Carbon filters are some of the most critical components in grow rooms. But what are they and why are they so important?
Typically, plants need a variety of inputs such as fertilizers, manure, and pesticides to do well. However, each of these elements gives off a specific smell which when combined can make your dwelling inhospitable.
To efficiently contain this odor, you will require a filter for your grow room.
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Carbon Filter Review Guide
#1: Phresh 701005 Carbon Air Filter, 6 by 16-Inch, 400 CFM
For some of us that want nothing but the best, Phresh 701005 Carbon Air Filter is the product that fits the description. It scours the air for any odor, impurities, organic compounds and dust making it clean. But, what about the price? Well, we can say that the filter is competitively-priced considering its quality.
- The top and base is aluminum for durability and lightweight
- Best quality carbon 46mm – certified virgin
- Versatile as they are used in grow rooms, research labs
- They are professional grade
- The internal base is cone-shaped for efficient airflow
- Available in a variety of sizes to fit your needs
- May have calibration challenges
- Poor waterproofing
#2: TerraBloom Premium Carbon Filter
From its compact and efficient design, this is a filter that often features among the best. And why do we say that? Well, for starters, the flange and base are aluminum. It also features a welded metal mesh and machine washable pre-filters – quite convenient and increases the durability of the carbon filter. TerraBloom is quite durable as it goes for up to 24 months – a decent amount of time.
- A 1.8-inch high-quality carbon bed – virgin coal from Australia
- Aluminium flange and base for durability
- Welded durable metal mesh that surrounds the filter
- It is quite ideal for grow rooms
- Decent for household applications
- A long service use – up to 24 months
- May not efficiently remove all odors
- It is a little expensive
#3: Giantex 6 Inch Air Carbon Filter
With a 1.5-inch thick carbon bed and tiny granules, Giantex 6 Inch Air Carbon Filter may be just the ideal component for your grow room. It features a light and robust steel main frame for efficiency. It can act as an exhaust filter, as well as, intake filter – quite the versatile one. But that’s not all; you can also use it for household applications such as filtering the cigarette smoke.
- A 1.5-inch thick Australian virgin carbon for efficiency
- Strong and light steel main frame for durability
- Effective odor control
- The inner and outer mesh well-lined for adequate airflow
- Can act as an exhaust filter and an intake filter
- May not be as effective as some of the premium models
- Calibration may not be the easiest
#4: VIVOSUN 4 Inch Air Carbon Filter
This product utilizes a superior charcoal bed to ensure a high level of efficiency when it comes to eliminating a variety of odors. And to provide a long-term service, VIVOSUN 4 Inch Air Carbon Filter features a reversible flange and base – this extends the service by up to two years. Talking of versatility, it can either be utilized as an exhaust filter, as well as, an intake filter – a decent feature to have.
- A superior quality charcoal bed for efficiency
- The inner, as well as, the inner mesh provide sufficient open area for increased airflow
- Effective in removing a variety of odours from hydroponics of grow room
- You can use the product as an exhaust and inline filter
- Airflow may easily get restricted after just a few months
- It can get choked with mineral salt if not careful
#5: Amagabeli 4 inch Carbon Filter
This features an absorbent filtration with a high-grade Australian charcoal bed. Amagabeli 4 inch Carbon Filter’s inner and outer mesh ensures an open area of about 55%. The product is made from the aluminum material – portable and durable. It also has a washable pre-filter that adds to the product’s durability.
The filter demonstrates its effectiveness in a variety of applications such as living room, smoking room, grow room and hydroponics among others – talk of multi-functionality!
- The filter makes use of high-grade charcoal bed for efficiency
- Made from the aluminum material – quite portable and durable
- A washable pre-filter for added durability of the product
- Efficient when it comes to odor control in a variety of applications
- Reversible application as an intake filter and exhaust filter
- May not be effective in removing all odor may have durability issues – not living up to expectations
What are Carbon Filters and how do they Function?
In most cases, these components employ carbon content to capture and reduce the odor from the grow rooms. The carbon filters also break down pathogens that would be harmful to the plants, and us – they are quite remarkable as you can see.
There are two elements here: the carbon and the filter. The carbon initiates a reaction with the contaminants catching them in the filter. The filter then screens out all the unpleasantly and purifies the air going out the grow room – the two work together to produce an ideal environment for the plants and the inhabitants.
Some gardeners may prefer to go the cheap way through a DIY version while others may choose the commercially available ones – but you don’t need to be told which is more effective.
A carbon filter’s effectiveness lasts as long as there is space for the impurities and carbon.
The Factors to Look for in a Carbon Filter
There are a few things you need to look out for. The following factors will lead you the right path.
- The Size: the ideal option should match the size of your grow room components for efficiency. You cannot choose an oversized carbon filter if your grow room is small. A small filter will also not be sufficient for a large grow room.
- Durability and Quality: they may be a bit expensive, but high-quality filters provide a decent amount of service. One of the durable options is one made of aluminum – they are rust resistant and light.The quality of the carbon varies depending on where it is sourced and the extraction method. You identify the best through the brand and customer reviews.
- Carbon Thickness: you know the size of the carbon by the thickness of the filter – the thicker the filter, the thicker the carbon – I know you get it. But the width also determines its price – the thicker it is, the pricier and more effective.
- Pre-filters or Replaceable Sleeves: these are ideal as they determine the durability. Typically, the machine washable sleeves help you make savings – you will not need to keep buying a new one now and then.
- Compact: the thing is, the more compact a filter is, the less noise it will produce and more effective it is in containing the absorbed impurities into them.
- Multi-functionality: versatility is all in the ability of the filter to be utilized on an exhaust fan or inline. This means a great deal of flexibility as to where you place them – a pretty good thing.
How you clean the Carbon Filter
To clean the filter, you’ll need to extract it from the grow tent – you cannot clean it while installing. In an open area, shake off the dirt – this might be a little messy and will need to be prepared with the right outfit.
You then use a garden hose on the component to loosen and wash away the remaining dirt. The next thing you do is submerge the filter in a bucket of warm water with a cup of dishwashing detergent for at least fifteen minutes. Then rinse it and leave it to dry.
Other ways of Controlling the Smell
Depending on the size of your grow room, odor from the plants can prove quite an inconvenience – imagine the smell of plants when not quite feeling well after a tiring day, unpleasant. Apart from carbon filters, there are other ways of controlling odors, so your visitors don’t find your home inhospitable.
The first step to effective odor management is ensuring that temperature and humidity are all under control. Especially during the bloom stage, the heat and moisture definitely exacerbate the odor situation in your grow room – in the case of cannabis. But you can control these elements by acquiring air conditioners and dehumidifiers.
Ensuring an efficient air circulation also provides sufficient odor management. Grow lights, no matter how effective they are will produce some heat. If the ventilation and air circulation within your grow room is the second rate, then definitely some odor will accumulate and escape into your living room. Basically, outfitting your grow space with a fan solves the problem.
Final Word
The above are some of the best carbon filters for grow rooms to ensure all kind of odor is contained making your living space comfortable to live in. Our top choice among the above is Phresh 701005 Carbon Air Filter.
If it’s not the 46mm thick carbon that will convince you, then it’s its versatility and high-grade filters. The carbon filter is professional-grade and is available in a variety of sizes.