Carbon filters are vital to your grow room as they clean the air and can remove any unwanted odors. When growing cannabis plants inside, there is less ventilation than you would otherwise have outside. Thus, the smell of fertilizers, pesticides, and other solutions you use on your plants (and the plants themselves this case) can build up and linger as a foul odor.
This odor can be very strong and unpleasant and even permeate outside of your grow room or grow tent. In addition to odor management, a carbon air filter will also help get rid of any air-borne pathogens and other compounds that may harm your plants.
Carbon filters exist in two main forms: a regular carbon block filter and a more efficient carbon filter and fan combo. The combo of the carbon filter and the fan is a better option because the fan can also serve as an exhaust fan.
The carbon block, however, is usually a more budget friendly option. Carbon filters work by making use of a bed of activated carbon that has been treated with oxygen. The carbon then uses a process called absorption, where pollutant materials in the treated fluid (air is a fluid in the context of fluid mechanics) become trapped in the pores of the carbon substrate.
It may seem like there are endless options when it comes to carbon filters. However, this list can help you get familiarized with a few of the top brands/models in the horticulture industry right now.
VIVOSUN Air Filtration Kit
This 3-part system includes everything you need to get started with filtering your grow room air right away. Everything in this system works well together, eliminating the need to go out and find compatible parts (which is a big plus for new growers). It includes a powerful inline fan, a premium carbon filter, and sturdy ducting with extra clamps. The fan has a noise level of only 49 dB and also uses ETL recognized components. The interior and exterior mesh construction of the filter allows for maximum airflow with 53% of open area.
It also comes fully assembled with an easy to install and remove prefilter. The superior quality of the carbon used in this system delivers 100% clean air and has a long service life. The triple layer ducts come with several strong steel wires for added support and the core is sandwiched in layers of fire-retardant aluminum which can resist temperatures up to 266°F. This all-inclusive kit retails for a bargain price of $99.99 USD.
2. iPower Inline Fan Carbon Filter Ducting Combo with Variable Speed Controller and Rope Hanger for Grow Tent Ventilation
This inline fan carbon filter combo not only allows for quiet operation, but also reduces unwanted vibrations through the use of composite fan blades. Featured in this device is 1050+ IAV Australian charcoal, one of the most absorbent varieties available on the market. This kit also comes with 25 ft. of uninsulated aluminum ducting and 2 stainless steel clamps.
The flame-retardant coating and corrosion-resistant wire helix featured in this setup will also help bring you peace of mind while the system is operating. The temperature endurance of this device goes all the way up to 185°F. Another benefit of this device is its 3-setting control switch, which allows you to switch between high, medium, and low settings. This filter undesirable foul odors while removing heat to simply solve major air delivery problems. This setup is fairly pricey compared to what it offers, retailing at $149.99 USD.
3. iPower Air Carbon Filter Grow Tent Odor Control Scrubber with Reversible Flange
This carbon air filter employs 1050+ IAV Australian Carbon to make for one of the best carbon filters on the market. Australian carbon is world-renown for its excellent absorption capabilities, so any filter incorporating this type of carbon in its system should be an excellent choice. The service life of this carbon filter is over 2 years thanks to its reversible flange. It also comes with a prefilter allowing you to use it right away. It is important to note that the prefilter should be replaced every 6 months to maintain optimal performance.
The 50 mm. layer of carbon in this filter will soak up and eliminate some of the most undesirable odors and additional harmful chemicals in the air. The aluminum construction of this filter is also 50% less heavy than most other brands, allowing for easy setup. Finally, this product is especially effective in odor management due to its 53% open area allowing it to maximize airflow. The retail value of this carbon filter is $39.99 USD, which is a very affordable price especially for someone with a small grow room operation. This particular filter is on the thing side, so be gentle when setting it up.
4. All-Filters “Cut to Fit” Carbon Pad for Air Purifiers
This “cut to fit” charcoal sheet is proudly made in the USA and can fit in some of the best carbon filters on the market. However, it is important to make sure this item is compatible with this device by entering the model number on the listing for this product. This filter is 16 by 48 in. in size, making it big enough to be used in several filters. Currently, it retails for an extremely budget-friendly price of $9.98 and is perfect for someone just starting their grow room operation with little funds. Note: There have been some complaints about this product include it being really thin and emitting a foul smell once used.
Foul odors in your grow room can become a huge problem and affect your plants in more ways than one. It is important to invest in a quality grow room carbon air filter in order to guarantee the health of your plants. And if you don’t want your grow room or home to smell like an intense hotbox, it is highly advisable to get a filter and fan combo as the fan will act as an exhaust. Air borne impurities can cause diseases and other risky problems in your plants, often ruining your whole yield.
Grow room filters are among some of the least-expensive options when it comes to purifying your air. Many air purification systems can cost thousands of dollars, so a carbon filter is a perfect investment for a new or budget conscious grower. Carbon filters can also keep the electricity bill down because some complex systems are extremely power hungry and very expensive to maintain.