Best way to cool down a 600w and control odor?

[Blammo300]

I need some help deciding on which Carbon filter and Fan for my setup.

My Server rack growbox is 3.6' H x 2.6' W x 2' D (About 18cubic ft)using a 600w Hortilux with Hydrofarm Radiant reflector. Plants will range between 2-5 but no more than that. I would prefer to have an odor control system that is easy to maintain and low noise level. It will not house more then 4-5 plants.

I am considering a Vortex 4” or 6” fan so I could not only use it to vent my box but help cool the 600w HPS. They sell a Glass piece for the Radiant if I wanted to make it more of a cool tube setup. For the Carbon filter I was considering the CAN 9000 or the CAN 33 but I am looking for cheaper options possibly especially if I have to buy a Vortex 6”. I have seen most of the DIY Carbon filters but do you think they are strong enough and what size fan would I need in general for my box? My budget is about $200-$250 for odor control.

How much CFM do I need for a Fan and scrubber to control odor in a box that is only 18 cubic ft?

 

[Guest]

For a grow that small you may want to consider a vaportronic by vaportek,I think they're about 40 dollars

 

[jojajico]

thanks for the tip ballastman have u used these do they work well?

 

[Berry_Coughin']

I run a Can/Fan 737 8" pulling through a can 100 (I believe) filter.... maybe a little much for what you're running. My fan is pretty noisy... even with all the duct work, baffles...etc.... o-zone is obvious. If you go somewhere and it reeks of o-zone, more than likely it's a place that needs it....locker-room.....or some-ones growin' somethin'

 

[jojajico]

if your runnin an aircooled hood it should be sealed and you shouldnt have to worry about odor commin through there.

 

[Guest]

thats an alfull lot of watts for that box...its going to take alot of air exchange,it will proble be noisey,just from the passive intake side.

 

[Blammo300]

I think I may need something a little more heavy duty then the vaportronic. I could put the Vortex inside a cabinet outside my main growbox.

Do you guys think the 430+cfm Vortex 6" is neccesary for a box my size or could I get a 4" and use a 118 cfm CAN Carbon scrubber?

You get alot more cfm for your money with a 6" but do I need the extra power?

 

[Sauce]

A 600w is way too big for those dimensions. A 250w or 400w would be better suited.

 

[jojajico]

i wouldl have to vote for the 400 this time.

 

[Blammo300]

A 600w is way too big for those dimensions. A 250w or 400w would be better suited.

Heat hasnt been to bad so far and I am using a cheap $8 Target fan. Its to late for a refund on my 600w.

 

[jojajico]

u have the 600 in there now and temps are ok? if so great!!!

 

[Blammo300]

A 600w is way too big for those dimensions. A 250w or 400w would be better suited.

At this point I would probably change my growbox over the 600w HPS system. Is it to big because of heat issues or is it just to much light for that space?

Temps right now range from 78-85F with light and cheap target fan on.

 

[Guest]

I dont think you get much growth return for your wattage ,if its over 80 watts per foot, if your temps are ok..your fine,but youll probly be wasting some money powering up that much wattage.

How are you checking the temps, thats amazing if its staying that cool.

 

[MTF-Sandman]

If the temps are good, then don't sweat using the 600 in there...it's true that there is a diminishing return after a certain point, but it's not bad for the plants unless you're bleaching the leaves from light intensity - and then it only damages a few leaves so it's not a big deal IMO.

I ran 125w sq/ft for around a year in a closet and it's definitely the best way to get the most yield from a given space (LOTS of airflow is the trick!). 200w of extra juice vs. a 400 - won't cost ya but a few extra dollars a month on the light bill, but the yield will make up for that as long as you keep them healthy :wink:

A 6" with a speed control is gonna be the answer long term tho...as summer approaches you'll need that extra airflow to keep the area cool enough.

 

[Blammo300]

I have a digital Temp/Humidty guage from Home Depot costs around $25. I have it taped to the wall at the height level of the plants. I trained the plants so they are only about 15 inches tall not including pot. They look more like a sea of green.

 

[Blammo300]

If the temps are good, then don't sweat using the 600 in there...it's true that there is a diminishing return after a certain point, but it's not bad for the plants unless you're bleaching the leaves from light intensity - and then it only damages a few leaves so it's not a big deal IMO.

I ran 125w sq/ft for around a year in a closet and it's definitely the best way to get the most yield from a given space (LOTS of airflow is the trick!). 200w of extra juice vs. a 400 - won't cost ya but a few extra dollars a month on the light bill, but the yield will make up for that as long as you keep them healthy :wink:

A 6" with a speed control is gonna be the answer long term tho...as summer approaches you'll need that extra airflow to keep the area cool enough.

Yea the temps have been cooler here lately which is probably why I can get away with using a $8 Target fan. It will be heating up quit e a bit for summer time around here. I have had my eye on the Vortex 6" since it is only $40 more then the 4" version. I would probably have ot buy a fan controller though since it would cost me to much for a carbon scrubber that is around 450cfm. I was hoping a CAN 9000 rrated at 118 CFM would be enough for my box since they are only about $70 shipped.

 

[Sauce]

Is it to big because of heat issues or is it just to much light for that space?

I meant both but if you are keeping temps in check then that sounds pretty good. My main concern is the growth rates, you will need to flower them at a small size. Also make sure to use mostly indica strains that are short. Otherwise once they stop stretching they are going to be pushing up against the top of your cab.

Also, like said, there is diminishing returns. According to Cannastats, I believe past 114w/sf there is no real advantage to having more light. You are past this point, meaning most of the wattage you are adding is going solely to produce more heat, and will really not affect yield by much in the end.

Like you said at this point it's too late since you already have the light. All I can say is good luck with the grow.

 

[Blammo300]

If the temps are good, then don't sweat using the 600 in there...it's true that there is a diminishing return after a certain point, but it's not bad for the plants unless you're bleaching the leaves from light intensity - and then it only damages a few leaves so it's not a big deal IMO.

I ran 125w sq/ft for around a year in a closet and it's definitely the best way to get the most yield from a given space (LOTS of airflow is the trick!). 200w of extra juice vs. a 400 - won't cost ya but a few extra dollars a month on the light bill, but the yield will make up for that as long as you keep them healthy :wink:

A 6" with a speed control is gonna be the answer long term tho...as summer approaches you'll need that extra airflow to keep the area cool enough.

I think I will go with the 6" Vortex inline fan and speed controller. I am still having some trouble deciding on a Carbon Scrubber. I would prefer to buy a professionally made carbon scrubber if it will work longer then a DIY scrubber. The CAN 33 is what mdhydro offers with there 6" Vortex fan.

 

[marx2k]

I think I will go with the 6" Vortex inline fan and speed controller. I am still having some trouble deciding on a Carbon Scrubber. I would prefer to buy a professionally made carbon scrubber if it will work longer then a DIY scrubber. The CAN 33 is what mdhydro offers with there 6" Vortex fan.

Can you link to a speed controller you plan on purchasing? I am having a bit of trouble deciding on a good controller.

 

[Sauce]

Discount Hydroponics has a speed controller that doesn't need to be wired. It just has an outlet on the speed controller box. It's at their site under ventilation.