other fan but is mounted on the bottom of your grow tent and pushes air into the growing chamber.
Can you wash or clean carbon filters after extended use?
It is possible to clean a carbon filter using compressed air. The filter may be used for up to one year before it has to be cleaned.
Can you place a carbon filter on each side of your fan?
Yes, although it may result in a slight reduction in the power efficiency of your fan. Check to see if your fan is strong enough to manage the additional carbon filter load.
Do all carbon filters come with pre-filter wrap for the exterior of the canister?
Pre-filter wrap is not included with all carbon filters; thus, if you want a pre-filter included, be sure to check the product page specifics before purchasing.
What’s the largest outer dimension of my carbon filter?
Increase the output size by approximately 2 inches. On a 4 inch carbon filter, the canister diameter would be approximately 6 inches in diameter.
How long do carbon filters last?
Carbon filters are designed to endure for at least one year of continuous usage.
Do I need inline and oscillating fans in my grow tent?
Inline and oscillating fans serve various functions in the grow tent, so it’s a good idea to use both if you have the option.
HOW TO SET UP A CARBON FILTER IN A GROW TENT
Make your grow tent clean and odor-free by properly installing a carbon filter system and an inline fan system in your growing space. When growing plants inside, there may be a lot of undesirable scents and potential pollutant issues that can be harmful to both you and your plants’ health if not addressed. Installing a carbon filter and an inline fan system in your grow tent will help to alleviate both of these problems. Mold and mildew contamination concerns are often resolved by maintaining a proactive and clean garden, however not everyone is as conscientious as you may think.
- But how can you assure that it is correctly configured to clean the air in the manner in which it is intended to do so?
- I’ll go over the most prevalent layouts and explain why one is preferable to the other and why.
- Conduit should be run from the filter to the fan and then from the fan to the exterior of the tent.
- METHOD 2METHOD 2: INSTALL FILTER INSIDEFAN OUTSIDE GROW TENT METHOD 2METHOD 2: INSTALL FILTER INSIDEFAN OUTSIDE GROW TENT The filter should be attached to the inside of your tent near the exhaust vent, as specified in the instructions.
- Check to see that the fan is sucking air from the interior of the tent out to the outside.
- Install ducting from the fan to the exhaust port and then to the filter outside the tent to complete the installation.
- THE FOURTH METHODOLOGYMETHODOLOGY 4: INSTALL BOTH FANFILTER OUTSIDE THE GROW TENT Directions: Attach ducting to the top of your grow tent, near the exhaust port, and secure it in place.
- Attach the filter to the fan and check to see that the fan is sucking air from the interior of the tent out to the outside.
- While any of these configurations will produce the intended result, the first configuration is the most effective.
- For the second time, the majority of inline fans now on the market indicate in their user manuals that the air entering the fan must be filtered in order to avoid damage or increased wear and tear over time.
Your carbon filter and inline fan are now ready for installation! Make sure to check out my equipment recommendations page for the greatest grow goods available on the market today. Purchase everything you require now and begin developing right away!
Grow Tent Ventilation Setup & Exhaust Guide
The importance of ventilation in your grow room cannot be overstated. As a result, poor ventilation is responsible for the majority of cannabis issues and leaf symptomatology. CO2 concentrations, temperature, humidity, and other factors are all taken into consideration. Cannabis plants are only able to survive under specific environmental conditions. It is at this point that grow tent ventilation and exhaust become important.
Why Your Grow Tent Ventilation Is So Important?
Your grow tent should attempt to emulate the growth conditions seen in nature. And the more the amount of control you have over those variables, the better.Ventilation and exhaust are at the heart of everything. Because of this, your grow tent’s environment is favourable to healthy development, vigorous plants, and abundant yields.
Keep The Perfect CO2 Level For Cannabis
Cannabis, like other plants, need carbon dioxide in order to live. However, when plants are enclosed in a small area, the CO2 in the air will soon be depleted and replaced by oxygen if there is insufficient circulation to the plants. So we’ll have to figure out how to restock it in some way. This means that the cold, fresh CO2-filled air should be drawn into your setup while the used air is expelled out the back.
Control Humidity And Excess Heat
Bud rot occurs as a result of inadequate ventilation. Cannabis plants grow in temperatures that humans would consider to be “comfortable.” That is to say, the temperature should be between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (or 20 and 30 degrees Celsius) throughout the vegetative stage. Dropping the temperature to roughly 65-80°F (18-26°C) when your plants are ready to blossom can result in higher yields and better-quality buds when your plants are ready to flower. In addition to adjusting the temperature of your grow tent, you should also consider controlling the humidity.
If you do not have an adequate exhaust system, you may find yourself with a moist grow room where mold and fungi will begin to thrive.
Avoids Pests And Plant Diseases In Your Tent
Mold and fungus aren’t the only types of organisms that producers must be on the lookout for and avoid. Protect your plants against insect pests, which can thrive in stagnant air and damp soils, as well as from other environmental factors. It is difficult for spider mites and fungus gnats to fly when they are in well-ventilated areas. This means that if you have the proper fan and exhaust system, your plants will be lot safer from these insects.
Strengthen Stems
Finally, it’s vital to note that cannabis plants benefit from, and even require, a mild breeze in order to flourish at their ideal levels. This helps to give the stems a good exercise and keeps them from becoming too weak to sustain normal bud growth in the future.
Your stems might get anemic if you don’t have a consistent wind blowing through your grow tent. This can lead to bowing. This, in turn, can hinder the leaves from absorbing enough light to effectively photosynthesize, resulting in a reduction in the ability of the plant to grow.
Ways To Setup A Ventilation System In Your Grow Area
It may be necessary to make an investment and experiment in order to find the optimal ventilation for your ventilation system. Nonetheless, it is a feature of your system that will almost certainly pay off in the future. For begin, there are two different methods to configure your ventilation: passive intake or active intake.
Exhaust Fan With Passive Intake
Passive intake depends on negative pressure to generate passive airflow, which is why it is called passive. Quite simply, you have a fan that is pushing air out of the tent, but there is no fan pushing air in from the other side of the tent. As an alternative, you may install an intake hole that allows new air to enter the tent passively. You can have a single passive intake hole that is approximately three or four times the size of the exhaust hole, or you can have many passive intake holes.
This approach will cut energy use and will be the most effective for the majority of farmers.
Active Air Intake And Exhaust System
An active intake system, on the other hand, makes use of a fan to actively draw air into your growing environment. As a result, there are two fans who are cooperating. One to restrict the air from within the tent from blowing out, and another to keep the air from blowing in from outside the tent. When employing this technique, the size of the intake hole is less critical. Because an intake hole that’s almost the same size as an exhaust hole indicates that your grow tent is ideally suited for an active intake system, you should consider installing one.
The Ultimate Ventilation Setup
The fundamental concept of exhaust systems remains constant. Keeping clean, fresh air coming in while venting out old and humid air is critical for the system to function properly. However, there are other accessories and pieces of equipment that you may incorporate into your setup. The ideal ventilation design will not only keep your crop healthy, but it will also be discrete, resulting in the least amount of noise and aromas possible. I’m going to presume that your setup includes any or all of the following components:
- The use of rope ratchets for securing your equipment
- An exhaust fan (we’re going to use a passive intake for this project)
- A carbon filter is used. Ducting and clamps are used. A deafening silencer
- A fan that oscillates
- Grow lights that are air cooled (most types of lights, such as LEDs, generate practically minimal heat and hence do not require inclusion in your ventilation system)
Ducting Your Fans And Accessories
The remainder of your equipment will be connected to your exhaust fan in the stages that follow this one, so pay attention. This will be accomplished by the use of aluminum ducting. Using flexible aluminum ducting, I have discovered that the right mix of price, adaptability, and convenience of installation may be achieved. However, insulated aluminum ducting will also work well if you want stronger duty ducting and have the necessary funds. Check for kinks and creases and smooth them out if necessary to guarantee top performance.
Also, try to maintain your path as short and straight as possible until you are outside the tent and the air is flowing freely. You will have a less efficient system the longer and more roundabout your journey is.
Inline Exhaust Fan
After erecting your grow tent, the first thing you should do is connect your exhaust inline fan to it. However, you should avoid connecting anything to your power source until you’re ready to begin growing. Step inside your tent and attach your exhaust fan to the exhaust hole in the floor of your tent. Hanging your fan from the ceiling of your tent is one option. Connect the fan’s exit port directly to the exhaust hole, or duct it if you find it more comfortable, and then close the fan off completely.
Carbon Filter To Deal With Odor
Using your exhaust system to your advantage might let you develop discreetly if you like. It is possible to keep the scent of cannabis out of your home by using a carbon filter. Your carbon filter is something that has to be considered while configuring your exhaust system. In order for the air from your grow tent to be expelled outdoors, it first has to travel through your filter. Many growers choose to employ the simplest possible configuration, which is to hang the carbon filter inside the tent.
In this manner, the air will first pass through the carbon filter, after which the exhaust fan will expel the filtered air to an outside environment (first picture).
In the event that you do this correctly, the only location where you’ll be able to smell cannabis will be when you’re inside your grow tent.
Silencer For Extra Stealth
Silencers are meant to be installed after the fan, ideally straight after, but they may be installed farther down the duct if necessary. They function by muffleing the air from the exhaust, resulting in significantly less noise. And they work really effectively. My tent, which is located within the home, has a suppressor placed in it, and the decrease in noise is incredible. I highly recommend it. Additionally, the sound changes from being a dreadful whining to a soft swooshing, more akin to wind.
Connecting An Air-Cooled Reflector (Mostly for HID grow lights)
If you’re utilizing high-intensity discharge (HID) grow lights, it’s extremely probable that your hooded fixture can accommodate ducting. You’ll need to have direct airflow passing through the light’s reflector in order for it to work properly. This will assist you in keeping the temperatures down as well as the light bulbs cool, which is important because HID lights generate a lot of heat. Depending on your reflector and how many additional accessories you have, this can add a significant amount of complexity to your setup.
Starting with your CO2 filter and working your way up to your reflector is a good idea.
Sealing Your Grow Tent To Create Suction
A sealed grow tent guarantees that only air enters through the intake hole and only leaves exit via the exhaust fan when the tent is closed. Your exhaust system will be prone to air leakage and will be extremely inefficient if the seals are not properly installed. Sealing provides a separate environment, allowing you to regulate temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels independently. Additionally, it guarantees that your exhaust system is running at maximum efficiency. Your exhaust fan will generate negative air pressure as a result of reducing air leakage, allowing fresh air to enter via the intake hole.
When used in conjunction with a carbon filter, this will further reduce the likelihood of cannabis scents penetrating your house.
However, if you have tears or pinholes, you may use anything from duct tape to Black RTV Silicone to close them up again.
If your grow room is a do-it-yourself project (such as a closet), you may want to consider weatherstripping the door and sealing any other openings that it may have to keep out the elements.
Check For Air Leaks
To check for air leaks, start by turning on your system and closing your tent from the inside outward. Moving an incense stick about the interior of your tent and observing its behavior can give you a better understanding of its behavior. If the smoke rises straight up into the air, the air is exactly where it should be. To finish, take the incense stick outside the tent and position it near to the intake hole on the other side. If the smoke snakes towards the intake, this is a strong indication that you have accomplished effective sealing and negative pressure in the engine.
Oscillating Fans
Oscillating fans are both inexpensive and quite effective. The process of blowing and spreading air uniformly within your grow tent, while also ensuring that the wind is powerful enough to keep the stems of your plants strong You may use floor fans that are placed in a corner of your room or grow tent fans that are much smaller and clip on to the poles of your tent to keep the heat out. It’s possible to hang it or place it in your room if you’re a bit of a do-it-yourselfer and you have a fan laying around.
The number of fans you need will depend on the size of your grow tent and the size of the fans you use.
There is no straightforward method of determining how many you require.
How To Calculate CFM For Exhaust Fans
To properly ventilate your grow tent, you must first determine how much fresh air is required in order to guarantee that your plants develop in a healthy manner. You may determine the appropriate Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) required to ventilate your tent using a formula, which is provided below.
1. First let’s find out your grow tent’s volume
While the height of your grow tent may vary, we’ll use a 4×4 grow tent with a pretty standard 8′ height as an example. (width) * (depth) * (height) = 128 ft 3 (width * depth * height)
2. Calculating Base CFM
The amount of air in your grow tent should be replenished by your inline fans once every two to three minutes, at the absolute least. The following is the formula: 128 feet/3 minutes =64 CFMB However, the temperature and humidity of the surrounding environment must be taken into consideration. If the room from which you’re obtaining the air is excessively hot, add an additional 20% to your calculations. And if you’re dealing with high humidity, increase the percentage by another 40%. In a hot and humid environment like mine, the result might be something like this: 64 (cfm) multiplied by 1.4 (humidity) multiplied by 1.2 (warm climate) Equals 108 Base CFM This implies that in order to adequately ventilate your 128ft 3grow tent, you must exchange 108 cubic feet of air every minute.
3. Factoring In Accessories
Now that you’ve calculated your basic CFM, you’ll need to add in your accessories, which may include ducting, grow lights, and a carbon filter or silencer, among others (where necessary). All of these factors might have an impact on how hard your fan has to work in order to create the ideal growth conditions. For example, any abrupt bends in your ducting will drastically limit the efficiency of the airflow through the system. A 90-degree curve has the potential to restrict airflow by up to 60%!
Even a little bent of 30 degrees will result in a 20% reduction in overall efficiency. If you’re using a charcoal filter to eliminate scents emanating from your tent, add additional 60 percent to your calculations. You can see how these will affect your basic CFM by looking at the following:
Accessories | Effect on CFM |
---|---|
LED grow lights | 20% |
HID grow lights | 50% |
CO2 filter | 60% |
Silencer | 20% |
Ducting 30º Bend | 20% |
Ducting 90º Bend | 60% |
If we only had a few bends, a few LED grow lights, and a CO2 filter, we’d be in business. In the end, our CFM formula would be: 108 (base) * 1.2 (lights) * 1.6 (filter) * 1.9 (ducting) = 394 Total CFM Required You will now need to purchase an exhaust fan that can produce this amount of Cubic Feet of air per Minute, depending on the size of your grow tent and the accessories you will be using. Check out the greatest 6′′ inline fans that are capable of performing admirably.
Other Air Flow And Ventilation Tips
It is reasonable to expect some noise from your grow tent because it requires a powerful fan to air it. It is possible to reduce this so that your growth is more subtle and unobtrusive, but it is not recommended. Choose a fan with variable speed settings and a CFM rating that is 25 percent more than your requirements; this will allow you to run it at a reduced speed and so reduce noise. Furthermore, the majority of inline fan types are equipped with noise-reducing capabilities. However, as previously said, you may also connect a silencer to your fan, which will reduce the noise it makes.
CO2 Injection To Increase Yields
Injection of CO2 into a grow tent Plants, as most growers are aware, “breathe out” oxygen while “absorbing” Carbon Dioxide (CO2). While plants do not have lungs, they do have hundreds of small holes on their surfaces known as stomata, which allow them to collect CO2 from the surrounding environment. In contrast to us, they require more carbon dioxide in the air than oxygen in order to maintain optimum health. This invisible gas is essential to the process of photosynthesis, and your plants will “suffocate” and die if they do not receive enough of it.
- It may even be possible to make your plants more resistant to heat and light by doing so.
- Trying to get the most out of every situation.
- Even novices and enthusiasts may get incredible yields in the absence of this.
- Check out this professional tutorial from CO2Meter for more information on how to get started.
Grow Room Air Conditioner
Despite the fact that it may be deemed unnecessary, an air conditioner may be a worthwhile purchase if you are coping with extreme heat. This is especially true for larger venues. It might be an excellent method of avoiding excessive heat and exerting the greatest amount of control over your temperature. Whether you’re growing in the heat of summer or the cold of winter, your plants will benefit from the right cool breeze and provide you with strong and consistent harvests. You have the option of putting your air conditioning unit on the ground.
It’s also a good idea to put it near an outlet so that any remaining water can be easily drained.
According to this calculator, 5,000 BTU is sufficient for grow tents measuring up to 4x4x8 feet in size. You can compute your specific metrics (be careful to choose the appropriate option) (feet not meters).
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, ventilation is extremely crucial to the health and production of your plants, as you can see. The more the degree to which airflow is left to chance, the greater the likelihood that you will be disappointed with poor yields. There are several methods through which you may exercise control over the ventilation of your grow tent in order to achieve maximum yields. Hopefully, you were able to choose one that best meets your needs. And remember to go back to this post anytime you have any questions.
